Logan Martin Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Logan Martin |
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Logan Martin Dam
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 Lake Logan Martin
Location in Alabama
Lake Logan Martin
Location in the United States
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| Location | Calhoun / St. Clair / Talladega counties, Alabama, US |
| Coordinates | 33°27′0″N 86°19′10″W / 33.45000°N 86.31944°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. depth | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Shore length1 | 275 mi (443 km) |
| Islands | Several small island; One private island owned by The Yacht Club on Lake Logan Martin |
| Settlements | Pell City |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Logan Martin Lake is a large reservoir (a human-made lake) in central Alabama. It is about 30 miles (48 km) east of Birmingham, Alabama. The Alabama Power Company built this lake in 1965.
Locals often call it the "Lake of a Thousand Coves." It has about 275 miles (443 km) of shoreline. The lake stretches for 48.5 miles (78.1 km) between Logan Martin Dam in the south and Neely Henry Dam in the north. The lake's depth ranges from 35 to 110 feet (34 m).
Logan Martin Lake is a great place for fun water activities. You can go boating, water skiing, and swimming here. The lake touches St. Clair and Talladega counties.
It is important not to confuse Logan Martin Lake with Lake Martin. Lake Martin is on the Tallapoosa River. These two lakes are not connected.
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What is Logan Martin Lake?
Logan Martin Lake is a large reservoir in Alabama. It was created by building a dam across the Coosa River. A reservoir helps control floods and provides water and power.
How Was Logan Martin Lake Formed?
The lake starts where water flows out from Neely Henry Dam. This is near Ohatchee, Alabama. It then goes south to Logan Martin Dam near Vincent, Alabama. The main river feeding the lake is the Coosa River. Many other smaller rivers and streams also flow into it.
The water generally flows from north to south. The Coosa River begins in the Appalachian Mountains. Eventually, the water from Logan Martin Lake flows into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This happens through the Alabama River and Mobile River.
How Wide and Deep is the Lake?
In its upper parts, the lake mostly follows the original path of the Coosa River. From the I-20 bridge to Logan Martin Dam (about 23 miles), the lake gets much wider. Here, you will find large open areas and many creeks. The deepest part of the lake, near the dam, is about 69 feet (21 m) deep.
What Animals Live in Logan Martin Lake?
Many kinds of aquatic animals live in Logan Martin Lake. Fish are a big attraction for people who visit. The lake is famous for fishing.
Popular Fish in the Lake
Many fishing tournaments are held on the lake every year. It has even hosted big events like the Bassmaster Classic. You can find many types of bass here, including largemouth and spotted bass. Other fish include striped bass, white bass, and hybrid bass. You can also catch crappie, catfish, bream, drum, carp, and gar.
How Was Logan Martin Lake Built?
The Coosa River was once used by steamships. They traveled as far north as Rome, Georgia. A series of locks helped ships pass through shallow areas. After trains and roads became more common, a new plan was made. A large dam would be built to create hydropower, control floods, and offer recreation.
When Was the Dam Built?
Construction on the dam started on July 18, 1960. It began providing power on August 10, 1964. The dam is named after William Logan Martin, Jr.. He was a judge and Attorney General in Alabama many years ago.
How Does Logan Martin Lake Help the Economy?
Logan Martin Lake brings a lot of money to the nearby communities. This comes from several sources.
Economic Benefits of the Lake
- Property Value: Homes and land around the lake become more valuable.
- Tourism: Visitors spend money at local shops and restaurants.
- Hydropower: The dam creates low-cost electricity for the state.
Because it is close to Birmingham, Alabama, many people come to the lake. Especially in the summer, lots of boats are on the water. Most of the boat traffic is between the I-20 bridge and Logan Martin Dam. The busiest areas are usually the wider parts near the dam.
