Lake Athens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Athens |
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 Lake Athens
Location in Texas
Lake Athens
Location in the United States
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| Location | Athens, Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°12′47″N 95°44′46″W / 32.213°N 95.746°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Catchment area | 21.6 sq mi (56 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,799 acres (7.28 km2) |
| Max. depth | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Surface elevation | 440 ft (134 m) |
Lake Athens is a large, man-made lake covering about 1,799 acres. It is located in Athens, Texas, which is in Henderson County. This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it was built to store water.
The lake is part of the Neches River Basin. It was created on Flat Creek, which flows into the Neches River. Lake Athens is quite deep, reaching a maximum depth of 50 feet (15 m). On the north side of the lake, you'll find the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, a great place to learn about fish and fishing. The dam that holds back the lake's water is 3,000 feet (910 m) long and 67 feet (20 m) tall.
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The Story of Lake Athens
Lake Athens was built in 1962. The main goal was to create a reliable water supply for the area. It also helps control floods and provides a fun place for people to visit. The construction of the dam started on September 25, 1961, and was finished in May 1963. The Athens Municipal Water Authority is in charge of managing the lake and its dam.
Long before the lake was built, the Caddoan Indians lived in this region. They were known for making pottery from the local clay. The name "Athens" for the nearby city was suggested in 1850 by Dulcina A. Holland. She named it after the famous city of Athens in Greece.
Fun Activities at Lake Athens
Lake Athens is a popular spot for outdoor activities. There's only one boat ramp, located on the northwestern side at Lake Athens Marina. This means the water is usually calm, which is perfect for fishing and water skiing.
Fishing at Lake Athens
Fishing is a big draw at Lake Athens. The most popular fish to catch are Crappie and largemouth bass. You can also find other types of fish, including:
- White bass
- Channel and flathead catfish
- Spotted gar
- Smallmouth buffalo
- Freshwater drum
- Bowfin
Largemouth bass in Lake Athens often weigh between 3 and 8 pounds. A really big 82-pound-3-ounce (37.3 kg) smallmouth buffalo was caught here in 1993. It still holds the world record for that species!
Wildlife Around the Lake
Lake Athens is home to many different animals. If you visit, you might see:
- Alligators
- Feral hogs
- Ducks and geese
- Doves
- Squirrels
- White-tailed deer
- Quail
These are just some of the many creatures that live near the reservoir.
Plants and Trees of Lake Athens
Lake Athens is located in an area called the Texas Post Oak Savannah wildlife district. This means you'll find many different kinds of trees, such as:
- Pecans
- Elms
- Oak trees
- Eastern red cedars
- Walnuts
The area also boasts over 200 types of wildflowers. The wildflower season starts in early spring and lasts until the first frost of the year. The lake itself has many native plants, both those that grow underwater and those that stick out of the water.
Underwater Plants
Some of the plants that grow completely underwater include:
- American pondweed
- Coontail
- Eelgrass
Plants Above Water
Plants that grow with parts sticking out of the water include:
- American lotus
- Cattail
- Water primrose
Plants That Don't Belong
Sometimes, plants that are not native to an area can cause problems. These are called invasive species. Several invasive aquatic plants have been found in Lake Athens. For more than 20 years, a plant called giant salvinia was a big problem. Luckily, it was completely removed in 2019!
Other invasive plants that have been found in the lake include:
- Alligatorweed
- Hydrilla
- Water hyacinth
- Crested floating heart
