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Canyon Lake Fishing Report & Water Level
Canyon Lake is at 907.61 ft above mean sea level and 97.0% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 1.39 ft below the 909.0 ft conservation pool.
Canyon Lake water level today & trend
The lake is near its conservation pool (full) level.
| Level (daily avg.) | 907.61 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 909.0 ft msl |
| Percent full | 97.0% (-0.6 pts in 7 days, +31.9 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 367,444 of 378,781 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 8,077 acres |
| Latest USGS gauge reading | 907.61 ft (lake elevation, NGVD29) at Oct 20, 7:15 AM CDT, USGS 08167700. Instantaneous provisional value; datum can differ slightly from TWDB. |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (65.1%) to 2026-10-20 (97.0%). Range shown 58.4%–100.0%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Canyon Lake (CSV), USGS. Provisional data, updated daily.
Canyon Lake fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Canyon Lake. Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.26 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
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Best baits & techniques for Canyon Lake bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Canyon Lake. These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Smallmouth bass
- Small soft plastics (tubes, Ned rigs, drop shots), jerkbaits and small crankbaits around rocky points, bluffs and gravel banks.
- Guadalupe bass
- Texas's state fish favors flowing water and rocky areas. Small crankbaits, spinners and finesse plastics work well.
- Striped & hybrid striped bass
- Live shad, slabs/jigging spoons, swimbaits and topwaters when fish are schooling. Watch for gulls and surface activity, and use electronics to find schools in open water.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Canyon Lake
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Guadalupe bass
- White & striped bass
- Catfish
| Location | On the Guadalupe River, 16 miles northwest of New Braunfels in Comal County |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 8,308 acres |
| Maximum depth | 125 feet |
| Impounded | 1964 |
| Typical fluctuation | Moderate |
| Normal water clarity | Clear to slightly stained |
| Controlling authority | US Army Corps of Engineers Canyon Project Office |
TPWD's page notes a fish consumption advisory for this lake. Check the fish consumption bans and advisories before keeping fish to eat.
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Canyon Lake (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Canyon Lake boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -1.4 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (US Army Corps of Engineers Canyon Project Office).
BOATER ADVISORY: Zebra mussels have invaded this reservoir . CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY your boat, trailer, livewells/bait buckets, and other gear before traveling to another water body. Draining water is required by law and possession and transport of zebra mussels is illegal. The Army Corps of Engineers operates seven major parks on the shores of Canyon Lake. Several others are managed by Comal County. Some of these parks provide campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps, and opportunities for shoreline fishing. An entrance and/or boat ramp fee is charged at most parks. For more information on camping fees and facilities, visit the Corps park page .
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Rebecca Creek Located on the north side of the lake in Rebecca Creek, which empties into the Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake. Access is on FM 306, 18.8 miles west of Canyon City. Turn south on Eagle Rock Road into Cypress Cove housing development. Turn right on Tanglewood and follow it to the ramp. One-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 8; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | parking | Check before you go |
| A2 | Potters Creek West Located on the north side of the lake about 10 miles west of Canyon City. From FM 306, turn left at the blinking yellow light onto Potters Creek Road. At park entrance turn right to the ramp. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 30; No fee required; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| A3 | Potters Creek Located on the north side of the lake off FM 306 approximately 10 miles west of Canyon City. Take Potters Creek Road south at the blinking yellow light. Take road into the park. Ramp is past entrance gate. Two-lane concrete ramp with maximum parking of 30; Fee charged; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| A4 | County Ramp 23 Located on the north side of the lake off FM 306. Turn south on Cranes Mill Road and follow until road ends at the lake. Three-lane concrete ramp with parking for 40 vehicles and 30 trailers; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| B1 | Cranes Mill Located on the south side of the lake. Take FM 2673 west from Startzville until it turns into Cranes Mill Road. Follow road into the park. Ramp is on the west bank of the park. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 45; Fee required; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| B2 | Cranes Mill Marina Located on the south side of the lake. Take FM 2673 west from Startzville until it turns into Cranes Mill Road. Follow the road until you come to Cranes Mill Marina. Ramp is behind the marina. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 25; Fee required; Operated by marina (830) 899-7718 | restrooms, live bait, parking, boat gas | Check before you go |
