Iliamna Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Iliamna Lake
image_lake = AKMap-doton-Newhalen.png caption_lake = Location of Iliamna in Alaska
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska
coords = coord|59|32|12|N|155|01|28|W|region:US-AK_type:waterbody_source:GNIS|display=inline,titleGnis|1403764]
type = oligotrophic
inflow =
outflow = Kvichak River
catchment =
basin_countries = United States of America
length = convert|75|mi|abbr=on
width = convert|20|mi|abbr=on
area = convert|1014|sqmi|km2|abbr=oncite web
title = Profile of the People and Land of the United States
publisher = US Department of Interior, National Atlas of the United States
url = http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/mapping/a_general.html
format = HTML]
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = convert|46|ft|abbr=on
islands =
cities = Iliamna, Newhalen, Kokhanok, Pedro Bay, Igiugig [Fact|date=June 2008]

Iliamna Lake or Lake Iliamna is a lake in South-West Alaska, at North end of Alaska Peninsula, between Kvichak Bay and Cook Inlet, convert|100|mi|km West of Seldovia, Alaska Bristol Bay Low.

It is the largest lake in Alaska, eighth largest lake in the United States of America, and one of the largest in North America, covering about 2,600 km² (1,000 sq. miles). The lake is convert|75|mi|km|0 long and up to convert|20|mi|km|0 wide. Through the Kvichak River, its waters drain into Bristol Bay.

Hydrology

Geology

Natural history

History

Name

Native name reported as Oz(ero) Bol (shoy) Ilyamna, meaning Big Ilyamna Lake, on 1852 Russian Hydrog. Dept. Chart 1455. This feature was earlier called Oz(ero) Shelekhovo, meaning Lake Shelekov, on an 1802 Russian map. According to G. C. Martin, United States Geological Survey, "Iliamna" is said to be "the name of a mythical great blackfish supposed to inhabit this lake, which bites holes in the bidarkas of bad natives."

The name Iliamna is derived from the Inland Dena'ina Athabascan name "Nila Vena" which means island's lake. [Dena'ina E ena: Tanaina Country By: James Kari and Priscilla Russell Kari, 1982 Alaska Native Language Center. pg. 17 ]

Economy

Portage

A portage road connects Lake Iliamna to Cook Inlet on the northeast side. Using this short cut, boats can get to Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea without going all the way around the Alaska Peninsula.Fact|date=May 2008

Lists

Populated Places

The villages of Iliamna, Newhalen, Kokhanok,Pedro Bay and Igiugig lie on the shores of Iliamna Lake.Fact|date=May 2008

Flora and Fauna

Inappropriate tone|section|date=May 2008

Wildlife

Iliamna Lake is noted for its sport fishing. The three primary targets of anglers in the lake are trout, salmon, and grayling. August through September is prime time for catching fat rainbow trout, some of which can exceed 28 inches long. The Kvichak River Policy (the drainage of Lake Iliamna) is catch and release on trout (and all other native fish), so if you're looking for a meal then salmon is your best bet. Sockeye (Red) and Chinook (King) Salmon are consistently found in in the lake and are open to harvest under Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regulations. Lake Iliamna also has one of only two populations of freshwater seals in the world.Fact|date=May 2008

Monster

Local residents have a number of stories about the alleged Iliamna Lake Monster, an aquatic creature much like the rumored Loch Ness Monster.cite journal
last = Snifka
first = Lynne
year = 2004
month = October
title = Monstrous mysteries
journal =
volume = v. 70
issue = 8
pages = 44(4)
issn = 0002-4562]

=

ee also

*List of lakes of Alaska
*List of reported lake monsters

References

External links

* cite web
url = http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/topo/250k/txu-pclmaps-topo-us-iliamna-1983.jpg
title = Detailed topographic map
work = [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/topo/250k/ United States Topographic Maps 1:250,000]
publisher = University of Texas
format = JPEG
date = 1983
accessdate = 2008-05-22