Boaters take advantage of full recreational boating at Greenbelt Lake

DONLEY COUNTY, Texas (KVII) — For the second year in a row during the Memorial Day weekend, full recreational boating is available at Greenbelt Lake in Donley County. On Saturday, the lake level measured 53.49 feet. The water level affords boaters like Lane Thomas and others to put their boats in the water and go at a high speed.

“We come out here a couple of times a year,” said Lane Thomas, Childress resident. “Having this much water in the lake lately has really helped out. We love it.”

“Now that the water level is up there’s a lot of boats out here,” said Jennifer Fanelli, Amarillo resident. “In the past few years we were not able to go boating and fishing as much because the water level was so low. Now that it’s up there are a lot of boats.”

A drought affected boat ramp access and fishing till the early spring of 2016. This year’s Memorial Day weekend is providing new memories as people can take part in a variety of recreational activities.

“It’s really attracted more people with the disc golf course out here and with the water being up. It’s just been really nice having this much water again,” said Kelsi Swain, Canyon resident.

“We were actually at my friend’s beach house and a few years ago you could walk across the lake over there,” said Kimberly Johnson. “We went over there yesterday to the beach house and the water is up.”

The rise in water level has improved fishing conditions. The lake has both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish and Catfish. Full reactional boating means boaters can partake in water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.

“We’re here at the lake to enjoy,” said Denise Alfaro, Amarillo resident. “We’re not doing the Internet or Facebook thing. We’re here to have a good time.”

“It’s been really great with the boating and the kids and water this year,” said Swain. “It has just really worked out and it’s been a great holiday.”

Anglers without boats have access to approximately 60 percent of the shoreline, with one handicap accessible fishing pier. The lake has two large no-wake zones. One is located in Carrol Creek and the second is at Kelly Creek. Lifejackets are required at all times except when the boat is moored or beached.