Great Salt Plains Lake
Oklahoma
Corps of Engineers - (580) 886-2989
Oklahoma Dept. of Tourism & Recreation - (800) 230-8420
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Great Salt Plains Lake |
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Lake Levels |
Hunting Map |
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| Information on Corps of Engineers' Recreation Day Use Fees |
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Great Salt Plains Lake is located on the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River approximately 8 miles northeast of Jet, Oklahoma, and 12 miles east of Cherokee. The lake consists of 8,700 surface acres and sits in a basin bordered by salt plains on the west with red shale bluffs and sandy beaches nearer the dam. The scenic area, including the unique salt flats, offers the visitor a memorable outdoor recreational experience. Six areas are provided on the lake for overnight camping and a variety of day-use activities. The Corps of Engineers built and maintains the dam and spillway for flood control purposes. The concrete spillway structure provides the most popular fishing area on due lake. Five park areas located near the dam are managed by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism for recreational opportunities, including bird watching, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. A 32,000 acre national wildlife refuge borders the lake on its upper end. Located on the Central Flyway, the refuge provides habitats for approximately 300 species of birds and 30 species of mammals. Winter seasonal visitors include ducks, geese, crane, and bald eagles. Summer brings endangered least terns, egrets, herons, and pelicans among others. The refuge provides camping, nature trails, children's fishing pond, salt plains viewing tower, and a selenite crystal digging area. Activities on the refuge are strictly controlled with many areas closed from October 15 through April 1. Please contact the office for assistance in determining allowable activities. The salt plains are a unique geological feature. Visitors enjoy viewing the nearly flat 11,000 acres of salt crusted plains or digging for the famous Salt Plains selenite crystals. Concentrated saline water combines with gypsum to promote growth of a crystal with an hourglass shaped sand inclusion. The Great Salt Plains Lake area is the only documented area in the world where they are found. Visitors from all over the world come to collect the unique crystals. The Great Salt Plains Lake is well known as a premier lake in northwest Oklahoma for excellent channel cat fishing. Other species regularly stocked include blue catfish, hybrid striped bass and the hybrid saugeye. An annual saugeye fishing derby is held in late winter. Fishing is allowed year round in the area near the dam. The only hunting allowed is on the refuge; it is limited to designated areas and to permit holders selected by drawing. For lake levels and general information. Corps of Engineers Lake Office: (580) 626-4731 or fax (580) 626-4742 For reservations or confirm availability of facilities. Great Salt Plains State Park: (580) 626-4731 For camping, fishing, hunting, and crystal digging information. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: (580) 626-4794 or fax (580) 626-4793 Additional Recreation Contacts State Park
Wildlife Refuge
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| Point of Contact: |
Corps of Engineers, Great Salt Plains Lake Phone: (580) 886-2989 Fax: (580) 886-3485 HC 65, Box 120 Canton, Oklahoma 73724 Send Email |
| Document Viewed: | November 21, 2009 |
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