Lake Ontelaunee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ontelaunee |
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Location | Berks County, Pennsylvania |
Coordinates | 40°27′44″N 75°55′17″W / 40.4622°N 75.9214°W |
Type | reservoir |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 1,082 acres (438 ha) |
Lake Ontelaunee is a big lake in Berks County, Pennsylvania. It's not a natural lake, but a special kind of lake called a reservoir. A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. Lake Ontelaunee holds water for the City of Reading.
This lake was made in 1926. Engineers built a large dam across Maiden Creek. This dam helped collect water to supply Reading with fresh drinking water. A big celebration happened in 1929 when the lake was officially opened.
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Exploring Lake Ontelaunee
Lake Ontelaunee is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit the lake to enjoy nature. It's a great place for fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Fishing at Lake Ontelaunee
The lake is home to many different kinds of fish. If you like fishing, you might catch a variety of species here. Some common fish include panfish, largemouth bass, and common carp. You can also find bullhead catfish and channel catfish. Other fish living in the lake are alewife, white perch, and even large muskellunge.
Rules for Visitors
It's important to know the rules when visiting Lake Ontelaunee. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to use boats on the lake. Swimming is also not permitted. These rules help keep everyone safe and protect the lake's water quality.
Lake Ontelaunee's Size
Lake Ontelaunee is one of the largest lakes in Berks County. It covers about 1,082 acres. That's a lot of space!
Comparing Lakes in Berks County
While Lake Ontelaunee is very big, it's actually the second-largest lake in Berks County. The biggest lake in the county is Blue Marsh Lake. Just like Lake Ontelaunee, Blue Marsh Lake is also an artificial reservoir. Both lakes play an important role in the area's water supply.