Cedar Lake (Le Flore County, Oklahoma) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cedar Lake |
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 Cedar Lake
Location in Oklahoma
Cedar Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | LeFlore County, Oklahoma |
| Coordinates | 34°46′52″N 94°41′49″W / 34.781°N 94.697°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| River sources | Big Cedar Creek |
| Primary outflows | Big Cedar Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | U. S. Forestry Service, part of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Built | 1937 |
| Surface area | 86 acres (35 ha) |
| Water volume | 1,370 acre⋅ft (1,690,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 900 ft (270 m) |
| Settlements | Mena, Arkansas; Heavener, Poteau, and Talihina, Oklahoma |
Cedar Lake is a beautiful lake located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It is found inside the Ouachita National Forest. This area is part of the Indian Nations National Scenic and Wildlife Area.
The lake is about 12 miles (19 km) south of Heavener, Oklahoma. It is also about 40 miles (64 km) west of Mena, Arkansas. It is important to know that this Cedar Lake is not the same as a privately owned lake with the same name in Canadian County, Oklahoma.
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About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake covers an area of about 86 acres (35 ha). It can hold up to 1,370 acre-feet (1,690,000 m3) of water. The lake has an earthen dam that is 52 feet (16 m) high and 1,000 feet (300 m) long. The lake sits at an elevation of 900 feet (270 m) above sea level.
How Cedar Lake Was Made
The U. S. Forest Service now owns Cedar Lake. It was built in 1937 on Big Cedar Creek. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the lake. The CCC was a group that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. They built the lake to help control soil erosion.
Things to Do at Cedar Lake
Today, Cedar Lake is mostly used for fun activities. You can go fishing, boating, or have a picnic there. There are also great places for hiking and camping. The lake is open for visitors all year long.
Fishing at Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a popular spot for fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with different types of fish. You can find largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill here. Fishing experts say the lake is known for its potential to catch very large bass.
State Record Bass
A state record for largemouth bass was set at Cedar Lake. Dale Miller caught a huge bass that weighed 14 pounds and 13.7 ounces. This fish was 26 and 1/8 inches long. It had a girth of 23 inches around its body.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) confirmed this record. After measuring, the fish was safely released back into the lake. The previous record was also from Cedar Lake. Benny Williams, Jr. caught a 14 pound 12 ounce bass there on March 23, 2012.
