DeGray Lake

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About DeGray Lake

DeGray Lake is nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Located adjacent to the National Scenic 7 Byway, just north of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, lies the sparkling treasure of the Vicksburg District. DeGray Lake serves as a major rural water supply for Hot Spring, Clark and Garland Counties, providing a safe, dependable water supply for thousands of customers.

The Dam

The earthen 3,400 ft. length dam is 243 ft. above the river bed and backs up the waters of the Caddo River some 27 miles creating DeGray Lake. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1972. Hydropower makes this lake one of the most efficient and energy producing projects in the South. DeGray Lake holds the distinction as the first "pump back capable" impoundment in the history of the Corps of Engineers. A re-regulation dam forms a 400-acre impoundment directly below the main lake that serves as a storage basin for pump back capable features. During designated times, the 28,000 KW generator can be reversed pulling water out of the Lower Lake into the main lake to be utilized again for hydropower generation.

The Lake

DeGray Lake is nationally known for its clean, clear water and pristine shoreline. It is also known for it's trophy winning hybrid stripers, crappie, and catfish. The 32,400 acre multi-purpose project has 13,800 acres of water with 208 miles of shoreline and over 17,000 acres of forested land. The Lake is 200 ft. at deepest level, 100 ft. in much of the river channel, and has an average depth of 47 ft.

Recreation

Each year, thousands of people come to fish the waters of DeGray Lake. The Caddo River feeds the lake, making it a great habit for fish. With numerous coves and fishing shelters along the bottom of the lake, catching fish usually isn't too difficult a task. DeGray Lake offers a myriad of recreational opportunities. Camping at DeGray Lake is a pleasure for all ages. With 20 recreation areas, 340 picnic sites, 724 campsites, 18 boat ramps and 12 swimming beaches, to choose from, there is an area for any type of outdoor experience.

Lake Level, Moon Phase and Weather
Last updated: Unknown		Data Provided by WeatherBug.
Lake Level 408.44	CURRENT MOON moon phase	Today High: -- Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.	Monday High: 56 Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 5 mph.

Fishing Report

Normal Pool Elevation 408

DeGray Lake Fishing Report 04/28/2011

Local angler George Graves said the surface water temperature is near 70 degrees and the lake is clear except for the upper end which is discolored. The lake level has come up about 8 feet in the past few days due to extreme rainfall. Very few fishermen have been out because of stormy conditions. Bass fishing is fair with only a few decent reports of fish taken around the Caddo Drive and Arlie Moore areas. Fish have been shallow in 5 to 10 feet of water. Best spots have been on secondary points in major creeks and coves. In the morning some surface activity reported in the backs of coves. During the day the best pattern has been to throw a jig and plastic trailer, Texas- or Carolina-rigged worm or a jerk bait. However with the sudden rise in the lake level, it is hard to tell where the fish will be now. Crappie fishing has been pretty good with the spawn winding down. Fish will be outside the spawning coves on attractors in 18 to 20 feet of water. Some spawning activity was reported in the Caddo Drive area. A good area for spawning fish now is the south side of the lake between Brushy Creek and Iron Mountain. Fish the coves with standing timber in 18 to 25 feet of water. The best lure is a 1/16-ounce chartreuse jig head with a Tennessee shad Kalin's 2-inch grub. Hybrid fishing is slow with only a few reports of small fish. The best area for hybrids is between Point 15 and Shouse Ford. The best tactic is trolling a 3-inch white or Tennessee shad grub on a chartreuse 1/4-ounce jig head. Troll with a long line, (at least 100 feet), slowly, less than 2 miles per hour. Work the edges of the old river channel and creek channels. The fish will be suspended about 12 to 15 feet down.