The lake level at Arkabutla Lake has been unusally low since early May when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) activated an emergency plan for the dam due to issues the Corps of Engineers found.
Corps officials stress that the lake will continue to see lower than normal water levels for the foreseeable future until repairs are completed.
In information provided on Thursday, Dec. 28, USACE Vicksburg District officials released a list of areas where visitors can access the lake bottom while the lake level remains low.
Those areas are as follows:
Kelley’s Access
Fogg Road Access
Dietchman’s Road
Oak Grove East
Coldwater Point
Oak Grove West
Cane Creek Access
Baldwin Road Access
Crawford Point
Baker Road
Wolf Creek
Plantation Point
As the lake level was lowered, most of the traditional water access points became unusable and have remained that way. Currently the only consistent water access point is via a gravel ramp at Hwy. 51 Landing.
Boaters, including non-powered vessel users such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards must continue to abide by mandatory Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket) wear rules.
Visitors are reminded that access to the lake bottom with ATVs and UTVs is not allowed through designated recreation areas and boat ramps. A designated recreation area is a place with recreation facilities such as buildings, camp sites, picnic sites, pavilions, boat ramps, playgrounds, etc.
ATV/UTV operators must wear a DOT approved helmet when operating and use is only allowed between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
Hunters are reminded that no hunting or trapping is allowed within 1,000 feet of any dam, building, construction site, or public use area unless otherwise marked.
Other rules concerning ATV/UTV operation, hunting and fishing, and PFD wear can be accessed through the Arkabutla Lake website: https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Arkabutla-Lake
Violators of these rules can be subject to citation. For more information, please contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-561-6261 or 662-292-1992.
