An Overview of Oklahoma's Rivers and Lakes
Major Rivers, Lakes, and Streams
Oklahoma is home to several notable water bodies, including the Arkansas River and the Red River. Among the lakes, Lake Texoma and Eufaula Lake are widely known for their size and recreation opportunities. The Grand Lake o' the Cherokees and the Illinois River are also prominent water features in the state. These rivers and lakes play crucial roles in both recreation and water management for Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma's waterways are integral to the state's geography and history.
Sources of Water for Rivers and Lakes
Oklahoma's rivers and lakes primarily receive water from rainfall and smaller, regional sources rather than from distant mountain snowmelt. Some rivers, like the Arkansas River, are influenced by watersheds extending into nearby states such as Colorado. In contrast, the state's lakes, particularly the man-made reservoirs, are mostly filled by local rainfall and runoff. The Red River also collects water from regional streams and tributaries, flowing from the Texas and Oklahoma border. Oklahoma does not rely heavily on distant mountain ranges for its water supply.
Types of Major Rivers
Oklahoma's major perennial rivers include the Arkansas River and the Red River, which flow year-round. Exotic rivers such as the Cimarron flow through arid regions but maintain flow due to external water sources. Tributary rivers, including the Canadian River, feed into larger bodies, while the Arkansas River acts as a distributary in some regions, spreading water across the landscape. Man-made rivers like the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System and various aqueducts facilitate transport and water distribution across the state.
Types of Lakes Found in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's lakes are mostly anthropogenic, including large reservoirs like Lake Eufaula and Lake Texoma, which were created for flood control and water storage. There are also fluvial lakes formed from river meandering and damming. While tectonic and volcanic lakes are not present, Oklahoma does feature solution lakes, such as those formed by the dissolution of limestone, which can be found in regions with karst topography. Additionally, anthropogenic lakes are created for recreation and water management, often by state or federal agencies.
Direction of River Flow
Oklahoma's rivers generally run from the northwest to the southeast, following the natural topography of the region. The Arkansas River and Canadian River are prime examples of rivers flowing in this direction, gradually moving toward the Mississippi River Basin. Some smaller rivers, like the Cimarron, have more winding and variable paths, but overall the general flow is southeast. The Red River, forming the southern border of the state, follows an eastward path into Louisiana.
Natural vs Man-Made Lakes
Most of Oklahoma's lakes are man-made, with many constructed during the mid-20th century for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played a major role in creating these reservoirs, including Lake Eufaula, one of the largest in the state. State agencies also contributed to the development of smaller lakes for local water supply and recreation. Natural lakes are rare in Oklahoma, as the majority are artificial creations meant to serve multiple purposes.
Rivers Used for Transportation
The Arkansas River is heavily utilized for transportation, especially as part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. This system allows barges to transport goods from the interior of Oklahoma to the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. Each year, millions of tons of cargo, including agricultural products and petroleum, are moved through this system. Smaller rivers do not play a significant role in transportation, as they are less navigable and primarily serve local needs.
Dams and Their Uses
Oklahoma has numerous dams across its rivers and lakes, primarily used for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation. Some of the most notable dams include the Eufaula Dam and the Keystone Dam, which also support recreational activities. These dams help regulate water levels, especially during heavy rain events, preventing downstream flooding. Hydroelectric dams, such as those on the Grand River, also provide a source of renewable energy for the state.
Rivers and Lakes for Recreation
Oklahoma offers a variety of recreational activities on its rivers and lakes, with popular spots including Lake Texoma and the Illinois River. Lake Eufaula is favored for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, while the Illinois River is a top destination for kayaking and rafting. The McClellan-Kerr Navigation System allows for larger boating activities and is popular with recreational boaters. Many lakes also support house boating and water skiing, making Oklahoma's water features a hub for tourism and outdoor activities.
Water Features Supporting Agriculture
Oklahoma’s rivers and reservoirs play a critical role in supporting the state's agriculture. Irrigation from water bodies such as the Arkansas River and its tributaries helps sustain crops in arid parts of the state. Reservoirs like Lake Texoma also provide essential water storage that can be used during droughts to support farming operations. Additionally, smaller streams and lakes contribute to the overall agricultural infrastructure, ensuring water availability for both crops and livestock.
