San Antonio in Texas is one of the most popular tourist destinations for a good reason. Aside from the many fun things to do in San Antonio, you’ll be treated to a historical journey as it has a well-known colonial history. One must-see destination in the city is The Alamo. This 18th-century Spanish Mission became famous in the battle for Texan independence in 1836. San Antonio also features the beautiful River Walk to explore with a number of cafes and shops to visit along the way. Planning to explore this beautiful city? How about staying in a luxury hotel situated within the city and fully experience San Antonio in style? The best place to get close to the water, however, is Victor Braunig Lake, which was formerly called East Lake. The lake sits where Chupaderas Creek meets Calaveras Creek and is a 17-mi (27 km) drive from the city center. Among the many pleasurable activities here are fishing, boating, hiking, biking, bird watching, and picnicking. Read about this great destination below on our guide to Victor Braunig Lake.
Things to do / Highlights
About the lake
Victor Braunig Lake and Calaveras Lakes are both located in southeast Bexar County. The lakes were built as reservoirs for cooling water for nearby power plants and now also provides drinking water in the county. On paying a fee to enter Victor Braunig, you also get permission to fish at Calaveras Lake. Hop on over to their website to read more.
Popular fish to catch
1. Red drum
One of the most popular fish to catch in the reservoir is the red drum which has excellent availability. Along the shoreline, bull rushes and cattails offer cover for fishing. The best time for red drum fishing is between March and August, with a number of fish of more than 20 lbs (9 kg) caught each year. The best way to track the fish down is to watch the seagulls and pelicans as they feed on the lake. The best, natural baits to use are tilapia and crawfish, while artificial lures worth using are gold or silver spoons, deep-diving crankbaits and rattle traps.
2. Hybrid striped bass and catfish
Other popular fish include the hybrid striped bass and catfish. The best time to fish for hybrid striped bass is from January through August and during spring. As with the red drum, watch the bird’s feeding habits to get an idea where they can be found. A great bait to use for hybrid striped bass is chicken liver. Catfish can be lured by liver, cheese baits, cut tilapia, or shad.
3. Largemouth bass
A limited number of largemouth bass is also present in Victor Braunig Lake. While most largemouth bass is caught from February on, the best time for these fish is from January through April. Best baits to use for these fish are spinnerbaits, grubs, crankbaits and Carolina rigged plastic worms.
Bird-watching
Victor Braunig Lake is a popular birding location and you are likely to spot kingfishers, cormorants, snowy and great egrets and pelicans. Other popular birds here are gulls, coots, great blue herons grebes, and passerines.
Other activities at Victor Braunig Lake
For those who prefer not to fish, the park surrounding Victor Braunig Lake is ideal for picnicking, camping, boating, biking, jogging, canoeing, running, and football. There are plenty of trees for shade if you simply want to relax. A playground is provided for the children with all the popular swings and slides. An enjoyable walk can be had on the lake’s pretty nature trail.
What to eat
The park at Victor Braunig Lake provides restrooms (Port-a-Potties) and a number of picnic tables with seating. There is also a number of concession stands in the park selling snacks and drinks but it is better to bring your own picnic with you in a cooler. Read more about the facilities on their website.
Travelers tips
A number of things should be borne in mind when visiting Victor Braunig Lake:
Swimming
While Texas can get hot in the summer, please note that swimming is strictly prohibited at Victor Braunig Lake. However, bring along some sunscreen to avoid getting burned in the hot sun.
Boating
If you are bringing your own boat, there are two paved boat ramps available for launching onto the lake and are accessible at a fee. Moreover, it is required to drain the water from your boat when heading to or leaving the lake to avoid the spread of harmful zebra mussels.
Camping
A public access park at the lake offers camping facilities, as well as some RV sites that offer electrical and water hook-ups.
Dogs
Visitors are allowed to bring their dogs to Victor Braunig Lake. However, it must be noted that the dogs should be kept on their leash and owners have to clean up after their pets.
Wildlife:
Wildlife in the park surrounding the lake consists of mainly rodents, rabbits, lizards, spiders and snakes and there is a large variety of birds to spot and listen to while relaxing.
Littering:
While there is a regular pick-up for garbage in the park surrounding Victor Braunig Lake, please ensure you pick up after yourselves and deposit in the receptacles provided throughout the park.
Find out more about the rules and regulations by visiting their website.
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How to get there
Victor Braunig Lake is around 17 mi (27 km) south of downtown San Antonio. Drivers should take I-37 until the 130 exit and follow the signs.
Details of Victor Braunig Lake
Victor Braunig Lake
Address: 17500 Donop Road, Elmendorf, Texas, USA
Website: Victor Braunig Lake
Website: Visit San Antonio
Opening hours: Mar 15 – Sep 15. 6am – 10pm; Sep 16 – March 14: 6am – 8pm
Price: From 8 USD