Dierks Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dierks Lake |
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 Dierks Lake
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Howard / Sevier counties, Arkansas, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°09′55″N 94°05′52″W / 34.1652°N 94.0977°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Saline River |
| Primary outflows | Saline River |
| Basin countries | United States |
Dierks Lake is a large, man-made lake, also called a reservoir. It is located in Arkansas, about 56 miles (90 km) along the Saline River. The lake is also about 5 miles (8 km) from the town of Dierks, Arkansas. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun!
Building Dierks Lake
The idea for Dierks Lake started with a law called the Flood Control Act in 1958. This law allowed the Dierks Dam to be built. The dam and lake were designed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This is a group that builds and manages many water projects in the U.S.
Work on the project began in June 1968. The dam was finished in May 1975. It is an earthen dam, meaning it's made mostly of earth and rock. The dam stands 48 feet (15 meters) tall.
Why Dierks Lake Was Built
Dierks Lake serves several important purposes. One main reason was to control floods on the Saline River. It helps protect large areas of land from getting flooded. This is especially true for areas along the Little River Basin and the Red River.
The lake also provides a place for people to have fun outdoors. It helps supply water to nearby areas. Plus, it's important for protecting fish and wildlife.
Fun Activities at Dierks Lake
Dierks Lake is a very popular place for recreation. The lake covers about 1,360 acres (5.5 km²). This makes it a great spot for boating. Many visitors enjoy swimming and water skiing here too.
Fishing is a favorite activity at Dierks Lake. It's known for its excellent bass and crappie fishing. You can also find other fish like channel catfish and sunfish. These fish are found both in the lake and in the river downstream.
There are also many picnic areas around Dierks Lake. Some of these areas can be reserved for special events. These picnic spots have lights, barbecue grills, and electricity. You can find them at Jefferson Ridge, Horseshoe Bend, and Dierks Overlook. They are perfect for family gatherings or holidays.
