Hyatt Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyatt Reservoir |
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![]() Hyatt Reservoir
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Location | Jackson County, Oregon |
Coordinates | 42°11′10″N 122°27′14″W / 42.18611°N 122.45389°W |
Type | Reservoir, eutrophic |
Primary inflows | Cottonwood Creek |
Primary outflows | Keene Creek |
Catchment area | 8 square miles (21 km2) |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 957 acres (387 ha) |
Average depth | 18 feet (5.5 m) |
Max. depth | 38 feet (12 m) |
Water volume | 16,900 acre-feet (20,800,000 m3) |
Shore length1 | 7.5 miles (12.1 km) |
Surface elevation | 5,016 ft (1,529 m) |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Hyatt Reservoir is a cool lake in Jackson County, Oregon, United States. It's about 14 miles (23 km) east of Ashland. This lake was made by the Hyatt Dam. People use its water for farming and for fun activities like boating and fishing. A local group built the dam way back in 1923.
The lake sits high up, at about 5,016 feet (1,529 m) above sea level. Many types of fish live here, like bass and trout. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) helps manage the fun outdoor areas around the lake.
How Hyatt Reservoir Was Made
Hyatt Reservoir was created by the Hyatt Dam. This dam was built in 1923. A local group, called an irrigation district, built it. Their goal was to hold back the water from Keene Creek.
The dam is located at the southern end of the reservoir. In 1960, the United States Bureau of Reclamation fixed up the dam. Today, the Talent Irrigation District manages how the dam works.
Water from Hyatt Reservoir is very important. It flows into other lakes like Little Hyatt Reservoir and Howard Prairie Lake. This water then travels through canals to Emigrant Lake. This system helps provide water for farms in the area.
Fun Things to Do at Hyatt Reservoir
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) looks after many camping spots at Hyatt Reservoir. You can find places to camp with tents, or park your RV. There are also spots for people who arrive on horseback or on foot. Some hikers even come from the Pacific Crest Trail, which goes right by the lake!
The main campground has nice facilities. These include flush toilets and hot showers. There are also two boat ramps for launching boats. You can find a group shelter and a softball field too.
You can do many activities here. These include boating, swimming, and fishing. There's also basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. It's a great place for watching wildlife too.
The BLM charges a small fee to use these sites. They are usually open from late April through October. During the winter, you can still visit for free. However, water and other services might not be available. In winter, people enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on marked trails. There are also private resorts near the lake if you prefer.
Fish and Wildlife
Hyatt Reservoir is a great place for fishing! Each year, about 250,000 young rainbow trout are added to the lake. Some of these trout can grow quite large, up to 20 inches (51 cm) long. This is because the lake has good conditions for them.
Many people also enjoy fishing for largemouth bass. The lake is home to other fish species too. You can find crappie and bluegill swimming in its waters.