Mark Twain Lake is a reservoir located in the USA state of Missouri. It was created in 1984 from the flooding of the Salt River and the North, Middle Fork and South Fork of the Salt River. It is 5,100 acres in size and has approximately 120 miles of shoreline. The lake is part of the Mark Twain State Park and is used for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, jet skiing and camping. It is home to a variety of fish, birds and wildlife.
At its deepest point, Mark Twain Lake reaches a depth of 57 feet. However, most of its 120 miles of shoreline consists of shallow water with many areas less than 3 feet deep. The lake is well-balanced from a fishing standpoint with over 20 species of fish present. These include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, channel cats, and many more. The lake’s deepest points attract large specimens of all species, making it an attractive place to fish.
The water quality of Mark Twain Lake is also very good. During its creation, the lakebed was seeded with beneficial bacteria to reduce the amount of sediment build up and maintain a healthy water environment. Since then, the lake has stayed well-balanced in terms of both pH levels and background nutrient levels. As a result, the lake consistently produces good catches of fish.
Due to its vastness and diversity, Mark Twain Lake is a popular destination for many recreational activities. Fishing is the most popular activity and there are a variety of spots to choose from with largemouth, smallmouth, and other bass species making up a large part of the lake’s fish population. Boaters and swimmers can take advantage of the lake’s shallow areas, while jet ski and wakeboard enthusiasts can enjoy its wide open waters with room for plenty of tricks and stunts. Finally, the lake’s campgrounds provide good places for families to enjoy nature in a comfortable setting.
The lake’s biodiversity and excellent water quality also make it attractive to all types of wildlife. In addition to the large variety of fish species the lake provides habitat for many reptiles, amphibians, and birds, including mallards and other waterfowl. The lake’s large size and nesting areas provide a great place for all sorts of wildlife to live and breed, making it a great place for wildlife observation and photography.
Fishing
Fishing one of the privileges within Mark Twain Lake and it is becoming popular for many anglers in the Midwest. According to Missouri Department of conservation it is the 13th mostfished lake in the state. Mark Twain Lake has a good population of bass, crappie, bluegill, cats, and more species of fish. The fish average around 10 to 12 inches in size but many anglers manage to hook into a 3 to 4-pounder. Depending where you choose to go will determine what species of fish you are likely to catch. Trolling the braches and other areas of the lake will provide more opportunities for trophy size crappie, bluegill and different types of catfish.
Boat Rentals
Boat Rentals are not uncommon on Mark Twain Lake, with a fleet of rental vessels ranging from canoes and kayaks, pontoon boats, aluminum fishing boats and ski boats available. To find the right vessel to suit your needs; fishing, cruising, or recreational pleasure, there are numerous locations offering reasonable rentals.
Swimming
In the summertime many individuals travel to Mark Twain Lake in order to take a dip in the water. With shallow areas and deeper spots the lake provides much potential for swimming. Being near the shore gives swimmers a feeling of safety. Many of those swimming areas provide a sandy bottom instead of rocks, stumps and other hazards. Mark Twain Lake provides the perfect spot for fishing, swimming and many other activities for those that want to be out on the water during summertime.
Safety
Safety is of utmost importance when engaging in activities at Mark Twain Lake. Before heading out on the water, all vessels should be equipped with a life jacket for every occupant and an emergency kit with all the necessary items. There are also no-wake areas in the lake, which should be adhered to. In addition, care should be taken to follow all posted rules and regulations, such as speed limits.
Weather
Mark Twain Lake typically experiences warm and humid summers with temperatures hovering around the mid 80s F, while in the winter the temperatures become quite cold, with highs only reaching the mid 40s F. Being surrounded by trees, lowland areas and wide open water, the lake is prone to thunderstorms and high winds. Therefore it is wise to adopt a cautious approach when out on the lake, particularly when there is a chance of bad weather.
Conclusion
Mark Twain Lake is an excellent destination for recreational activities and fishing. From its shallow areas to its depths of up to 57 feet, the lake provides a diversity of opportunities and experiences. The lake also has excellent water quality and a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature-loving visitors. Taking the necessary safety precautions and being aware of the changing weather is a must. Enjoy what Mark Twain Lake has to offer!
