Recreation Opportunities Abound
Clearwater Lake
Recreation Opportunities Abound
By James Beard
Clearwater Operations Manager
Beautiful Clearwater Lake nestled in the Ozarks of Southeast
Missouri was built in the 1940s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
to provide flood reduction on Black River, and since that time,
the lake has prevented millions of dollars in flood damages. Though
its main purpose is to provide flood control, Clearwater Lake
also offers numerous recreation opportunities and hosts hundreds
of thousands of visitors annually. This lake lives up to its name
offering clear, clean water where it's not uncommon to be able
to see a fish actually hit your lure 10 feet beneath the surface.
The lake has large numbers of bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Black River, downstream of Clearwater Lake, offers the opportunity
to catch walleye and spoonbill. Anglers return year after year.
Visitors love to swim in the refreshing waters of this lake. There
is nothing like jumping into the cool, clear water on a hot day.
There are several swim beaches, perfect to catch some sun.
The Corps has built five campgrounds around the waters of Black
River and Clearwater Lake. These campgrounds have become popular
places for campers and day-users. They have both electric and
water hookups available, and each campground is equipped with
playground equipment and picnic tables that are used by both campers
and day-users. All the parks are right on the water and provide
scenic vistas and easy access to the water's edge.
Group picnic shelters provide the perfect place to hold family
reunions, birthday parties or any type of group activity. There
are people who return every year to gather together and cook out
and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Many people enjoy canoeing and tubing on Black River, above and
below Clearwater Lake. There is excellent fishing along both parts
of the river. The rolling hills that follow the path of the river
offer scenery that is hard to surpass. There are several vendors
along Black River that provide canoes, tubes and all the needed
accessories.
There are several nature trails that offer the perfect opportunity
to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Hikers often view
squirrels, rabbits, deer, turkey, and beaver. There are also all
kinds of songbirds. River Road Park offers an exercise trail for
those who love to work out.
The area has a bit of history. A little over 100 years ago, Jesse
James and his gang financed his honeymoon by holding up the St.
Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad at Gads Hill. He escaped by fording
the Black River and riding out of Sinking Creek Valley, across
land that is now part of Clearwater Project. Visitors to the lake
and river have a huge influence on the local economy. Many local
businesses provide services to these visitors. These businesses,
along with the staff at the Clearwater Project Office, do their
best to provide the facilities and atmosphere that make Clearwater
Lake a great place to visit. Beautiful Clearwater Lake is a place
where memories are made.
To ensure a campsite will be available upon your arrival, call
the National Recreation Reservation System at 1-877-444-6777 or
log on to www.ReserveUSA.com and make your reservations in advance.
For more information regarding water levels and recreational opportunities
at Clearwater Lake, contact the Corps at RR 3 Box 3559D, Piedmont,
MO 63957, or call the Clearwater Project Office. Other general
lake and agency information can be retrieved from the Internet
at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/clearwater.
For future lake levels and river conditions, check the Lower Mississippi
River Forecast Center at www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/black_white.shtml
and the Corps of Engineers Water Control Data System at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/