Is Jacobs well still used?


Is Jacobs well still used? Since 2000, Jacob's Well has ceased flowing four times, most recently in the oppressively hot summer of 2022. Sturdivant puts that in perspective, explaining how even during Texas' drought of record, from 1949 to 1957, when half the state's farms went fallow, “Jacob's Well never stopped flowing.”


Does anything live in Jacobs well?

Catfish, crayfish, eel, perch, and blind salamanders live at the bottom of Jacob's Well. Closer to the mouth of the spring, you will find turtles, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. People don't seem to have animal problems in Jacob's Well, but you may want to steer clear of the Moray eel.


What is so special about Jacobs well?

By the 330s CE, the site had been identified as the place where Jesus held his conversation with the Samaritan woman, and was probably being used for Christian baptisms. By 384 CE, a cruciform church was built over the site, and is mentioned in the 4th century writings of Saint Jerome.


How much does it cost to go to Jacobs well?

Jacob's Well is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Hikers and other non-swimmers do not have to pay an entrance fee or make a reservation. However, they should arrive early as the park can reach capacity. Swimmers must pay a fee of $5 for children ages 5-12, $9 for adults, and $5 for seniors.


Are there fish in Jacobs well?

Temperature of the water in Jacob's Well remains a near-constant 68°F and visibility is typically excellent. The spring provides habitat to numerous species of fish (principally sunfish and perch); turtles; aquatic insects; crustaceans; and, most notably, the cave-adapted Fern Bank salamander (Eurycea pterophilia).


Has anyone been in the fourth chamber of Jacobs well?

After about a dozen divers drowned trying to explore the bottom of Jacob's Well, the fourth chamber was finally sealed up for good.


Is Jacobs well good for fishing?

The stretch of beach to the creek mouth is all accessible for land based anglers. Soaking baits along here will produce Bream, Flathead and the odd Jack.


How long has Jacobs well been closed?

The swim spot has been closed since June 2022. It has been over a year since one of the most popular swim spot in the Texas Hill Country had enough water for guests to enjoy.