Jim Chapman Lake, lake in Hopkins County, Texas
Jim Chapman Lake is a large reservoir in Texas covering approximately 19,300 acres with maximum depths around 55 feet. The water is held back by a dam on the South Sulphur River, serving to control flooding and supply water to nearby towns and water districts.
The lake was created in 1991 through the construction of a dam to manage flooding and supply water to the region. It was renamed from Cooper Lake in 1998 to honor a local congressman who represented the area.
The lake serves as a gathering place for fishing and outdoor recreation. On weekends, you often see anglers along the shore and boats on the water, reflecting how locals and visitors use this space to unwind.
Access to the lake is best through Cooper Lake State Park, which has boat ramps and parking areas. A fishing license is required for most fishing activities, though shore fishing within the state park does not require one; the park also offers picnic areas and marked trails.
The water has a light brown tint that gives the lake a soft, muted appearance and sets it apart from clearer lakes in the region. This natural coloring creates a distinctive visual character that visitors notice immediately when arriving.
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