How Deep is Lavon Lake in Texas?

Written by Colby Maxwell
Updated: June 1, 2023
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Texas is home to hundreds of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, all with a unique history. Many of the lakes seen in Texas are man-made, often for the purpose of flood control, water management, or hydroelectricity. Today, we are going to take a look at one of the larger man-made lakes in the state, Lavon Lake. Let’s learn all about Lake Lavon, including its depth, history, and current uses!

How Deep and Large is Lavon Lake?

Lavon Lake has a maximum depth of 38 feet.

©iStock.com/Nina Nelson

In terms of size, Lavon Lake is quite impressive. It has a length of 9,540 feet (2,908 m) and a maximum depth of 38 feet. The lake has a surface area of 21,400 acres and a conversion storage capacity of 275,000 acre-feet. It also has 121 miles of shoreline, making it a beautiful and expansive body of water. Altogether, Lavon Lake is the 16th largest lake in Texas, behind Lake Buchanan (15th) and Lake Ray Hubbard (14th).

Lake Lavon is a large freshwater reservoir located in Texas, on the East Fork of the Trinity River. It is officially known as Lavon Lake to people in the region. The lake was originally called the Lavon Reservoir. It was created for the purpose of providing water for the surrounding area.

Where is Lavon Lake?

Lavon Lake is located in southeast Collin County, Texas, on the East Fork of the Trinity River near Wylie. It can be accessed from State Highway 78 and is located in the northeast portion of the state, directly to the northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Lake Ray Hubbard is also located only a few miles to the south of Lavon Lake. This central location makes the lake easily accessible from a number of nearby cities and towns. It is a popular destination for those looking for a day trip to the lake for fishing, boating, and more.

The History of Lavon Lake

Lavon Lake is a man-made reservoir located in Texas, on the East Fork of the Trinity River. It was created through the construction of the Lavon Dam, which began in 1948 and was completed in 1953. The dam was built to impound the upstream East Fork of the Trinity River, along with some of its tributaries and the surrounding areas.

The primary purpose of the lake was to prevent seasonal flooding and provide water storage for the region. In 1962, approval was given for a project to increase storage for water supply due to the increasing demand in the area. The modification also included the addition of recreational areas, for the lake. Today, Lavon Lake is a popular spot for activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, and it is also an important source of water for the surrounding community.

Lavon Lake and its Uses Today

Lavon Lake is a versatile and valuable resource that is used for a wide range of purposes today. In addition to providing flood control and recreational opportunities, the lake also serves as a water source for hundreds of thousands of North Texas residents. It is a part of the North Texas Municipal Water District system, which supplies water to about 2 million people in around 80 communities in 10 counties. This region is expected to double in size by 2050, making the lake an increasingly important source of water for the area.

In terms of recreational activities, Lavon Lake offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, water sports, wildlife viewing, playgrounds, specialized sports sites, environmental education, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The lake is well-equipped with a variety of amenities and facilities to accommodate these activities. It is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Wildlife of Lavon Lake

Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass are perhaps the most popular fish species in Lavon Lake.

©iStock.com/stammphoto

Lavon Lake is a popular destination for those looking to fish, and it is home to a diverse array of fish species. The most prevalent fish in the lake are largemouth bass, white bass, blue catfish, and crappie. These species offer a range of challenges and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, making Lavon Lake a great place to fish, no matter what your experience is.

Largemouth bass are perhaps the most popular fish species in Lake Lavon. White bass are another popular target. Blue catfish are another common species in the lake, and they are known for their huge size and strength. Crappie are also found in the lake and are easily caught, making them great beginner fish.

Unfortunately, Lavon Lake has been invaded by zebra mussels, a non-native species that can cause significant damage to the lake’s ecosystem. These mussels are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and colonize new areas, and they can outcompete native species for food and habitat. As a result, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of zebra mussels to other bodies of water.

Where is Lavon Lake Located on a Map?

Situated in southeast Collin County, Texas, on the East Fork of the Trinity River near Wylie, off State Highway 78, Lavon Lake is a freshwater reservoir. Though it is known as Lake Lavon for commercial and recreational uses, its official name is Lavon Lake, as designated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Here is Lavon Lake on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Nina Nelson


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About the Author

Colby is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering outdoors, unique animal stories, and science news. Colby has been writing about science news and animals for five years and holds a bachelor's degree from SEU. A resident of NYC, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone about what birds he saw at his local birdfeeder.

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