The reservoir was formed in 1939 by the construction of Tom Miller Dam by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Its outflow through Tom Miller Dam then becomes the principal inflow for Lady Bird Lake.

In 1900 a heavy rainstorm overwhelmed and destroyed the first Austin Dam, causing extensive flooding.

[2] The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers classes in canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.

As of March 2014, hydrilla has been completely eliminated from the lake through the stocking of Asian grass carp by the City of Austin.