Otter Lake (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otter Lake |
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 Otter Lake
Location in Illinois
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| Location | Macoupin County, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39°24′29″N 089°54′42″W / 39.40806°N 89.91167°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Otter Creek |
| Primary outflows | Otter Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 765 acres (310 ha) |
Otter Lake is a large, man-made lake in Macoupin County, Illinois. It covers about 765 acres, which is like 579 football fields! You can find it about 6 miles west of Girard. The lake gets its name from Otter Creek, which flows into it. This creek is also a branch of Macoupin Creek and eventually flows into the Illinois River.
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Why Otter Lake Was Built
Otter Lake is a special type of lake called a reservoir. This means it was created by building a dam across a river or creek. The main reason Otter Lake was built was to help control floods. It also provides a clean source of water for nearby towns in Macoupin County. Plus, it's a great place for people to enjoy water-based recreation.
Fun Activities at the Lake
One of the most popular activities at Otter Lake is fishing. The lake is carefully managed to make sure there are plenty of fish for anglers. You can find different types of fish here, including striped bass, crappie, and even large muskie. It's a fun spot for a day out on the water!
Rules for Boats
To keep the lake safe and enjoyable for everyone, there are some rules about boats. For example, there's a strict limit on how powerful boat motors can be. Motors stronger than 115 horsepower are not allowed on Otter Lake. This helps protect the lake's environment and keeps the water calm.
Protecting the Lake
Like many lakes, Otter Lake faces some challenges. One issue is sedimentation. This happens when dirt and silt wash into the lake, often from the shorelines. Over time, this can make the lake shallower. To help reduce this, special rocks called riprap have been placed along many parts of the shoreline. Riprap helps to stop the soil from washing away into the water.
Keeping the Water Clean
Another challenge for Otter Lake has been keeping its water clean. In the past, a chemical called atrazine sometimes entered the lake. This chemical is used on nearby farm fields to control weeds. Efforts are made to prevent such chemicals from reaching the lake, ensuring the water stays healthy for fish and people.
