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Coordinates: 30°43′52″N 98°22′14″W / 30.73111°N 98.37056°W / 30.73111; -98.37056
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{{Short description|State park in Texas, United States}}
{{Short description|State park in Texas, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Tone|talk=Tone_issues|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Inks Lake State Park
| name = Inks Lake State Park
Line 12: Line 13:
| area = {{convert|1201|acre}}
| area = {{convert|1201|acre}}
| established = 1950
| established = 1950
| visitation_num =
| visitation_num = 232,690
| visitation_year =
| visitation_year = 2022
| visitation_ref = <ref name="Park visitation">{{cite web |author=Christopher Adams |publisher= |url=https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/what-is-the-most-visited-state-park-in-texas-heres-the-top-10-countdown/ |title=What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown |website=KXAN.com |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122051936/https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/what-is-the-most-visited-state-park-in-texas-heres-the-top-10-countdown/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| governing_body = [[Texas Parks and Wildlife Department]]
| governing_body = [[Texas Parks and Wildlife Department]]
| website = [https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake Official website]
| website = [https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake Official website]
}}
}}


'''Inks Lake State Park''' is a [[state park]] located in [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet County]], [[Texas]], [[United States]], next to [[Inks Lake]] on the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]. The landscape of the park is hilly, with many [[Juniper|cedar]], [[live oak]], [[Opuntia|prickly pear]] cacti, and [[yucca]]s. The ground is rocky, mainly consisting of [[gneiss]] rock.
'''Inks Lake State Park''' is a [[state park]] located in [[Burnet County, Texas|Burnet County]], [[Texas]], [[United States]], next to [[Inks Lake]] on the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]]. It contains facilities for [[swimming]], [[camping]], [[hiking]], [[boating]], [[fishing]] and general enjoyment of the natural beauty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inks Lake State Park {{!}} Nature Rocks Austin |url=https://naturerocksaustin.org/greenspace/inks-lake-state-park |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=naturerocksaustin.org}}</ref> The [[landscape]] consists mainly of hills and includes both [[forest]] and cleared land made up of mainly [[gneiss]] rock. Containing [[Plant|plants]] such as [[Juniper|cedar]], [[live oak]], [[Opuntia|prickly pear]] [[Cactus|cacti]], and [[yucca]]s. Devil's Waterhole is a small extension of Inks Lake, which is almost completely surrounded by [[Rock (geology)|rock]].<ref name=":0" />


== History ==
Devil's Waterhole is a small extension of Inks Lake, which is almost completely surrounded by rock. A canoe tour is conducted at Devil's Waterhole, and although diving and swimming may be done at the waterhole, it is at one's own risk, without a lifeguard.
Historically the park has provided many resources, [[employment]] and [[recreation]].


Many locals suggest that [[Native Americans in the United States|native Americans]] have used the land for [[hunting]], although there is no [[evidence]] of such online.
⚫
There is abundant wildlife at the park, including [[White-tailed Deer|deer]], [[vulture]]s, [[quail]], and many other types of birds. The park also features a bird blind.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake/nature |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=tpwd.texas.gov |language=en-us}}</ref>

Initial development was begun in the 1930s by the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]]. Although the plans were never fulfilled, a [[boathouse]] and road system with dozens of stone [[Culvert|culverts]] were constructed.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2021 |title=Interpretative guide to Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Tavern State Park |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_p4507_0015u.pdf |journal=Texas Parks and Wildlife |pages=2}}</ref>


== Geology ==
== Geology ==
[[File:Overlook of Inks Lake State Park Texas 2023.jpg|thumb|left|Gneiss rock found throughout the park.]]
[[File:Overlook of Inks Lake State Park Texas 2023.jpg|thumb|left|Gneiss rock found throughout the park]]
⚫
The park is located in the eastern edge of a [[Mesoproterozoic]] exposure within the [[Llano Uplift]]. The rocks of the park are named for the park as the Inks Lake Gneiss, a [[granitic]] [[gneiss]] dated at {{ma|1232|million years old}}.<ref>Reese, Joseph F., et al., ''Mesoproterozoic chronostratigraphy of the southeastern Llano uplift, central Texas,'' Geological Society of America Bulletin 2000;112;278-291</ref>


