Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma, an engineering marvel and a natural sanctuary, straddles the border between Oklahoma and Texas. As the largest lake in the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Tulsa District and the 12th largest in the United States, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Geographical Features

Spanning over 89,000 acres, Lake Texoma is a reservoir created by the Denison Dam on the Red River. It lies approximately 726 miles upstream from the river’s mouth, nestled between Bryan County, Oklahoma, and Grayson County, Texas. The lake is fed by both the Red and Washita Rivers, with other notable tributaries contributing to its vastness.

Hydrology and Water Levels

The lake’s primary sources are the Red and Washita Rivers, with additional inflow from creeks like Big Mineral, Little Mineral, and Buncombe. The lake’s water level fluctuates between 615 to 619 feet, occasionally reaching up to 645 feet during floods. Remarkably, Lake Texoma has crested the dam’s spillway at impressive heights, setting historical records in water elevation.

Environmental Aspects

Lake Texoma stands out due to its unique saline nature, a legacy of ancient salt beds from a prehistoric sea. This salinity supports the thriving population of striped bass, a saltwater species, making Lake Texoma home to a self-sustaining striped bass population, a rarity in Texas.

Surrounding Geography and Towns

The lake encompasses areas in both Oklahoma and Texas, touching counties like Bryan, Marshall, and Grayson. It’s surrounded by cities like Denison, Sherman, and Durant, and hosts several small islands, each offering a unique exploration opportunity.

Recreational Activities and Parks

Lake Texoma is a hub for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. With two state parks, numerous USACE-managed parks, and wildlife refuges at both ends of the lake, it caters to nature enthusiasts and families alike. The parks offer scenic vistas, hiking trails, and picnic spots, making it a popular destination for visitors from both states.

Ecological Significance

The lake’s ecosystem is rich and diverse, hosting various species of fish and wildlife. It serves as a critical habitat for many animals and plants, reflecting the ecological importance of maintaining this vast water body.