What Kind Of Lake Is Lake Oconee?

What Kind Of Lake Is Lake Oconee?

Lake Oconee in Georgia is a man made lake that was made by impounding the 2 rivers - Apalachee and Oconee River. The lake was impounded in 1979 by Georgia Power Company, and encompasses 19,050 acres with 374 miles of shoreline. The dam is a hydroelectric dam which generates electricity. On of the neat things about it is that they can reverse the trubines to back-pump the water back into Lake Oconee. Therefore, we have a very constatnt water level compared to other lakes, which have a big fluctuation if water levels. Since the water levels remain pretty constant, there is no need for floating docks at Lake Oconee. Georgia Power only allows the stationery wood docks, and no boat houses, unless the are grandfathered in as an original property owner from before the lake was impounded. So, there are only about 11 boat houses on the entire lake. There is no set schedule for water draws, but they typically draw the water down in the afternoon, around 1:00 p.m., and back pump the water during the night. So, the lake level usually won't be drawn down more than about 6 inches to one and half feet per day.

Lake Oconee is great for boating, fishing, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. There are several public beaches and boat ramps at the Georgia Power campgrounds. Bring the family and check them out. They will love Lake Oconee, and you will make some great memories together.