Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake

he lure of the waters of the Guadalupe River drew the first settlers to this area. By the mid 1800s, settlements began to take hold. Flooding was a major problem all along the Guadalupe, and after major floods hit in 1936 and 1938, the people began to demand that the government take some action. After thorough research, the US Army Corps of Engineers selected the spot for the dam about 16 miles north of New Braunfels.

Canyon Lake, as we know it, happened once the dam was built. Since its dedication in 1966, the area has flourished as a water recreation destination. Tubing along the Guadalupe is a perennial favorite, but the river is also known for its trout fishing, a favorite among anglers below the dam. The lake also offers fishing, stocked primarily with bass and catfish. Boating, water skiing, swimming and personal watercraft use also attract many visitors to the lake, along with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere in all its communities.

One visit is all it takes to become enchanted with what is now known as the “Water Recreation Capital of Texas.”

WELCOMEto Canyon Lake Things to Do in Canyon Lake in Comal County near Canyon Lake. The Archers Haven Gorge was created, or “cut”, when flood23655 FM 306 waters escaped over the spillway at Canyon Canyon Lake, TX 78133 Phone: (210) 393-4168 hwww.archershavenfieldarchery.com There is a practice range with distances from 20 yards to 80 yards, and a 28 field target walk-thru range with 14 targets available. Archery lessons are available and are conducted by Mr. Bubba Bateman IV, a certified level II instructor. Lessons are for all ages with Lake during the Flood Event of 2002. The Gorge Preservation Society is pleased to be able to open the Gorge to visitors through guided educational tours. Learn about the “Power of Water” while hiking to see dramatic Gorge vistas, several waterfalls, beautiful lagoons, biologic succession, the Hidden Valley Fault, geologic formations, an aquifer in action and numerous springs. The GPS mission is to promote the enjoyment an emphasis on youths. This club is a mem- and conservation of a unique natural phebers-only club with a daily shooting fee for nomenon by encouraging responsible, qualnon-members. ity access opportunities through academic Archers Haven is a family oriented club partnerships, economic initiatives and citizen and we are seeking new members who are involvement. like minded and love the sport of archery. Hiking through the Canyon Lake Gorge Active military personnel and those who can be physically demanding and is not rechave been injured will receive a discount on ommended for people with bad knees, ankles their membership. or heart conditions. Children must be at least 7 years old. One adult must be present for Canyon Lake Gorge Rocks each child, ages 7-10, while for ages 10-15 www.canyongorge.org there must be one adult present for every The Canyon Lake Gorge is a beautiful 3 children. For youth ages 16-20, one adult and natural insight into the geology and should be present for every 5 young adults. hydrologic dynamics of Glen Rose limestone Tours last an average of 3 hours.

Fishing the Guadalupe River

Each year, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a variety of activities on the Guadalupe River near Canyon Lake. Fishing, especially trout fishing, is a popular activity on this beautiful central Texas river. The Guadalupe is over 250 miles long and flows from the western edge of the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf of Mexico. For the first 15 or so miles below Canyon Lake Dam, the river is also commonly called the Canyon Reservoir Tailrace. This stretch of the river is one of the state’s most popular freshwater trout fisheries and is the only year-around trout fishery in Texas. It has been voted one of the Top 100 Trout Streams in America. The cold water released deep from Canyon Lake makes year-around survival of trout possible. Trout stockings by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU) take place each year from November through March. In a typical year, well over 25,000 trout are stocked in the tailrace, ranging in size from 8 to 22 inches in length.

At other times of the year, this portion of the river is home to several species of bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, and Guadalupe), sunfish, catfish, and other game fish. There are even schools of large striped bass that arrived in the river thanks to the flood of 2002. The Guadalupe’s clean, cool waters make it a pleasant place for the fish and those who fish for them. In order to fish on the river you will need a valid fishing license with a fresh water fishing stamp, unless exempt. Fishing license exemptions can be found in the current TPWD Outdoor Annual. Much of the fishing activity in the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake, especially during the winter months, is for raiow and brown trout. There is a special regulation for these species in a portion of the river (check the TPWD annual for details). This regulation is intended to provide a high quality catch-and-release trout fishery. In this section of the river only one trout per day over 18 inches may be harvested, and it must be caught on an artificial lure. Outside this area, from Canyon Lake dam downstream to the eastern most bridge on Highway 306, and from the second bridge crossing on River Road downstream, there is no minimum length limit for trout and the daily bag limit is 5. In these areas, trout may be harvested regardless of the bait type used.

When planning a trip, consult the TPWD at www.tpwd.state.tx.us, TPWD publishes trout stocking dates in late October.

Guadalupe River Tubing

The Guadalupe River is the most popular river in Texas for water recreation due to its scenic beauty, cold clear water and proximity to large metropolitan areas.

Among the favorite sections for tubing or “toobing” is what is known as the “Horseshoe” or “Tube Loop”. The starting point for this section is the western bridge on FM 306 and its end is the east bridge of FM 306, although most tubers continue floating downstream to the 4th Crossing Bridge on River Road or beyond, depending on water flow. Release rates are controlled flows from Canyon Dam and can range from a leisurely float to an exciting run through several rapids. Always check with a reputable outfitter for current flows and use caution anytime you are on the water by wearing a life vest. If needed, use straps on your glasses and remember, no glass or polystyrene on the lake or rivers. This beautiful part of the Guadalupe can become crowded on summer weekends, so try to plan your trip for weekdays if possible. There are many lodging and camping facilities in the area, some with river views or access that can make your Guadalupe get-a-way even more enjoyable.

Heritage Museum

4831 FM 2673 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 Phone: (830) 899-4542 www.theheritagemuseum.com

The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill County is located between Sattler and Startzville near Canyon Lake. Its mission is to encourage and foster awareness of the natural and cultural history of Comal County and the Texas Hill Country through the collection, preservation and interpretation of its rich history. The Heritage Museum offers displays on Native American and pioneer history, fossils, the construction of Canyon Dam, and much more. For groups of ten or more, special tours may be scheduled.

Lodging in Canyon Lake

www.canyonlakechamber.com

A visit to “The Jewel of the Hill Country,” as Canyon Lake is called, and to the nearby Guadalupe River on a day trip is most enjoyable, but a longer visit is even better, maybe even irresistible. And for overnight visits there are plenty of places to stay to round out the enjoyment of your visit. All kinds of lodging possibilities are available, from the luxurious to the rustic – bed and breakfasts, lodges, cabins, RV parks, campgrounds, condos, and home vacation rentals. Some are near the lake and some near the river, so you can be close to where you enjoy your favorite water sport activities.

Trails of Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers which maintains five designated trails with a variety of uses and levels of difficulty. Designed for recreational use, these trails are well-maintained. Please check for specific difficulty of a train before attempting it.