Lake Oconee, Recreational lake in Georgia, United States.
Lake Oconee is a reservoir in Georgia that covers more than 19,000 acres of water surface and offers roughly 410 miles of shoreline. Numerous coves and wooded peninsulas shape the landscape, while residential communities and marinas are scattered at several points along the shore.
Georgia Power Company built the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River in 1979 and created this lake as part of its hydroelectric program. The dam was among the tallest of its kind in the southeastern United States at the time and continues to supply power to the region.
The name comes from the Oconee River and refers to the Muskhogean language spoken by native inhabitants who originally lived in the area. Today the lake attracts anglers pursuing bass and catfish, alongside water sports enthusiasts who sail or water-ski across its open stretches.
Access is available through public ramps and private marinas, with fishing licenses sold at regional shops. Weekends and holidays bring heavier boat traffic, so early mornings remain calmer for fishing or kayaking.
The deepest water sits directly below the Wallace Dam and reaches more than 200 feet (61 meters), keeping temperatures cool there even during summer heat. This depth draws divers who explore sunken tree stumps and submerged structures from the pre-flooding era.
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