DeGray Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DeGray Lake |
|
|---|---|
Dam and Lake
|
|
 DeGray Lake
Location in Arkansas
|
|
| Location | Clark / Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°12′53″N 93°06′28″W / 34.21484°N 93.10785°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Caddo River |
| Primary outflows | Caddo River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 13,800 acres (5,600 ha) |
| Average depth | 47 feet (14 m) |
| Max. depth | 200 feet (61 m) |
| Shore length1 | 207 miles (333 km) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
DeGray Lake is a large lake in Arkansas. It was created by building a dam on the Caddo River. The lake helps control floods, provides water, and generates electricity. It's located about 8 miles (13 km) from Arkadelphia.
You can see beautiful views of the lake from Arkansas Scenic Byway 7. This road runs along the lake's eastern side. DeGray Lake Resort State Park opened in 1974. It helps people enjoy the lake for fun and tourism.
Contents
History of DeGray Lake
Ancient Times
People have lived around DeGray Lake for a very long time. The Caddo Indians lived here around AD 700. The Caddo were a group of tribes living in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. They usually built their villages along rivers.
In 1541, a Spanish explorer named Hernando de Soto visited this area. The Caddo Indians learned about horses from the Spanish. The Caddo were skilled at making pottery. They were also farmers, growing corn, squash, and beans. They also hunted and gathered food from the woods.
Archaeologists have found many old sites around the lake. They learned a lot about the Caddo people from these discoveries. Later, in the 1700s, French fur traders came to the area. DeGray Lake was named after a French fur trader called DeGraff.
Building the Dam
The idea for DeGray Lake and Dam was approved by the government in 1950. Construction on the dam started in 1962. It was finished in 1972. The project cost about $63.8 million.
The dam helps control floods. It also makes electricity using two large turbines. These turbines create power for Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. DeGray Lake is special because it was the first dam of its kind. It can "pump back" water. This means it can move water from a smaller lake below the dam back into the main lake. This helps make more electricity, especially during dry times. The smaller lake also provides a safe place for birds.
When the lake was built, many families had to move. Their homes and land became part of the lakebed. You can still find old foundations from these homes under the water or near the shore.
Animals and Plants
Wildlife at DeGray Lake
DeGray Lake is home to many different animals. You can find squirrels, rabbits, deer, and turkeys. Beavers, raccoons, and armadillos also live here. Many types of birds live around the lake or stop there during their migrations. You might even see bald eagles in the winter!
The lake changed some animal habitats. But efforts are made to protect the remaining forests and open lands. These areas are important for deer, quail, and other wildlife.
The lake is also great for fish. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission started adding fish to the lake in 1969. They stocked it with bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. They also added fish like walleye and northern pike. Fishing is usually good for bass, bream, and crappie. The dam can release water from different depths. This helps keep the Caddo River below the dam healthy for fish like smallmouth bass and catfish.
Fun at DeGray Lake
Things to Do
DeGray Lake offers many fun activities! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages nine campgrounds. They also have playgrounds, swimming areas, and miles of trails for biking and hiking. There are eleven boat ramps for easy access to the water.
You can find pavilions at different spots around the lake. These are great for parties or family gatherings. They offer beautiful views and a quiet place to relax. DeGray State Park is also on the lake. It offers guided hikes and other fun activities.
Hunting
DeGray Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a popular spot for hunting in Southwest Arkansas. It has many different animals, so it's fun for all hunters. Hunters must follow all Arkansas hunting laws. You can hunt quail, duck, geese, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and deer. The lake rangers even offer special hunting events for young people and those with disabilities. Hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the WMA, not in recreation areas.
Fishing
DeGray Lake is famous for its clean, clear water. It's known for big hybrid stripers, crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. Thousands of people come to fish here every year. The Caddo River feeds the lake, making it a great home for fish.
The lake has many coves and underwater shelters where fish like to hide. This makes catching fish easier. Many fishing tournaments, both local and national, are held here. Park rangers also host fishing events for kids and people with physical challenges. You can find fishing guides and bait shops nearby. There are also two marinas at DeGray State Park and Iron Mountain.
A few years ago, there was a problem with too much hydrilla, a type of plant, in the lake. They tried a new way to control it, but then a drought happened. This caused the hydrilla to disappear, which affected the bass. Now, experts are working to bring back the native plants to help the lake's fish populations.
How DeGray Lake Helps the Area
Local Economy
DeGray Lake is very important for the economy of Southwest Arkansas. All the businesses and services around the lake, like the State Park and marinas, bring in a lot of money. In 2016, visitors spent over $23 million near the lake. This spending created about 220 jobs in the area. The money visitors spend helps local businesses and families.
Benefits for People
DeGray Lake offers more than just money benefits. It gives people chances to be active outdoors. This helps with health and fitness. The lake's activities also help families and friends spend time together. Kids can learn new skills and learn to care for nature. Being outdoors at DeGray Lake helps people understand the environment better.
