Introduction
Mark Twain Lake is a man-made, impoundment reservoir in Ralls and Monroe counties in northeast Missouri. The lake lies within both Ralls and Monroe counties, and was created by the impoundment of the Salt River by Clarence Cannon Dam, a large, earth-filled structure located 11 miles northeast of the Hannibal in Hannibal, Missouri. The lake was named after the renowned American author, Mark Twain. The lake provides a habitat for many native and exotic species of fish and game, as well as many recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters.
Surroundings
The Mark Twain Lake area is part of the Mark Twain National Forest, which covers 1.5 million total acres of land across 29 counties in east and southeast Missouri. The lake itself has a 4,023 acre area and encompasses 43 miles of shoreline. It is one of many of the reservoirs and lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.The area surrounding the lake provides a number of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking and nature watching.
Fishing
The lake boasts a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, Spotted bass, keeper size crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and flathead catfish. The lake is particularly known for its large bass populations, with trophy-size specimens caught nearly every year. The lake also has an abundant population of blue catfish, which provide anglers with great sport as well as delicious table fare. In fact, the lake record for blue catfish is 22.1 pounds. The lake and its fish are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing is a popular pastime at Mark Twain Lake and the lake is stocked with various species of fish to keep the populations healthy.
Boating
Mark Twain Lake is extremely popular for boaters, with many boat launches located around the lake. The lake is also home to numerous marinas and boat rental services, providing boaters with a wide array of options for exploring the lake. The lake’s coves and points provide ideal fishing spots, while the lake’s many excellent boat ramps provide convenient launches for day trips as well as overnight stays. A variety of boats are allowed on the lake, including motorized sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, bass boats and more. Boaters must adhere to all safety and boating regulations set forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Camping
Mark Twain Lake is a great place to camp with multiple campgrounds located around the lake. These campgrounds are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provide a variety of amenities and services, including electricity, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, playgrounds and more. There is also an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the wilderness around the lake, providing campers and hikers with plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Visitor Centers
Maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Mark Twain Lake Visitor Center is a great resource for visitors looking to learn more about the lake and its surrounding areas. The center provides information on the history of the lake, as well as information on species of fish, wildlife, plants and trees. There are also various multimedia exhibits, including a 3-D map of the lake, a virtual aquarium and educational films. The center also hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including school programs and special events.
Wildlife
Mark Twain Lake is home to a variety of different wildlife species, including fish, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and numerous insects. The lake is also a great habitat for bald eagles and wood ducks, with both species frequently spotted nesting in the sunken trees along the shoreline. The lake also serves as an important breeding ground for the endangered endangered pallid sturgeon, a large prehistoric fish found only in the Missouri River system.
Conclusion
Mark Twain Lake is an excellent recreational and sporting destination, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities in beautiful natural surroundings. The lake is perfect for recreation and relaxation, whether it be boating, fishing, camping, swimming or simply exploring the shoreline. With its abundance of wildlife, scenic views and excellent fishing, Mark Twain Lake is sure to please anyone looking to explore the Missouri outdoors.
