Overview
Waco Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Bosque River in Central Texas near Waco. Built for flood control and water supply, the lake covers approximately 8,400 acres. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District for flood risk management, water supply, and recreation.
The basin combines open main-lake water with creek arms, points, and shoreline indentations typical of a mid-sized Bosque River project. Depth and bottom character vary from shallower flats and cove margins to deeper water near the dam and channel, giving boaters and anglers a mix of habitats. Its location at the Bosque–Brazos confluence region and role among Fort Worth District lakes shape local access and seasonal pool behavior.
Waco Lake supports recreational boating, fishing, and shoreline use through Corps and partner public access sites. Fisheries and boating regulations are guided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Public ramps, parks, and recreation areas provide regional access for Central Texas visitors.
Fort Worth District manages Waco Lake between a conservation pool near 462 feet, a flood pool near 500 feet, and a dead pool near 400 feet. Rainfall, flood-storage operations, and water-supply needs move the surface through that operating band. Monitoring lake levels is important for ramp usability, fishing patterns, boating safety, and shoreline access as the pool shifts between conservation and flood storage.
Current Conditions
Waco Lake is currently 2.33 feet below full pool and has fallen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.30 ft
- 30-day changeDown 1.42 ft
- Drought conditionsModerate Drought
- Active advisories1 active (Notice)
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Waco Lake is a 8,400-acre reservoir on the Bosque River managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