Pollution Issues in Rivers and Lakes
Several rivers and lakes in Oklahoma have faced pollution problems, particularly due to agricultural runoff and industrial activities. The Illinois River has experienced issues with nutrient pollution, primarily from poultry farms, leading to harmful algal blooms. The Arkansas River has also seen pollution from oil and gas extraction as well as urban runoff in more populated areas. Efforts to clean up and regulate pollution in these water bodies are ongoing, but they remain an environmental concern for the state.
Oklahoma Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Arkansas River, Kay Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Le Flore Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Muskogee Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Noble Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Pawnee Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Sequoyah Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Tulsa Co, Oklahoma
Arkansas River, Wagoner Co, Oklahoma
Atoka Reservoir, Atoka Co, Oklahoma
Baron Fork,Adair Co, Oklahoma
Baron Fork,Cherokee Co, Oklahoma
Beaver Creek, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
Beaver Creek, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Beaver Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Cimarron Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Ellis Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Harper Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Texas Co, Oklahoma
Beaver River, Woodward Co, Oklahoma
Big Cabin Creek, Craig Co, Oklahoma
Big Cabin Creek, Mayes Co, Oklahoma
Bird Creek, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Bird Creek, Rogers Co, Oklahoma
Bird Creek, Tulsa Co, Oklahoma
Black Bear Creek, Garfield Co, Oklahoma
Black Bear Creek, Noble Co, Oklahoma
Black Bear Creek, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Black Bear Creek, Pawnee Co, Oklahoma
Blue River, Bryan Co, Oklahoma
Blue River, Johnston Co, Oklahoma
Bluff Creek, Grant Co, Oklahoma
Broken Bow Lake, McCurtain Co, Oklahoma
Buck Creek, Harmon Co, Oklahoma
Caddo Creek, Carter Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Blaine Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Canadian Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Cleveland Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Custer Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Dewey Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Ellis Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Grady Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Hughes Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, McClain Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, McIntosh Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Pittsburg Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Pontotoc Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Pottawatomie Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Roger Mills Co, Oklahoma
Canadian River, Seminole Co, Oklahoma
Caney River, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Caney River, Rogers Co, Oklahoma
Caney River, Tulsa Co, Oklahoma
Caney River, Washington Co, Oklahoma
Canton Lake, Blaine Co, Oklahoma
Canton Lake, Dewey Co, Oklahoma
Chikaskia River, Grant Co, Oklahoma
Chikaskia River, Kay Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Beaver Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Blaine Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Cimarron Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Creek Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Harper Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Kingfisher Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Logan Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Major Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Payne Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Woods Co, Oklahoma
Cimarron River, Woodward Co, Oklahoma
Clear Boggy Creek, Atoka Co, Oklahoma
Clear Boggy Creek, Bryan Co, Oklahoma
Clear Boggy Creek, Choctaw Co, Oklahoma
Clear Boggy Creek, Coal Co, Oklahoma
Clear Boggy Creek, Pontotoc Co, Oklahoma
Copan Lake, Washington Co, Oklahoma
Deep Fork,Lincoln Co, Oklahoma
Deep Fork,Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
Deep Red Creek, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Deep Red Creek, Tillman Co, Oklahoma