⚫
The park is located on the [[East|eastern]] edge of a [[Mesoproterozoic]] exposure within the [[Llano Uplift]]. The local rocks are named for the park as the Inks Lake Gneiss, a [[granitic]] [[gneiss]] dated at {{ma|1232|million years old}}.<ref>Reese, Joseph F., et al., ''Mesoproterozoic chronostratigraphy of the southeastern Llano uplift, central Texas,'' Geological Society of America Bulletin 2000;112;278-291</ref>
A visible, slightly pinkish rock peeks through the limestone rock in the park, a type of metamorphic rock called Valley Spring gneiss (“nice”). This metamorphic rock is often mistaken for town mountain granite since they are very similar in color and texture. The small granite that only appears in the park has veins cutting through the gneiss in and around the rock.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake/nature|access-date=2020-11-17|website=tpwd.texas.gov|language=en-us}}</ref>


Over millions of years, intense heat and pressure are frequently applied to the original rock that eventually formed these gneiss rocks. The original rocks were sedimentary (formed from sand, silt, and mud) and igneous (likely granite). Inks lake contains many wildflowers, grasses, forbs, mosses, lichens, and ferns that grow on these rocky outcrops. Over hundreds of years, larger rocks are broken down into gravels and soil by the plants that grow in crevices and at the outcrops' base.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake/nature|access-date=2020-11-17|website=tpwd.texas.gov|language=en-us}}</ref>
Rock that appears slightly pink is visible through the [[limestone]] rock in the park, a type of [[Metamorphic rock|metamorphic]] rock called Valley Spring gneiss. This metamorphic rock is often mistaken for town mountain granite since they are very similar in [[color]] and texture. The small granite that only appears in the park has veins cutting through the gneiss in and around the rock.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake/nature|access-date=2020-11-17|website=tpwd.texas.gov|language=en-us}}</ref>


Over millions of years, intense [[heat]] and [[pressure]] was frequently applied to the original rock, subsequently forming gneiss rocks. The original rocks were [[Sedimentary rock|sedimentary]] (formed from sand, silt, and mud) and [[Igneous rock|igneous]] (likely granite).<ref name=":0"/>
⚫
== Water conditions ==
⚫
Conservation Pool Elevation usually stays around 888.22&nbsp;ft. msl; however, this lake does fluctuate about 1 foot annually. Inks lake water clarity can be seen as clear to slightly stained mostly throughout the year. It tends to have higher turbidity during the rainy season due to excessive amounts of runoff.


==Nature==
== Aquatic Vegetation ==
===Animals===
[[File:Heron Inks Lake State Park Texas 2023.jpg|thumb|A great blue heron at Inks Lake State Park]]
⚫
The most common mammals in the park are [[white-tailed deer]], [[raccoon]], [[fox squirrel]], [[nine-banded armadillo]], [[skunk]] and [[rabbit]]. Visitors may occasionally see [[fox|foxes]], [[ringtail]]s and [[coyote|coyotes]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake/nature |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=tpwd.texas.gov |language=en-us}}</ref>


Common birds include [[turkey vulture]]s, [[black vulture]]s, [[great blue heron]]s, [[snowy egret]]s, [[mallard]] and [[wood duck]]s, [[northern cardinal]]s, [[scissor-tailed flycatcher]]s, [[Carolina chickadee]]s, [[Bewick's wren]]s, [[red-tailed hawk]]s and [[house sparrow]]s. There is a [[bird hide]] in the park.
⚫
There was no significant sign of aquatic vegetation present at this lake.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>


A number of [[Reptile|reptiles]] have been documented in the park including, [[western diamondback rattlesnake]], [[western cottonmouth]], [[Micrurus tener|Texas coral snake]], [[Nerodia rhombifer|diamondback water snakes]] and [[red-eared slider]]s.
⚫
== Fishing Regulations ==


===Flora===
All species of fish are currently managed under statewide regulations. Bow fishers on this lake are subject matter to a special regulations which is enforced by the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>
Common trees here are [[Ashe juniper]], [[honey mesquite]], [[cedar elm]], [[live oak]], [[post oak]], [[Texas persimmon]], [[pecan]] and [[willow]].


Native grasses include [[blue grama]], [[sideoats grama]] and [[Bouteloua dactyloides|buffalograss]]. Many wildflowers, such as [[Texas bluebonnet]]s, [[Indian blanket]]s and [[Castilleja|Indian paintbrushes]], bloom in the spring.
⚫
== Angling Opportunities ==

A wide variety of cacti, from the [[Opuntia|prickly pear]] to the [[tasajillo]], [[barrel cactus]] and [[lace cactus]] groin the park. You will also see [[yucca]] and [[Aloysia|beebrush]].

