Lake Ovid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Ovid |
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 Lake Ovid
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Sleepy Hollow State Park, Clinton County, Michigan, US |
| Coordinates | 42°56′06″N 84°24′36″W / 42.935°N 84.41°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Little Maple River |
| Primary outflows | Little Maple River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 413 acres (167 ha) |
| Average depth | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Islands | 3 (small islands, one with a foot bridge to mainland) |
| Settlements | near Laingsburg, Michigan |
Lake Ovid is a special kind of lake called a reservoir. It was made by people in the 1970s. Workers built a large wall, called a dam, across the Little Maple River. This dam held back the river's water, creating the lake.
You can find Lake Ovid inside Sleepy Hollow State Park in Michigan. It's not a very deep lake. On average, it's about 10 feet (3 meters) deep. The deepest parts of the lake are around 20 feet (7 meters).
Contents
Discovering Lake Ovid's Fish and Wildlife
Lake Ovid is home to many different kinds of freshwater fish. If you like fishing, you might catch a Largemouth Bass or a Smallmouth Bass. Other fish include Bluegill, Rock Bass, and Crappie. You might also find Channel Catfish, Muskellunge (Muskie), and Northern Pike.
Balancing the Lake's Ecosystem
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) keeps a close eye on the fish in Lake Ovid. They check the fish population every year. They've noticed that smaller fish, like panfish, are having lots of babies. This means there are many of them!
To help balance the lake's ecosystem, the DNR plans to add more Muskellunge and Catfish. These fish are predators, meaning they eat other fish. By adding more of them, they will have plenty to eat. This helps keep the number of smaller fish in check.
Boating and Fun on Lake Ovid
If you want to go boating, there's a special place to launch your boat. It's on the west side of the lake. You can use it for free if your car has a Michigan State park sticker.
Understanding the "No Wake" Rule
Lake Ovid has a "no wake" rule. This means boats must go slowly. They should not create big waves, called wakes. This rule helps keep the lake peaceful. It's perfect for fishing and watching wildlife.
Many anglers (people who fish) use electric trolling motors. These motors are quiet. They help boats move slowly and quietly. This way, you can get close to fish and animals without scaring them.
If you don't have your own boat, don't worry! The park rents out canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. You can rent them for $25 per day. It's a great way to explore the lake.
The Lake Ovid Dam
The dam that created Lake Ovid is quite big. It stands about 30 feet tall. It stretches over 1,000 feet long. This huge wall is made of earth, like a big hill of soil.
The dam helps control the water from the Little Maple River. It collects water from an area larger than 10 square miles. This ensures there's enough water to form the lake.
