Overview
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees is a roughly 46,500-acre reservoir on the Grand (Neosho) River in the Ozark foothills of northeastern Oklahoma, spanning Craig, Delaware, Mayes, and Ottawa counties. It was created in 1940 when the Grand River Dam Authority completed Pensacola Dam—the longest multiple-arch dam of its kind—between Langley and Disney. GRDA operates the project for hydroelectric power and recreation; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assumes flood-control authority when the reservoir rises into the flood pool.
The lake has about 1,300 miles of shoreline, averages near 36 feet deep, and reaches roughly 140 feet in deeper holes. Rocky bluffs, long points, flooded timber lines, and three major river arms (Neosho, Spring, and Elk) give Grand a deep, clear character that sets it apart from many Oklahoma plains reservoirs.
Grand is a regional draw for powerboating, sailing, and fishing for largemouth and spotted bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish, with fisheries managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Extensive marina and resort development, plus public ramps and parks, support year-round recreation from Grove to the Pensacola Dam area. Downstream sister reservoirs include Lake Hudson and Fort Gibson Lake.
Water levels follow GRDA's Pensacola Datum rule curve—commonly about 742 feet PD as a base, rising toward 744 feet PD in early summer and dipping near 741 feet PD in late summer—while the Corps manages flood storage between roughly 745 and 755 feet PD. Elevations are reported on Pensacola Datum rather than NGVD29/NAVD88 alone, so monitoring current lake levels is important for shoreline property, boating, and fishing throughout the year.
Current Conditions
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees is currently 1.04 feet above full pool and has been falling over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.83 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.94 ft
- Drought conditionsModerate Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees is a 46,500-acre reservoir on the Neosho River managed by Grand River Dam Authority.