San Antonio Top 5 Lakes
These lakes each offer unique benefits for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with Canyon Lake being the best for a mix of both pleasure boating and fishing, and other lakes like Lake Medina and Braunig Lake being more tailored toward fishing experiences.

San Antonio is surrounded by some of the best lakes in Texas, offering an ideal combination of recreational activities and natural beauty. The city’s proximity to multiple top-tier lakes provides residents and visitors with a variety of opportunities to enjoy boating, fishing, water sports, and relaxation. Here’s why San Antonio is known for having the best lakes:
Lakes around San Antonio
San Antonio’s lakes cater to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a large lake to wakeboard or a fisherman hoping for a peaceful spot to cast your line, the area’s lakes offer something for everyone. Lakes like Canyon Lake and Lake Medina are fantastic for boating, water skiing, and wakeboarding, while others, like Braunig Lake, are perfect for anglers who want to enjoy a quiet day fishing.
Canyon Lake North of San Antonio
- Distance from San Antonio: About 30 miles
- Size: 8,230 acres
- Boat Ramps: 5 public boat ramps available for access.
- Features: Known for its scenic beauty, Canyon Lake is one of the most popular lakes near San Antonio. It’s perfect for boating, wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by stunning hills and offers excellent opportunities for hiking and camping along the shore.
- Best for: Pleasure Boating & Fishing
- Canyon Lake is a popular destination for both boating and fishing. The large size of the lake provides plenty of space for pleasure boating, wakeboarding, and water skiing. It’s also a great location for fishing, with abundant species like bass, catfish, and crappie.
Lake Medina West of San Antonio
- Distance from San Antonio: About 45 miles
- Size: 1,500 acres
- Boat Ramps: 2 public boat ramps.
- Best for: Fishing
- Lake Medina is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent bass fishing. It’s a smaller lake compared to others, which makes it ideal for anglers seeking a more relaxed experience. The lake is also suitable for boating and water sports, but it’s especially favored by those looking to fish.
- Features: Lake Medina is a quiet, beautiful lake that offers a peaceful retreat. It’s perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking. It also has a reputation for great bass fishing, with plenty of areas for recreational activities.

Lake McQueeney North East of San Antonio
- Distance from San Antonio: About 25 miles
- Size: 200 acres
- Boat Ramps: 1 public boat ramp and a couple of private access points.
- Best for: Pleasure Boating
- Lake McQueeney is known for its water sports, including skiing and wakeboarding, thanks to its calm waters and smaller size. It’s less crowded and perfect for families who want a peaceful day on the water. While it offers fishing opportunities, it is more popular for recreation and pleasure boating.
- Features: Known as the “water ski capital of Texas,” Lake McQueeney is a great spot for water sports and fishing. It’s a smaller, quieter lake compared to Canyon Lake but offers great access for boating and family activities.

Somerset Lake East of Austin
- Distance from San Antonio: About 20 miles
- Size: 150 acres (private lake)
- Boat Ramps: 1 boat ramp (private access only).
- Best for: Fishing
- Somerset Lake is a more secluded and private lake, perfect for anglers looking for a quieter place to fish. Though smaller in size, it offers great fishing opportunities with bass and catfish being the most common catches. It’s not ideal for large boats but is perfect for fishing enthusiasts.
- Features: Somerset Lake is perfect for a more tranquil experience. It’s a private lake, but it offers great opportunities for fishing and boating. The area is peaceful and often less crowded than the bigger lakes.
Braunig Lake South of San Antonio
- Distance from San Antonio: About 15 miles
- Size: 1,300 acres
- Boat Ramps: 2 public boat ramps.
- Best for: Fishing
- Braunig Lake is primarily known for fishing, especially for catfish and bass. It has excellent facilities for anglers, including fish-cleaning stations. While the lake also accommodates some recreational boating, its reputation as a fishing lake makes it the preferred choice for those interested in fishing rather than water sports.
- Features: A man-made lake located just outside San Antonio, Braunig Lake is a popular spot for fishing, especially catfish and bass. The lake has a beautiful park area for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors, and it’s a great spot for a relaxing day on the water. Braunig Lake
source https://boatssanantonio.wordpress.com/2025/03/07/san-antonio-top-5-lakes/
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