The Best Lakes in Oklahoma
Whether you want to go fishing or just relax by the water, there are some of the best lakes in Oklahoma for you to choose from. Read on to learn more about them.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees
Located in northeastern Oklahoma, Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees is one of the largest lakes in the Midwest. Its waters are home to several types of bass, including largemouth, black bass and smallmouth. Its waters are also home to hybrid stripers and prehistoric paddlefish.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees was created by the construction of Pensacola Dam. This dam is one of the longest multi-arch dams in the world, with a main span of 51 arches. The dam was built during the Depression-era and has a six-unit powerhouse that produces 120 megawatts of electricity.
Pensacola Dam has also provided flood control for the Grand River. Its main span is 5,145 feet long. The dam has 21 spillways. It was built to produce hydroelectric power for the Cherokee Nation.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees is home to five state parks, which offer scenic views of the Ozarks. These state parks have hiking trails and camping sites. Several privately operated resorts also operate fishing dock concessions.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees offers many different types of water activities, including sailing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. It also provides several designated swimming areas and boat ramps. You can find a variety of marinas and resorts at the lake, including the Shangri-La Resort. The resort has a pool and splash pad, gym, golf course, and lakeside cabanas.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokines is a great destination for family vacations and water sports enthusiasts. Its 1,300 miles of shoreline offers unbeatable recreation opportunities.
Lake Texoma
Texoma is one of the best lakes in Oklahoma and Texas for fishing. This lake is home to a variety of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, black bass, and blue catfish. There are also many smaller streams in the area that provide habitat for the bass.
Texoma is known as the Striper Capital of the World. Stripers are pelagic hunters that live near the water’s surface and concentrate on submerged structures. In addition to bass, Lake Texoma is home to Flathead and Blue Catfish, Black Crappie, and Spotted Bass.
Texoma is a great place to take the family on a fishing trip. The lake’s 600 miles of shoreline provide plenty of fishing opportunities. In addition, there are several campgrounds, resorts, and state parks located on the lake. You can also take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy a sunset cruise.
Texoma is home to several species of catfish, including Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish. These fish are found all over the lake and are usually caught with the same bait. You can also catch white and black crappie at Lake Texoma.
Smallmouth bass are another species you can catch on Lake Texoma. These bass are mostly located in the Willow Springs area of the lake. They tend to congregate in rock piles and other structures.
Lake Texoma is also known for its trophy fishery for Blue Catfish. These fish are known for being big, and the Texas state record is 121 pounds.
Lake Arcadia
Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, Arcadia Lake is a great spot to enjoy a variety of water activities. With a total surface area of almost 1,800 acres, the lake offers a great deal of space for recreational activities. The lake also provides habitat for fish and wildlife. It also provides water for the City of Edmond.
In addition to being a great lake for swimming and boating, Arcadia Lake is also a great spot for bird watching. Many species of waterfowl can be found in the lake during the fall and winter. The best time to see them is in the morning.
The lake has three swimming beaches. It also has a heated fishing dock and a pier. There are also hiking and biking trails. Camping is also available at Arcadia Lake. Camping facilities include full service campsites, restrooms and hot showers.
Boating and water skiing are popular activities at Arcadia Lake. The lake has a large marina where you can rent a boat. It is also a popular spot for windsurfing. There is also a Frisbee golf course at the lake. The lake also has a number of fishing piers.
During the winter, you can expect to see Song Sparrows and Spotted Towhees. The lake also has a large colony of Purple Martins. The lake is also home to several other types of bird species. The woodlands are home to Carolina Chickadees and downy woodpeckers.
Lake Tenkiller Ferry
Located in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, Tenkiller Ferry is a renowned site for water sports. It has a wide array of shoreline and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Aside from the water activities, visitors will also get to see the majestic sunsets.
The lake is home to several popular species of fish, including walleye, catfish, and rainbow trout. There are several marinas and boat launching ramps available for visitors. Tenkiller Ferry Lake also boasts some of the clearest waters in the state. Among the most popular water activities are fishing, spearfishing, and boating.
In addition to the scuba omen, the Tenkiller Ferry project was actually placed on the internet in December 1953. Among the features of the project were an earth-fill dam and power features. The Tulsa District of the Army Corps of Engineers designed the features.
The name Tenkiller Ferry came from the name of a pioneer Cherokee family. The crossing was the main route for people traveling across the Illinois River in frontier times. The project was authorized by Congress under the Flood Control Act of 1938.
The Tenkiller Scuba Park has a number of gimmicks, such as a plane, sunken vehicles, and artifacts of the pre-lake formation. In addition, the park offers some of the clearest water in Oklahoma.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is home to several species of bass, which are stocked below the dam. The lake is also home to a number of water birds, including ducks and bald eagles. The lake is home to numerous islands, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Lake Overholser
Located in west Oklahoma City, Lake Overholser is the metro’s largest manmade reservoir. It is connected to nearby Lake Hefner by a canal. This area is also known for its picnic areas and hiking trails.
Lake Overholser is one of the most popular spots for fishermen. There are several boat ramps. The area is also home to several fishing piers. The east side of the lake offers a multi-use trail. It is also home to the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge. This area is home to abundant wildlife.
There is also an outdoor cafe at the trailhead that offers breakfast and lunch fare. They also feature housemade jams. The area is also home to regular paddle boarding classes.
During the winter months, the lake is also a good birding spot. Many birds flock to the area during the spring and fall. In the winter, large rafts of birds may be seen during iceover events.
Lake Overholser is also a popular place for boating. There are three boat ramps. Boating permits can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops in Bricktown. The permit is required for all fishing and boating. If you want to kayak, you can rent a kayak from the Lake Overholser Boathouse.
There is also a fishing dock at the park. This area is also home to a duck pond and picnic pavilion. There are also restrooms and group shelters. A covered picnic pavilion can be rented with advanced notice.
Lake of the Arbuckles
Located in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, Lake of the Arbuckles is a popular tourist destination for recreation. This lake is surrounded by numerous campgrounds. Whether you are looking for a fishing vacation or a family getaway, there is something to keep you entertained. Lake of the Arbuckles is a beautiful place to visit.
The Arbuckle Mountains are the oldest mountains in the United States. The area was originally part of the Chickasaw Nation, but it became part of Oklahoma under the Homestead Act of 1862. The Arbuckle Mountains are known for their rugged terrain. In fact, the area was not able to support large farms. The cattle business dominated the economy of the area for several decades.
The area is home to several species of fish. You can fish for bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. During the spring and fall, you can also go boating and scuba diving. In addition, you can go hiking on one of the many trails. You can also stop to see the bison in a bison pasture.
You can also visit the Arbuckle Wildlife Area, which is a habitat for turkey and small game birds. There are also several camping facilities and boat ramps. You can also visit the Travertine Nature Center for more information on the area’s springs.
Arbuckle Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Oklahoma. You can catch a variety of fish including Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and White Crappie.