Deer Creek, Blaine Co, Oklahoma
Deer Creek, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Deer Creek, Custer Co, Oklahoma
Deer Creek, Dewey Co, Oklahoma
Dirty Creek, McIntosh Co, Oklahoma
Dirty Creek, Muskogee Co, Oklahoma
Eagle Chief Creek, Alfalfa Co, Oklahoma
Eagle Chief Creek, Major Co, Oklahoma
Eagle Chief Creek, Woods Co, Oklahoma
East Cache Creek, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
East Cache Creek, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Elk Creek, Beckham Co, Oklahoma
Elk Creek, Kiowa Co, Oklahoma
Elk Creek, Washita Co, Oklahoma
Elm Fork Red River, Beckham Co, Oklahoma
Elm Fork Red River, Greer Co, Oklahoma
Elm Fork Red River, Harmon Co, Oklahoma
Eufaula Lake, Haskell Co, Oklahoma
Eufaula Lake, McIntosh Co, Oklahoma
Eufaula Lake, Pittsburg Co, Oklahoma
Fort Cobb Reservoir, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Fort Gibson Lake, Cherokee Co, Oklahoma
Fort Gibson Lake, Wagoner Co, Oklahoma
Fort Supply Lake, Woodward Co, Oklahoma
Foss Reservoir, Custer Co, Oklahoma
Gaines Creek, Latimer Co, Oklahoma
Gaines Creek, Pittsburg Co, Oklahoma
Glover River, McCurtain Co, Oklahoma
Goff Creek, Cimarron Co, Oklahoma
Goff Creek, Texas Co, Oklahoma
Great Salt Plains Lake, Alfalfa Co, OK
Hugo Lake, Choctaw Co, Oklahoma
Hulah Lake, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Illinois River, Adair Co, Oklahoma
Illinois River, Cherokee Co, Oklahoma
Illinois River, Delaware Co, Oklahoma
Kaw Lake, Kay Co, Oklahoma
Kaw Lake, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Keystone Lake, Creek Co, Oklahoma
Keystone Lake, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Keystone Lake, Pawnee Co, Oklahoma
Keystone Lake, Tulsa Co, Oklahoma
Kiamichi River, Choctaw Co, Oklahoma
Kiamichi River, Le Flore Co, Oklahoma
Kiamichi River, Pushmataha Co, Oklahoma
Lake Altus,Greer Co, Oklahoma
Lake Altus,Kiowa Co, Oklahoma
Lake Carl Blackwell, Payne Co, Oklahoma
Lake Chickasha, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Lake Ellsworth, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Lake Ellsworth, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
Lake Eucha, Delaware Co, Oklahoma
Lake Fuqua, Stephens Co, Oklahoma
Lake Hefner, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
Lake Hudson, Mayes Co, Oklahoma
Lake Lawtonka, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
Lake McAlester, Pittsburg Co, Oklahoma
Lake Murray,Carter Co, Oklahoma
Lake Murray,Love Co, Oklahoma
Lake O' The Cherokees,Delaware Co, OK
Lake O' The Cherokees,Mayes Co, Oklahoma
Lake of the Arbuckles,Murray Co, Oklahoma
Lake Overholser,Canadian Co, Oklahoma
Lake Overholser,Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
Lake Texoma,Bryan Co, Oklahoma
Lake Texoma,Johnston Co, Oklahoma
Lake Texoma,Love Co, Oklahoma
Lake Texoma,Marshall Co, Oklahoma
Lake Thunderbird,Cleveland Co, Oklahoma
Little Beaver Creek, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Little Beaver Creek, Grady Co, Oklahoma
Little Beaver Creek, Stephens Co, Oklahoma
Little River, Cleveland Co, Oklahoma
Little River, Hughes Co, Oklahoma
Little River, McCurtain Co, Oklahoma
Little River, Pottawatomie Co, Oklahoma
Little River, Pushmataha Co, Oklahoma
Little River, Seminole Co, Oklahoma
Little Sandy Creek, Alfalfa Co, Oklahoma
Little Washita River, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Little Washita River, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
Little Washita River, Grady Co, Oklahoma
Medicine Lodge River, Alfalfa Co, Oklahoma
Mud Creek, Jefferson Co, Oklahoma
Mud Creek, Love Co, Oklahoma
Muddy Boggy Creek, Atoka Co, Oklahoma
Muddy Boggy Creek, Coal Co, Oklahoma
Neosho River, Craig Co, Oklahoma
Neosho River, Ottawa Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Blaine Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Canadian Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Dewey Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Hughes Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Lincoln Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Major Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, McIntosh Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Okfuskee Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Okmulgee Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Pottawatomie Co, OK
North Canadian River, Seminole Co, Oklahoma
North Canadian River, Woodward Co, Oklahoma
