Cedar Lake is in Le Flore County, Oklahoma inside the Ouachita National Forest. Considered a part of Indian Nations National Scenic and Wildlife Area, it is about 12 miles (19 km) south of Heavener, Oklahoma, and 40 miles (64 km) west of Mena, Arkansas.[3][1]
| Cedar Lake | |
|---|---|
  Cedar Lake  Cedar Lake | |
| Location | LeFlore County, Oklahoma |
| Coordinates | 34°46′52″N 94°41′49″W / 34.781°N 94.697°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| River sources | Big Cedar Creek |
| Primary outflows | Big Cedar Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | U. S. Forestry Service, part of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Built | 1937 |
| Surface area | 86 acres (35 ha)[1] |
| Water volume | 1,370 acre⋅ft (1,690,000 m3)[2] |
| Surface elevation | 900 ft (270 m)[2] |
| Settlements | Mena, Arkansas; Heavener, Poteau, and Talihina, Oklahoma |
It is a different body of water from the privately owned Cedar Lake in Canadian County, Oklahoma.
Description
editThe lake surface covers 86 acres (35 ha). The storage capacity is 1,000 acre-feet (1,200,000 m3). Its earthen dam is 52 feet (16 m) high and 1,000 feet (300 m) long. The maximum storage is 1,370 acre-feet (1,690,000 m3). The elevation is 900 feet (270 m)[2]
Now owned by the U. S. Forest Service, the lake was constructed on Big Cedar Creek in 1937[1] by the Civilian Conservation Corps for erosion-control purposes. It is primarily used for recreation, and features fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping activities. The lake is open year-round.[4]
Fishing
editThe lake is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill.[3] According to an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) official, it is known for its big bass potential.[5]
Dale Miller set a state record when he caught a 14 pound 13.7 ounce largemouth bass, having a length of 261⁄8 inches and a girth of 23 inches. ODWC confirmed the record measurement, then released the fish back to the lake. The previous record was held by Benny Williams, Jr., who caught a 14 pound 12 ounce bass from the same lake on March 23, 2012.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Cedar Lake, Oklahoma." Find lakes.com. Undated. Accessed June 13, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Cedar Lake Recreation Area." U.S. Department of Agriculture. Undated. Accessed June 13, 2018.
- ^ a b "Cedar Lake Recreation Area." U. S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed August 9, 2015.
- ^ "Cedar Lake." Accessed August 9, 2015.
- ^ a b Hill, Steven. "New state record largemouth bass, March 18, 2013. Accessed November 14, 2016.