Overview
Reelfoot Lake is Tennessee's largest natural lake, a roughly 15,500-acre shallow wetland lake in Lake and Obion counties in the northwest corner of the state (extending slightly into Kentucky). It was formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812, which dropped the land and allowed the Mississippi River to flood the basin. The lake is managed cooperatively by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge).
Averaging only about 5 feet deep with a maximum near 18 feet and roughly 54 miles of shoreline, Reelfoot is a cypress-studded, stump-filled natural lake unlike any reservoir in the state. Standing timber, lily pads, and flooded forest create exceptional wildlife habitat and a unique, almost subtropical landscape.
The lake is famous for crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and winter bald eagle watching, and it draws anglers and birders from across the region. Public access is available through state parks, the national wildlife refuge, and commercial docks around Tiptonville and Samburg.
Water levels on Reelfoot Lake are managed under a state and federal water-level plan around a nominal summer elevation near 282.2 feet (NAVD88), with a natural full-pool level defined in Tennessee law at 283.6 feet. Because the lake is shallow and gated at the spillway, monitoring current lake levels is important for boating safety and fishing access throughout the year.
Current Conditions
Reelfoot Lake is currently at full pool and has fallen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.14 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.41 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Reelfoot Lake is a 15,500-acre reservoir on the Reelfoot Creek and local runoff managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.