Patoka Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Patoka Lake
image_lake =
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location = Indiana
coords = coord|38|26|05|N|086|42|25|W|type:waterbody_region:US-IN_source:gnis|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
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basin_countries = United States
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area = 8,800 acres (36 km²)
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Patoka Lake is the second largest reservoir in Indiana and is spread across Dubois, Crawford, and Orange counties in southern Indiana.

Created as a joint effort between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources the lake is one of eight such reservoirs built in the state to provide a secure water supply and as a method of flood control. [ [http://www.jasperin.org/patokalake.cfm Patoka Lake ] ] The lake consists of 8,800 acres (36 km²) of water in the summer. The lake was created by damming the Patoka River. The dam is located about 118.3 miles (190 km) above the mouth of the Patoka River. The lake is fed by several smaller tributaries including Allen Creek, Paint Creek, and Ritter Creek. After the lake was created several parks and nature preserves were established around it totaling 16,920 acres. The lake and dam is still managed by a cooperative management team of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. [ [http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/patl/ Us Army Corps Of Engineers ] ]

Patoka is a great place for photography, as it is inhabited by migrating birds, a large variety of fish and beautiful lake shores. The lake has been heavily stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, redear, crappie, and walleye. Once a year the Lake association hosts GarDaze, an event bringing in avid fisherman from around the world, including fishing celebrities like Babe Winkleman and Bill Dance. Other activities available include Archery Range, Boating with 9 Launch Ramps,Cross-country skiing, Fishing and Ice Fishing, Disc Golf Course, Hiking and Biking Trails, Hunting by permit, Interpretive and Recreational Programs, Picnicking with Shelterhouses, Swimming, and Waterskiing. The lake also hosts a large campground with over 500 camping sites.

Patoka Lake has been very beneficial to the surrounding community and the State of Indiana. The lake has generated over $19.4 million in revenue and visitor expenditures in 2005 and has so far prevented over $88 million in flood damage. [ [http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/patl/ Us Army Corps Of Engineers ] ] In 2006 the lake saw 648,738 visitors who provide jobs for 197 local residents. [ [http://www.vtn.iwr.usace.army.mil/recreation/reports/lake.asp?ID=333 Lake Level Report PATOKA LAKE ] ]

The lake will be the host the 2008 Crappie USA National Classic.

References

External links

*http://www.patokalakeindiana.com/
* [http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/res_patoka.html Indiana DNR]
*gnis|451715