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Catahoula Lake
Location of Catahoula Lake in Louisiana, USA.
Location of Catahoula Lake in Louisiana, USA.
Catahoula Lake
Location in Louisiana
Location of Catahoula Lake in Louisiana, USA.
Location of Catahoula Lake in Louisiana, USA.
Catahoula Lake
Location in the United States
Catahoula Lake.png
Location La Salle / Rapides parishes, Louisiana, United States
Coordinates 31°30′45″N 092°06′26″W / 31.51250°N 92.10722°W / 31.51250; -92.10722
Basin countries United States
Surface area 30,000 acres (12,000 ha)
Designated: 18 June 1991
Reference #: 523

Catahoula Lake (which is called Lac Catahoula in French) is a very large freshwater lake. You can find it in central Louisiana, United States, specifically in La Salle Parish and Rapides Parish.

This lake is special because it's the biggest natural freshwater lake in Louisiana. It covers more than 46 square miles (120 km2) of land. The State of Louisiana owns the lake. It is managed by several groups, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

What is Catahoula Lake?

Catahoula Lake is a shallow area that acts like a wetland. Wetlands are places where the land is covered by water, either all the time or just part of the time. This lake gets its water from the Little River and many smaller creeks.

Long ago, the lake's water would drain out through the Old River, French Fork, and several bayous. Bayous are slow-moving streams or rivers. But now, there are special flood control projects in place. These projects have changed how the lake drains its water.

Why is Catahoula Lake Important?

Catahoula Lake is known as the largest "moist soil unit" in North America. A moist soil unit is an area managed to grow plants that are important food for waterfowl. Waterfowl are birds like ducks and geese that live near water.

Home for Wildlife

The lake is a very important home for many kinds of waterfowl. You can see lots of geese, ducks, and wading birds here. Wading birds are birds with long legs that walk in shallow water.

Fun Activities at the Lake

Catahoula Lake is also a great place for people to visit and enjoy nature. Some popular activities include:

It's important to know that access to the western side of the lake is limited. This is because there are private and company fences in that area.

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