Overview
Medina Lake is a major reservoir located in south-central Texas within the Medina River watershed, approximately 40 miles northwest of San Antonio. Formed by the construction of Medina Dam on the Medina River, the lake was completed in 1913 and serves as one of the oldest large reservoirs in Texas. At conservation pool, Medina Lake covers approximately 5,400 acres, though surface area can vary significantly depending on rainfall and drought conditions. Managed by the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (BMA), the reservoir plays an important role in regional water storage, irrigation supply, recreation, and environmental stewardship throughout the area.
The reservoir features more than 100 miles of shoreline and is characterized by steep limestone banks, rocky points, submerged creek channels, coves, open-water basins, and areas of standing timber and aquatic vegetation. Water depths, shoreline conditions, and habitat availability can change considerably as lake levels fluctuate, creating a dynamic environment for both recreation and fisheries. The surrounding Texas Hill Country landscape contributes to the lake's scenic character while providing a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The combination of protected coves, riverine sections, and expansive open-water areas makes Medina Lake one of the most distinctive reservoirs in central Texas and a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and watersports.
Medina Lake is widely known for its recreational opportunities and productive warm-water fishery. Anglers target largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, crappie, and several sunfish species throughout the year. Fisheries management and boating regulations are overseen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), which monitors fish populations and recreational access. Multiple public boat ramps, parks, campgrounds, marinas, and lakeside communities provide access to the reservoir, attracting visitors from San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding regions throughout the year.
Water levels on Medina Lake are heavily influenced by regional rainfall patterns, drought conditions, irrigation demand, and watershed inflows. Unlike many large federal reservoirs, Medina's primary purpose historically centered on water storage and agricultural irrigation rather than flood-control operations. As a result, lake elevations can fluctuate substantially during prolonged droughts or periods of reduced inflow. Monitoring current lake levels is important for boating safety, fishing conditions, dock accessibility, recreational planning, and understanding changing reservoir conditions throughout the year. Because water levels can vary significantly from one season to another, visitors are encouraged to review current lake conditions before launching boats or planning shoreline activities.
Current Conditions
Medina Lake is currently 42.12 feet below full pool and has remained relatively stable over the past seven days.
- 7-day trendStableLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.03 ft
- 30-day changeUp 4.65 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Medina Lake is a 5,426-acre reservoir on the Medina River managed by Bexar-Medina-Atascosa WCID No. 1 (BMA); Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.