Checking the lake texoma water level today is basically a ritual if you've ever spent a weekend at Grandpappy Point or tried to launch a boat near Denison. You can't just wing it. If the water is too high, the docks are submerged; too low, and you're grinding your prop into a sandbar that wasn't there last August. Honestly, it’s a living, breathing thing.
Right now, as of January 15, 2026, the pool elevation is sitting at approximately 616.96 feet.
💡 You might also like: Jones Beach State Park Wantagh: Why It’s Still the King of New York Beaches
That is incredibly close to the "normal" conservation pool of 617 feet. It’s stable. It’s predictable. For most of us, that's exactly what we want to hear before heading out. But "normal" at Texoma is a loaded term because this lake is one of the few in the region that can swing from a drought-stricken puddle to a raging inland sea in a matter of weeks.
Understanding the Lake Texoma Water Level Today
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) keeps a hawk-eye on these numbers for a reason. Texoma isn't just for recreation; it's a massive flood control tool for the Red River. When the level hits 616.96 feet, the reservoir is holding about 2.48 million acre-feet of water. That sounds like a lot because it is.
If you're planning to go out this week, you'll find the water is "at pool."
Basically, the shoreline you see today is the one the engineers intended. You won't find many "ghost trees" sticking out of the water like you do during a drought, and you won't be docking your boat in the parking lot like during the historic floods of 2015.
Current Vital Stats (January 15, 2026)
- Current Elevation: 616.96 feet (Mean Sea Level)
- Normal Pool: 617.00 feet
- Flood Pool: 640.00 feet (The "Uh-Oh" Zone)
- Water Temperature: Hovering around 52°F to 53°F
- Release Rate: A steady trickle of about 19 cubic feet per second (cfs)
Why does the release rate matter? Because it tells you how much the Corps is trying to drain the lake. A low release rate like 19 cfs means they are holding onto the water. They aren't worried about an incoming storm surge right now. If that number jumps to 20,000 cfs, you’d better watch the currents near the dam.
What This Specific Depth Means for Boaters and Anglers
Fishing is weirdly good right now. Since the lake texoma water level today is stable and just a hair under full pool, the fish aren't stressed by rapidly changing pressure or receding shorelines. Striper are the big draw here. Local guides like John Blasingame and Jacob Orr have been reporting that the striped bass are reacting well to swimbaits in about 10 to 20 feet of water.
The water is a bit stained. It’s January, after all.
You’ve gotta use your electronics. With the level at 616.96, the ledges and humps are exactly where the maps say they are. This is a huge relief for anyone who isn't a "local" with thirty years of experience. You can trust your GPS depth finder a lot more when the lake is at its design level.
If you're chasing catfish, they’re sitting deeper. Look for them in the 50-60 foot range on the flats. The stable water level means they aren't moving into the shallows to hunt just yet, so you have to go to them.
👉 See also: Why Your Kempinski Hotel Cancún Photos Won’t Look Like the Brochures (They Might Look Better)
Boating is currently a breeze. Most ramps are fully operational. High-water closures are a non-issue, and low-water hazards are mostly tucked away safely under the surface. However, always remember that Texoma is notorious for shifting sandbars near the mouths of the Red and Washita rivers. Even at "normal" levels, the bottom of this lake moves.
The Difference Between Conservation and Flood Pools
Most people get confused by the two different "top" numbers for Texoma.
The 617-foot mark is the Conservation Pool. This is the target. It's the "full" level for drinking water and fun.
The 640-foot mark is the Top of the Flood Pool. That is a massive 23-foot difference. Between 617 and 640, the lake acts as a giant sponge. It can hold back an incredible amount of rain to prevent North Texas and Southern Oklahoma from drowning. When the water starts hitting 640, it goes over the spillway. That has only happened a handful of times in the last 80 years.
Seeing the lake texoma water level today so close to 617 means we have 100% of our "sponge" capacity available. We are in good shape for the spring rainy season.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
Before you hitch up the trailer and head toward Kingston or Pottsboro, do these three things. First, check the wind. Even if the water level is perfect, a 20-mph wind from the north turns Texoma into a washing machine. It’s a shallow lake for its size, which means the waves get choppy and "tight" very quickly.
Second, check the water temp. At 52°F, falling in is a legitimate medical emergency. Wear your life jacket. Cold water shock can kill even strong swimmers in minutes.
Finally, verify your ramp status. While most are open at 616.9 feet, some smaller, private ramps can be picky. Places like Cedar Mills or Highport usually have the best deep-water access if the level starts to dip.
Keep an eye on the USGS gauges if you see a big storm hitting the Texas panhandle. That water takes a few days to reach the lake, but when it does, it can raise the level by feet, not inches. For today, though, enjoy the stability. The lake is exactly where it’s supposed to be.
To stay ahead of any changes, you should regularly monitor the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District website or use the Water Data for Texas portal, as these provide the most accurate real-time updates for the Denison Dam area.