⚫
== Water conditions ==
Conservation pool elevation usually stays around 888.22 ft. msl; however, this lake does fluctuate about 1 foot annually.

⚫
Inks lake water clarity can be seen as clear to slightly stained mostly throughout the year. It tends to have higher [[turbidity]] during the rainy season due to excessive amounts of [[Runoff (hydrology)|runoff]].

Although [[Diving (sport)|diving]] and [[swimming]] are allowed at the waterhole, no [[lifeguard]]s are present.

⚫
== Fishing regulations ==
[[File:Fishing Pier Inks Lake State Park Texas 2023.jpg|thumb|left|The North Fishing Pier at Inks Lake State Park.]]
⚫
All species of [[fish]] in the park are currently managed under statewide regulations. Bow fishers on this lake are subject matter to special regulations which are enforced by the Lower Colorado River Authority.<ref name="fishing01">{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>

⚫
== Angling opportunities ==
Fish were stocked in the reservoir in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and there atre currently fishing opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inks Reservoir Survey Report |url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/lake_survey/pwd_rp_t3200_1312/ |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>

⚫
It includes [[largemouth bass]] and [[Guadalupe bass]] populations, along with several species of sunfish (bream). [[White bass]] are regularly caught in the [[reservoir]], and a small white [[crappie]] population is present. Channel and flathead [[catfish]] occur throughout the reservoir.<ref name="fishing01"/>


⚫
Inks Lake is most noted for its picturesque scenery, but the fishing here can be good as well. It includes under-rated largemouth bass and Guadalupe bass populations, along with several species of sunfish (bream). White bass are regularly caught in the reservoir, and a low-density white crappie population is present. Channel and flathead catfish occur throughout the reservoir.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|Species
|Species
Line 54: Line 77:
|Excellent
|Excellent
|-
|-
|Largemouth Bass
|Largemouth bass
|
|
|
|
Line 72: Line 95:
|
|
|-
|-
|White & Striped Bass
|White & striped bass
|
|
|x
|x
Line 84: Line 107:
|
|
|}
|}
<ref name="fishing01"/>
<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>

⚫
== Fishing Cover/Structure ==

Inks Lake offers a wide variety of cover and structure for fishes species. The shoreline contains various rock piles, ledges, and chunk rock banks. Brush piles and gravel beds have been placed near fishing piers and other strategic locations to attract more fish. Several private boat docks, particularly on the west side of the lake, hold fish year-round. Watercolor in the reservoir is fairly clear.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>

=== Reservoir Controlling Authority ===
Lower Colorado River Authority

3700 Lake Austin Blvd.


⚫
== Fishing cover/structure ==
Austin, Texas 78703


Inks Lake offers a wide variety of cover and structure for fish species. The shoreline contains various rock piles, ledges, and rock banks. Brush piles and gravel beds have been placed near fishing piers and other strategic locations to attract more fish.
(512) 473-3200 or 1(800) 776-5272


Several private boat docks, particularly on the west side of the lake, hold fish year-round. Water in the reservoir is fairly clear.<ref name="fishing01"/>
=== Lake Maps ===
Good commercial maps are available at area map, tackle, and sporting goods stores. A free, downloadable camping guide of the Highland Lakes area is available in the map section of the LCRA website.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fishing Inks Lake|url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/inks/#:~:text=Inks%20Lake%20is%20noted%20for,white%20crappie%20population%20is%20present.|access-date=2020-11-18|website=tpwd.texas.gov}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 120: Line 133:
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1950]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1950]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Texas]]

Latest revision as of 13:03, 15 November 2024

Inks Lake State Park
Devil's Waterhole in Inks Lake State Park
Map
LocationBurnet County, Texas
Nearest cityBurnet
Coordinates30°43′52″N 98°22′14″W / 30.73111°N 98.37056°W / 30.73111; -98.37056
Area1,201 acres (486 ha)
Established1950
Visitors232,690 (in 2022)[1]
Governing bodyTexas Parks and Wildlife Department
WebsiteOfficial website

Inks Lake State Park is a state park located in Burnet County, Texas, United States, next to Inks Lake on the Colorado River. It contains facilities for swimming, camping, hiking, boating, fishing and general enjoyment of the natural beauty.[2] The landscape consists mainly of hills and includes both forest and cleared land made up of mainly gneiss rock. Containing plants such as cedar, live oak, prickly pear cacti, and yuccas. Devil's Waterhole is a small extension of Inks Lake, which is almost completely surrounded by rock.[3]

History

[edit]

Historically the park has provided many resources, employment and recreation.