North Fork Red River, Beckham Co, Oklahoma
North Fork Red River, Greer Co, Oklahoma
North Fork Red River, Jackson Co, Oklahoma
North Fork Red River, Kiowa Co, Oklahoma
North Fork Red River, Tillman Co, Oklahoma
Oologah Lake, Nowata Co, Oklahoma
Oologah Lake, Rogers Co, Oklahoma
Persimmon Creek, Woodward Co, Oklahoma
Pine Creek Lake, McCurtain Co, Oklahoma
Polecat Creek, Creek Co, Oklahoma
Polecat Creek, Tulsa Co, Oklahoma
Pond Creek, Grant Co, Oklahoma
Poteau River, Le Flore Co, Oklahoma
Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, Harmon Co, OK
Pryor Creek, Craig Co, Oklahoma
Pryor Creek, Mayes Co, Oklahoma
Pryor Creek, Rogers Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Bryan Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Choctaw Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Harmon Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Jackson Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Jefferson Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Love Co, Oklahoma
Red River, McCurtain Co, Oklahoma
Red River, Tillman Co, Oklahoma
Red Rock Creek, Garfield Co, Oklahoma
Red Rock Creek, Noble Co, Oklahoma
Red Rock Creek, Pawnee Co, Oklahoma
Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Haskell Co, OH
Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Le Flore Co, OK
Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Muskogee Co, OK
Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sequoyah Co, OK
Rush Creek, Garvin Co, Oklahoma
Rush Creek, Grady Co, Oklahoma
Sallisaw Creek, Adair Co, Oklahoma
Sallisaw Creek, Sequoyah Co, Oklahoma
Salt Creek, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Alfalfa Co, OK
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Grant Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Kay Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Noble Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Arkansas River, Woods Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Red River, Greer Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Red River, Harmon Co, Oklahoma
Salt Fork Red River, Jackson Co, Oklahoma
Sand Creek, Cimarron Co, Oklahoma
Sand Creek, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Sand Creek, Texas Co, Oklahoma
Sand Creek, Washington Co, Oklahoma
Sans Bois Creek, Haskell Co, Oklahoma
Sans Bois Creek, Pittsburg Co, Oklahoma
Sardis Lake, Latimer Co, Oklahoma
Sardis Lake, Pushmataha Co, Oklahoma
Skeleton Creek, Garfield Co, Oklahoma
Skeleton Creek, Kingfisher Co, Oklahoma
Skeleton Creek, Logan Co, Oklahoma
Skiatook Lake, Osage Co, Oklahoma
Sooner Lake, Noble Co, Oklahoma
Sooner Lake, Pawnee Co, Oklahoma
Spavinaw Lake, Delaware Co, Oklahoma
Spavinaw Lake, Mayes Co, Oklahoma
Stanley Draper Lake, Cleveland Co, Oklahoma
Stanley Draper Lake, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma
Sugar Creek, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Cherokee Co, Oklahoma
Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Sequoyah Co, Oklahoma
Tenmile Creek, Atoka Co, Oklahoma
Tenmile Creek, Pushmataha Co, Oklahoma
Tom Steed Reservoir, Kiowa Co, Oklahoma
Turkey Creek, Garfield Co, Oklahoma
Turkey Creek, Kingfisher Co, Oklahoma
Turkey Creek, Major Co, Oklahoma
Verdigris River, Nowata Co, Oklahoma
Verdigris River, Rogers Co, Oklahoma
Verdigris River, Wagoner Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Caddo Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Carter Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Custer Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Garvin Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Grady Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Johnston Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Kiowa Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Marshall Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Murray Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Roger Mills Co, Oklahoma
Washita River, Washita Co, Oklahoma
Waurika Lake, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Waurika Lake, Jefferson Co, Oklahoma
Waurika Lake, Stephens Co, Oklahoma
Webbers Falls Reservoir, Muskogee Co, K
West Cache Creek, Comanche Co, Oklahoma
West Cache Creek, Cotton Co, Oklahoma
Wewoka Creek, Hughes Co, Oklahoma
Wewoka Creek, Seminole Co, Oklahoma
Wister Lake, Le Flore Co, Oklahoma
Wolf Creek, Ellis Co, Oklahoma
Wolf Creek, Woodward Co, Oklahoma