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Walter E. Long Lake (aka Decker Lake)
 Austin, TX
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Max Depth: 71-80ft/22-24m
Average Viz: Under 5ft/2m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Clay/Muck
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Rating: 1.50 by 2 divers
Summer: 71-75°F/22-24°C
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Walter E. Long Lake (aka Decker Lake) is a shore accessible fresh water dive site, located in Austin, TX. This dive site has an average rating of 1.50 out of 5 from 2 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 71-80ft/22-24m. The average visibility is under 5ft/2m.
Walter E. Long Lake (also known as Decker Lake) is a power plant cooling reservoir on Decker Creek. The reservoir was officially impounded in 1967 and serves to provide water for turbines used in the production of electricity. The dam and the lake are managed by the City of Austin. Surrounding Lake Walter E. Long is the city of Austin’s Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park.
Scuba Info: Really not much I could find about diving here other than my own experience that was not very promising near the spillwall (low-vis). I also brought a dive buoy/flag since fishing boats are allowed at this lake. Despite my not so great one dive here, there may be better spots (or even times of year) yet to find if more people would give it a try now and then. (Worst case, you pack up and head to Travis Lake if not a good dive.)
Aquatic life: Walter E. Long Reservoir contains excellent populations of largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. Largemouth bass in the 8-10 pound range are commonly caught, but the reservoir is primarily noted for producing good numbers of slot sized (14-21 inch) bass. Hybrid striped bass are stocked annually, and fish larger than 5 pounds are prevalent. Channel and flathead catfish are present in low numbers. This reservoir has a good population of bluegill and redbreast sunfish. Many of these sunfish are more than 8 inches in length.
PLEASE BE AWARE: In addition to the Texas Water Safety Act, the City of Austin has established several ordinances for Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and Lake Walter E. Long. The purposes of these ordinances are to protect the health and safety of the public using the area lakes.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to swim, bathe, wade or go into the waters of Lake Walter E. Long, designated as no swimming areas.
- Swim at your own risk.