Many locals suggest that native Americans have used the land for hunting, although there is no evidence of such online.

Initial development was begun in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Although the plans were never fulfilled, a boathouse and road system with dozens of stone culverts were constructed.[4]

Geology

[edit]
Gneiss rock found throughout the park

The park is located on the eastern edge of a Mesoproterozoic exposure within the Llano Uplift. The local rocks are named for the park as the Inks Lake Gneiss, a granitic gneiss dated at 1,232 million years old.[5]

Rock that appears slightly pink is visible through the limestone rock in the park, a type of metamorphic rock called Valley Spring gneiss. This metamorphic rock is often mistaken for town mountain granite since they are very similar in color and texture. The small granite that only appears in the park has veins cutting through the gneiss in and around the rock.[3]

Over millions of years, intense heat and pressure was frequently applied to the original rock, subsequently forming gneiss rocks. The original rocks were sedimentary (formed from sand, silt, and mud) and igneous (likely granite).[3]

Nature

[edit]

Animals

[edit]
A great blue heron at Inks Lake State Park

The most common mammals in the park are white-tailed deer, raccoon, fox squirrel, nine-banded armadillo, skunk and rabbit. Visitors may occasionally see foxes, ringtails and coyotes.[6]

Common birds include turkey vultures, black vultures, great blue herons, snowy egrets, mallard and wood ducks, northern cardinals, scissor-tailed flycatchers, Carolina chickadees, Bewick's wrens, red-tailed hawks and house sparrows. There is a bird hide in the park.

A number of reptiles have been documented in the park including, western diamondback rattlesnake, western cottonmouth, Texas coral snake, diamondback water snakes and red-eared sliders.

Flora

[edit]

Common trees here are Ashe juniper, honey mesquite, cedar elm, live oak, post oak, Texas persimmon, pecan and willow.

Native grasses include blue grama, sideoats grama and buffalograss. Many wildflowers, such as Texas bluebonnets, Indian blankets and Indian paintbrushes, bloom in the spring.

A wide variety of cacti, from the prickly pear to the tasajillo, barrel cactus and lace cactus groin the park. You will also see yucca and beebrush.

Water conditions

[edit]

Conservation pool elevation usually stays around 888.22 ft. msl; however, this lake does fluctuate about 1 foot annually.

Inks lake water clarity can be seen as clear to slightly stained mostly throughout the year. It tends to have higher turbidity during the rainy season due to excessive amounts of runoff.

Although diving and swimming are allowed at the waterhole, no lifeguards are present.

Fishing regulations

[edit]
The North Fishing Pier at Inks Lake State Park.

All species of fish in the park are currently managed under statewide regulations. Bow fishers on this lake are subject matter to special regulations which are enforced by the Lower Colorado River Authority.[7]

Angling opportunities

[edit]

Fish were stocked in the reservoir in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and there atre currently fishing opportunities.[8]

It includes largemouth bass and Guadalupe bass populations, along with several species of sunfish (bream). White bass are regularly caught in the reservoir, and a small white crappie population is present. Channel and flathead catfish occur throughout the reservoir.[7]

Species Poor Fair Good Excellent
Largemouth bass x
Catfish x
Crappie x
White & striped bass x
Sunfish x

[7]

Fishing cover/structure

[edit]

Inks Lake offers a wide variety of cover and structure for fish species. The shoreline contains various rock piles, ledges, and rock banks. Brush piles and gravel beds have been placed near fishing piers and other strategic locations to attract more fish.

Several private boat docks, particularly on the west side of the lake, hold fish year-round. Water in the reservoir is fairly clear.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Christopher Adams (February 24, 2023). "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown". KXAN.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Inks Lake State Park | Nature Rocks Austin". naturerocksaustin.org. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  4. ^ "Interpretative guide to Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Tavern State Park" (PDF). Texas Parks and Wildlife: 2. 2021.
  5. ^ Reese, Joseph F., et al., Mesoproterozoic chronostratigraphy of the southeastern Llano uplift, central Texas, Geological Society of America Bulletin 2000;112;278-291
  6. ^ "Inks Lake State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d "Fishing Inks Lake". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  8. ^ "Inks Reservoir Survey Report". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
[edit]
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