Felsenthal Lock and Dam, Arkansas & Louisiana, USA

Also known as:  Lack Jack Lee

The Felsenthal Lock and Dam, also known as Lake Jack Lee, is located in South Central Arkansas at the confluence of the Ouachita and Saline Rivers. A small portion of the 15,000-acre lake is located in the state of Louisiana, and the rest is sprawled across Arkansas’ Ashley, Bradley, and Union Counties. Construction of the reservoir and dam was completed in 1984 by the U.S. Army Corps…
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    • All About Felsenthal Lock and Dam, AR/LA

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Arkansas - Timberlands Region, AR - Louisiana - Sportsman's Paradise Region, LA -

    The Felsenthal Lock and Dam, also known as Lake Jack Lee, is located in South Central Arkansas at the confluence of the Ouachita and Saline Rivers. A small portion of the 15,000-acre lake is located in the state of Louisiana, and the rest is sprawled across Arkansas’ Ashley, Bradley, and Union Counties. Construction of the reservoir and dam was completed in 1984 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, energy, and recreational purposes. The lock is 84 feet wide and 600 feet long, and impounds a slack-water pool that stretches for roughly 100 miles.

    The Felsenthal Lock and Dam is part of the Ouachita River Basin, which is characterized by hilly wetlands and the 605-mile Ouachita River running through it. Local recreational activities include boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Fishing is fruitful year round in these waters, and common species include black bass, crappies, sunfish, bream, freshwater drum, rock bass and chain pickerel. Additionally, the lake is stocked with largemouth bass on an annual basis. Two day-use facilities are located at Lake Jack Lee, including a picnic area, playground, and fishing pier. Boat launches, parking lots, and restrooms are also available to the public.

    The Felsenthal National Wildife Refuge proudly boasts the status of the largest green tree reservoir in the world – common arboreal species include nuttall oak, sweetgum, and willow oak. Attracting 400,000 visitors per year, the preserve is composed of 65,000 acres of protected wetlands, hardwood forests, one 3-acre pond, one 1-acre pond and the Felsenthal Lock and Dam. It also contains archaeological sites belonging the Caddo tribe – some dating as far back as 5,000 years. These Native Americans are best remembered for their phenomenal ceramic and copper artisan creations. Various ceremonial sites revolving around corn and tobacco harvests can be found throughout the park, along with ancient burial mounds and artifacts. Conveniently situated within the Mississippi flyway (one of the four major migratory bird pathways), the refuge was established in 1970 with four central purposes in mind: providing a habitat for migratory birds and endangered species, protecting cultural resources, and providing public recreation and environmental education.

    The Felsenthal Lock and Dam area is home to 100 species of birds (including bald eagles and endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers), American alligators and black bears, which can be observed on the several hiking trails and 11 camping spots throughout the park. Youth turkey hunts, fishing derbies, and other special events are offered seasonally. During the autumn months, Lake Jack Lee’s elevation rises by five feet, and spillage into nearby ponds and sloughs raises the park’s water surface area from 15,000 to 36,000 acres. Hunters love the influx of winter waterfowl that this flooding tends to bring.

    South of the Felsenthal Lock and Dam, in the state of Louisianna, sits the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1978, the 14,500-acre preserve is 18 miles long and 10 miles wide. Its hardwood forests, reforested farmland, lakes and waterways provide an exceptional habitat for geese, ducks, and water birds, The endangered Louisiana black bear also finds sanctuary among these grounds, along with alligators, turkey, deer, bald eagles, beavers, and squirrels. Various conservation efforts are in place to foster the survival of local wildlife, including prescribed burns, farming, silvicultural treatments (the thinning of trees), invasive species control, forest restoration and the cultivation of moist soil habitats.

    Just five miles east of Felsenthal Lock and Dam, on Highway 83, lies the town of Crossett. Here, visitors will enjoy the Crossland Zoo and the historic Wiggins Cabin/Old Company House. Just east of Crossett you’ll find El Dorado, which has consistently featured a “showdown at Sunset” performance every Saturday night since the 1980s. This reenactment imitates the 1902 shootout between two rivaling El Dorado families: the Tuckers and the Parnells. The city is also home to the South Arkansas Arts Center, South Arkansas Symphony, and South Arkansas Arboretum.

    Visitors with a sense of adventure and a love of the water will appreciate all that Felsenthal Lock and Dam has to offer. Local attractions surrounding Lake Jack Lee make for a unique and varied experience, and one that you are not soon to forget.

    Things to Do at Felsenthal Lock and Dam

    These are some activities in the Felsenthal Lock and Dam, AR/LA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Felsenthal Lock and Dam?

    Felsenthal Lock and Dam has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Crappie
    • Freshwater Drum
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
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    Felsenthal Lock and Dam Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 15,000 acres

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 65 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 70 feet

    Completion Year: 1984

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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