| B3 | Tom Creek 2 On the south side of the lake in Tom Creek. Take FM 2673 west from Startzville to Oblate Road. Turn right on Oblate into Erlins Glen housing development. Turn right on Live Oak, right on Robinhood, and left on Canyon Lake. Watch to the right for ramp. Two-lane ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 13; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| B4 | Tom Creek 1 On the south side of the lake. From FM 2673 in Startzville take Canyon Park Road north. At fork in road take Skyview to the right. Take a right at Canyon Park Road, which turns into Lake Forest, which will take you to the ramp. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 16; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | parking | Check before you go |
| B5 | Comal Park 1 On the south side of the lake in Comal Park. From FM 2673 in Startzville, take Canyon Bend Road north into Comal Park. Two lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 16; Fee required; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas | Check before you go |
| B6 | Comal Park 2 On the south side of the lake in Comal Park. Take Canyon Bend Road North in Startzville into Comal Park. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 54; Fee required; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| C1 | Canyon Park North side of the lake about 5 miles north of Canyon City. From FM 306, turn left at Hancock Center (blinking yellow light). Follow the road south approximately 2 miles into the Corps of Engineers park and follow signs to ramp. Three-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 100; Fee charged; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, camping | Check before you go |
| C2 | Jacob's Creek 1 On the north side of the lake about 2 miles west of Canyon City. From FM 306, turn left at the sign for Jacob's Creek Park. Follow road into the park and watch for boat ramp on the right at the end of the road. Four-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 45; Fee required; Operated by Randolph Recreation Area (830) 226-5465 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas | Check before you go |
| C3 | Jacob's Creek North On the north side of the lake about 2 miles west of Canyon City. From FM 306, turn left at the Jacob's Creek Park sign and then turn immediately right at Sunchaser Marine. Follow road and take the first left to ramp. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 55; No fee required; Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (830) 964-3341 | restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas | Check before you go |
| D1 | Turkey Cove On the south side of the lake. From FM 2673, one mile east of the junction with FM 2722, take Sia Road north into the Canyon Lake Village West subdivision. Turn right on Connie, then left on Colleen. Stay on Colleen as if turns to right, follow to ramp. One-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 25; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| D2 | Skyline/Canyon Dam At the south of the dam off FM 2673 west of Sattler. Take Buck Road north from 2673 into Triple Peak Ranch Estates housing development. Two-lane concrete ramp with a maximum parking capacity of 17; No fee required; Operated by Comal County | parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Canyon Lake public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Canyon Lake
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Canyon Lake? Get listed free.
Canyon Lake weather forecast
- Today
83°F, Sunny
Wind ENE 0 to 5 mph - Tonight
57°F, Mostly Clear
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday
84°F, Sunny
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday Night
58°F, Mostly Clear
Wind ENE 0 to 5 mph - Thursday
84°F, Sunny
Wind ENE 0 to 5 mph - Thursday Night
56°F, Mostly Clear
Wind SE 0 to 5 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 29.869, -98.199 (NWS EWX), issued Oct 20, 2:42 AM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Canyon Lake FAQ
What is the water level at Canyon Lake today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Canyon Lake was at 907.61 ft above mean sea level and 97.0% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 1.39 ft below the 909.0 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Canyon Lake?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Canyon Lake: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Guadalupe bass, White & striped bass, Catfish.
Who manages Canyon Lake?
US Army Corps of Engineers Canyon Project Office is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
Nearby lakes
- Lake Travis · 40 mi · 94.2%
- Lake LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson) · 48 mi · 97.7%
- Medina Lake · 50 mi · 28.2%
- Lake Buchanan · 62 mi · 95.8%
- Stillhouse Hollow Lake · 89 mi · 97.0%
- Choke Canyon Reservoir · 96 mi · 21.3%