Raccourci Old River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raccourci Old River |
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 Raccourci Old River
Location in Louisiana
Raccourci Old River
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pointe Coupee Parish and West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 30°53′33″N 91°34′03″W / 30.89250°N 91.56750°W |
| Type | ox-bow lake |
Raccourci Old River, also known as Old River, is a long, U-shaped lake in Louisiana. It stretches about 12-mile (19 km) and covers around 4,000 acres (16 km2). This lake is found in northern Pointe Coupee Parish and western West Feliciana Parish.
This lake is a type of oxbow lake. An oxbow lake forms when a bend in a river gets cut off from the main flow. Raccourci Old River was once a main part of the Mississippi River. Sometimes, people get it confused with another place also called Old River.
Location and History
Raccourci Old River is located near the towns of Lacour and Innis. It sits outside the big levee system that protects the Mississippi River. Long ago, this lake was the main path for the Mississippi River.
Over time, the northern part of the lake has filled up with silt (fine dirt and sand). This means it's not as deep as it used to be. However, the southern end of the lake is still connected to the Mississippi River. This connection is through a narrow channel called "the Narrows." The water level in "the Narrows" decides when boats can pass between the lake and the river.
A piece of land in the northeastern part of the lake is called Raccourci Island. This island is part of West Feliciana Parish. The lake itself helps form the border between Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parishes.
Activities and Wildlife
Raccourci Old River is a popular spot for outdoor fun. People enjoy fishing, boating, and duck hunting here. It's known for having many different kinds of fish.
Fish Species
- Crappie: These are also called "sac-a-lait" in southern Louisiana. They are very popular with fishermen.
- Bluegill: A common and fun fish to catch.
- Largemouth bass: A favorite for sport fishermen.
- Catfish: Several types of catfish live in the lake.
- Largemouth buffalo: A large, native fish.
- Paddlefish: This unique fish is considered endangered.
Commercial fishermen also use Raccourci Old River. They often catch a lot of fish, filling their allowed limits.
