Jump Right On In The Crystal Clear Lakes Of Texas

Texas is home to nearly 200 major lakes and reservoirs supporting a multitude of fish and wildlife while providing sporting and recreation opportunities for Texas residents. If you were to include all the small lakes that dot the Texas landscape that number would jump into the thousands, but I guess it all depends upon your definition of how big a lake must be.

While all of the major lakes in Texas are man-made, there is one naturally occurring lake and that is Caddo Lake in East Texas. Caddo Lake is fed by the Big Cypress Bayou which naturally filters the water flowing into the lake. The other lakes around Texas were man-made and created for flood prevention and to be used as a major water source for metropolitan areas. These lakes could be spring-fed or river-fed and they offer some amazing fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities for Texans.

I can understand why many people are hesitant to go swimming in a Texas lake because they can't see the bottom.  In most lakes, the water is murky or extremely dirty-looking. For those people, there is some comfort and they can swim in a lake because Texas has six crystal clear lakes.  Visit them and take a dip from the shore, dock, or boat!

Check out the six crystal clear lakes of Texas

Caddo Lake

Located on the Texas-Louisiana border in northeast Texas, this lake is rich in biodiversity, featuring abundant fish species, waterfowl, and alligators. The clarity of the water, combined with the enchanting scenery of cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creates a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

Lake Amistad (Amistad Reservoir)

Located on the U.S.-Mexico border near Del Rio, Lake Amistad is a massive lake covering nearly 65,000 acres. Offering clear water year-round for fishing, swimming and boating you'll want to be aware of where the national border lies because Mexico has different fishing requirements, and a Mexican fishing license is required!

Lake Travis

Located in the Texas Hill Country near Austin, this famous lake serves as a reservoir on the Colorado River and offers up some strikingly clear blue water. The jagged and rocky limestone cliffs offer some picturesque sunsets that draw people to its spectacular views. The fishing on this lake is just as spectacular, especially in the fall.

Canyon Lake

This lake has a historical reputation for being the most beautiful lake in the Lone Star State. Canyon Lake boasts over 80 miles of shoreline and is a recreational hotspot among locals and visitors. On any typical summer day, this lake will be filled with kayakers, canoes, paddleboarders, and people floating on floats - a recreation seeker's dream.

Inks Lake

This lake is perfect for those wanting to swim or paddle because it's a no-wake lake. This is one of the smaller crystal clear lakes in Texas that was created as a reservoir along the Colorado River near the town of Burnet, Texas. Inks Lake also features nine miles of scenic hiking trails around its shorelines.

Lake Tawakoni

Located in Eastern Texas, this is one of the biggest lakes in Texas and it's known for its fishing and clear water. Covering nearly 38,000 acres anglers from all over flock to Lake Tawakoni for a chance at snagging a record-setting fish. Plus wildlife enthusiasts enjoy this lake because of the wildlife it supports along the shore - birds, deer, possums, and mountain lions.

Possum Kingdom Lake

Located about an hour west of Ft. Worth, this 15,000-acre lake is sought out by many lake recreationists thanks to its clear blue waters. Possum Kingdom Lake features five huge islands and a narrow channel flanked by 90-foot tall cliffs known as Hell's Gate. Grab the snorkel gear and go diving in this clear lake.

While these are the clearest lakes in Texas, at times they may appear hazy and cloudy because of Mother Nature and her acts of rainwater runoff and other factors like animal waste, fertilizer, and algae. Rest assured though the lakes will recover and become crystal clear again!