LAKE EUFAULA BUSINESSES

The Federal Government has been improving navigation along the Apalachicola River since the early 1800's. Between 1828 and 1831, the Corps of Engineers removed obstructions from the river to provide for shallow draft vessel traffic. In 1874, the project was modified to provide for improvement of the Apalachicola River to secure a channel 6 feet deep at low water and 100 feet wide throughout its length. Passage of the 1945 River and Harbors Act authorized a 9 by 100 foot channel to be constructed on the Apalachicola River, the Chattahoochee River segment to Columbus, Georgia and the Flint River segment to Bainbridge, Georgia.

In 1953, a resolution was adopted by the House Committee on Public Works for the development of the ACF River Basin. The Walter F. George,George W. Andrews and Woodruff Lock and Dam - Lake Seminole projects were authorized for navigation, power generation and stream flow regulation. Recreational facilities at the lakes were authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944. The lakes have been operational since 1963.

Walter F. George Lake is a 45,000 acre lake located on the Chattahoocee River between the states of Alabama and Georgia. This area is rich in history with many nearby historic sites and towns. The lake is nationally known for it's bass and crappie fishing. The lock, located at Ft. Gaines, Georgia, has the second highest drop east of the Mississippi River. Fishing and water recreation opportunities abound. Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of the lake offering excellent bird viewing all year. There are both state and Corps of Engineers operated campgrounds and day use parks featuring picnic areas, beaches and boat ramps, among other opportunities.

Lake Eufaula was formed with the construction of the Walter F. George Dam in 1963. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CE) built the dam to provide flood control, produce hydroelectric power, create a navigable shipping channel and offer recreational opportunities.

The COE manages the lake and its shoreline. A system of buoys and daymarks is in place throughout the lake to mark the main navigable channel. The COE has placed numerous fish attractors in the lake. The attractors provide artificial habitate for fish and are clearly marked with buoys.

Since the lake is a border water, part of it lies in Alabama and part in Georgia, a reciprocal agreement has been reached between the states which allows anyone with a valid fishing license in either state to fish the entire lake. This holds true when on the water but when shore fishing a valid license for the state you are in is required.

Lake Profile

Size and Depth - 45,180 acres with a maximum depth of 96 feet at normal pool elevation of 190 feet above mean sea level (msl).

Water Source - An impoundment of the Chattahoochee River. Other inflows are provided by Cowikee, Grass, Chewalla, Barbour, White Oak and Pataula creeks.

Shoreline - 640 miles of shoreline, is managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A large part is developed as municipalities and private residences.

Bottom - Primarily clay with areas of sand and rock. Prior to inundation, trees were cut between 170 and 190 feet msl. Most trees were cut to a level of 180 feet msl and some areas were left standing.

Water - The lake is fertile with water color ranging from reddish to dark green. Visible clarity varies with run-off and amount of water flow through the lake but it is generally from 18 inches to 4 feet.

Cover - Aquatic vegetation is limited throughout the lake, but areas of hydrilla exist. The backs of coves and creeks contain bulrush, cattails, maidencane and lillypads.