Water Sports
~ Boating ~
Lake Whitney is the perfect spot for boating of all kinds. There are more than 20 public and private boat ramps, along with numerous marinas and places to rent boats and watercraft. Full service marinas on the lake offer wet slips, dry storage, fuel, boat repair, overnight lodging, supplies, and launching facilities. Numerous businesses in the area are equipped to help with any water sports needs you may have, whether it be fishing, rentals, tours, or more.
You can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the calm waters of the Brazos River south of the dam. On your way down the river, stop to swim, enjoy a picnic, watch for wildlife along the shores, and enjoy the surrounding views.Families can have fun swimming off their boats, or pulling the kids on inflatables. Sailing is popular, too, especially around the dam. Personal watercraft are a great way to spend a few hours touring the lake with friends.
Pontoon boats are popular for large groups wanting to cruise the lake for the day. For those looking for more speed, powerboats of all kinds can be found on Lake Whitney. Airboat trips down the Brazos River are popular with both tourists and residents.
You’ll see everything from paddleboats to houseboats on the lake. No matter what style of boating appeals to you, it’s all here at Lake Whitney!
~ Fishing ~
Lake Whitney’s reputation as a premier center for bass fishing is a big draw for the nation’s fishing enthusiast. Field and Stream magazine, in May 2004, ranked a lakeside resort here as one of “the top 5 places in the U.S. to eat, sleep, and live bass”. American Angler Magazine ranked Lake Whitney #1 in Texas and #53 in the world for fishing.
In 1955, Lake Whitney was the site of the first bass fishing tournament, sponsored by a local newspaper. This event has received State Historical Commission recognition. Today, there are numerous tournaments throughout the season.
Bass are not the only kind of fish that anglers find in Lake Whitney. Among the types of fish caught here are
- Bass – largemouth, spotted, smallmouth, white and striped
- Catfish – blue, channel, and flathead
- Crappie – white, and black
Local fishing guides know when and where the fish are biting, and are available for those who want to take advantage of their expertise. In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife maintains a fishing report with current conditions at Lake Whitney.
~ Sailing ~
The skies are blue, and the water perfect for sailing at Lake Whitney. You’ll find sailboats all over the lake, but especially at the south end towards the dam, where the wide waters make for some perfect sailing days.
~ Skiing & Wakeboarding ~
Skiing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding are all popular at Lake Whitney. There are plenty of areas where you can spend an afternoon enjoying your favorite sport. For those looking for calmer waters, try heading north of the lake, up the Brazos River.
~ Swimming ~
Lake Whitney has an abundance of private and public parks surrounding the lake. Each is different in what it offers, and in the lakeviews that it provides to visitors.
The 955-acre Lake Whitney State Park was named Park of the Month by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in July 2004 and features campsites, screened shelters, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and an air strip. There are more than a dozen Corps of Engineers parks surrounding the lake.
Boat ramps, restrooms, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseshoes, volleyball, sandy swimming beaches, and equestrian trails are some of the amenities offered at these parks. Lofers Bend Day Use (off Highway 22, near the dam) and McCown Valley (off 1713, near the Katy Bridge) are the two Corps parks that offer sandy swimming beaches.
And most of the local lodging facilities have a pool for the young and young-at-heart.