Boaters are advised to check ahead before heading to ramps that may be out of water because of falling lake levels. Check for the latest boat ramp information.

During summer weekends, the wait time to launch a boat during peak periods can be several hours, especially at Travis, one of the state’s most popular recreational lakes.

“Plan early if you want to boat on Lake Travis on the weekend,” advised Tamara Buchle of LCRA’s parks operations. “Dawn is not too early to be at the boat ramp if you want to launch your boat with a minimum of waiting time.”

To minimize the inconvenience from long waiting lines, Buchle suggested these alternatives:

If your schedule allows, plan your boating trip on a weekday. The wait time is much less during the week, and you get the added benefit of less traffic on the lake.

• Consider boating on the smaller Highland Lakes, such as Austin and LBJ. But keep in mind that traffic on these lakes may also be higher this summer, due to boaters who otherwise would be on Travis or Buchanan.
• Boaters may also want to visit lakes Bastrop and Fayette east of Austin. These lakes are smaller than Travis and Buchanan and are well-known as great fishing spots, but they can accommodate a limited number of water enthusiasts.

The last time public ramps were out of the water at lakes Travis and Buchanan was in summer 2000, near the end of a two-year drought. A four-year wet weather pattern kept the two lakes at or near full elevation until about a year ago.

“Folks have gotten used to the lakes being topped out for five summers in a row,” noted David Whatley, LCRA parks supervisor. “It is an inconvenience, but for whatever comfort it offers, remember that this situation won’t last forever. One day the rains will return and refill the lakes.”