Lake Yankton (South Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Yankton |
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| Cottonwood Lake | |
Lake Yankton, as seen from the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center.
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 Lake Yankton
Location in South Dakota
Lake Yankton
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cedar County, Nebraska and Yankton County, South Dakota |
| Coordinates | 42°51′20″N 97°28′21″W / 42.855509°N 97.472443°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary outflows | Missouri River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
| Max. width | 0.75 miles (1.21 km) |
| Surface area | 250 acres (100 ha) |
| Max. depth | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
| Islands | Lake Yankton Island |
Lake Yankton, also known as Cottonwood Lake, is a human-made lake. It was once part of the main Missouri River channel. This lake sits on the border of Nebraska and South Dakota, near Yankton, South Dakota. Lake Yankton covers about 250 acres (100 ha) and is up to 18 feet (5.5 m) deep. You can find it just east of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake. It is also north of the Missouri River's main channel today.
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How Lake Yankton Was Formed
The area where Lake Yankton is now used to be part of the Missouri River. From 1952 to 1957, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Gavins Point Dam. During this time, they moved the main river channel south. This new channel is now south of the Training Dike.
The border between Nebraska and South Dakota runs through the middle of the old river channel. This is why Lake Yankton is in both Cedar County, Nebraska and Yankton County, South Dakota. Many people think the lake is only in South Dakota, but that is not correct. Most of the northern and eastern parts are in South Dakota. The southern and western parts are mostly in Nebraska.
After the dam was finished, the Corps built a dike called the Training Dike. This dike helped guide the river to its new path. It also created a barrier, separating Lake Yankton from the Missouri River. The lake was then managed to control its water level. This helps fish and wildlife, and creates fun places for people to visit. The spot where the lake flows into the Missouri River is called "The Bubble". It is a very popular place for fishing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the lake for public use. Fish in the lake are managed by both the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks.
Fun Activities and Wildlife
Lake Yankton is a popular spot for outdoor fun and fishing. You can find many fish here, like Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, Black Crappie, and Channel Catfish. The lake has two boat ramps for boats. There are also two places to launch kayaks or canoes. If you like fishing from shore, there are two fishing piers and two fishing jetties. These spots are also easy for people with disabilities to use.
Boating Rules: Electric Motors Only
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) decided in the 1980s that only electric boat motors could be used on Lake Yankton. This rule helps protect the environment and is due to the lake's size. So, you cannot use boats with gasoline engines here. Park Rangers and other law enforcement officers make sure this rule is followed. If you break the rule, you could get a fine.
Because of this rule, the lake is a great place for quiet activities. People enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and bird watching.
Popular Recreation Areas
Four popular recreation areas are located around Lake Yankton. The USACE manages two of them: Cottonwood Recreation Area and Training Dike Recreation Area. The South Dakota GFP manages the other two: Chief White Crane Recreation Area and Pierson Ranch Recreation Area.
Many fun activities happen around the lake. These include Camping, hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Lake Yankton Beach is in the Training Dike Day-Use Area. It is a favorite swimming spot during the summer.
Lake Yankton Island is inside the lake and is about 120 acres (49 ha) big. This island is covered with Cottonwood trees. It was once a sandbar in the Missouri River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages this area for wildlife. It is open to the public for watching wildlife and hunting. You can reach the island by walking from Chief White Crane Recreation Area or the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery.
2011 Flood and Lake Cleanup
In 2011, the 2011 Missouri River Floods caused the Missouri River to rise very high. The floodwaters flowed into Lake Yankton. This brought Asian Carp into the lake. Asian Carp are an aquatic invasive species. They are not naturally found in South Dakota or Nebraska. These carp were already common in the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam.
After the flood, the lake's fish and water quality got worse. So, in 2014, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks worked together. They did a controlled fish kill to get rid of the invasive carp. After the carp were gone, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission started adding new fish to the lake. Everyone involved said the cleanup was a big success. Now, the lake's fish and water quality are excellent.
