What’s the Largest Artificial Lake in Missouri?

Missouri lays claim, among other things, to St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion; Kansas City barbecue; and the confluence of the two longest rivers in the United States, the Missouri and Mississippi, which then flows out into the Gulf of Mexico. As such, the 24th state is also home to a vibrant collection of lakes and reservoirs.

Lakes are bodies of water that exists entirely naturally—with no human interference. In contrast, reservoirs, also known as artificial lakes, emerge as a result entirely of human construction or are augmented by it. Dams and water management systems are constructed for several reasons: energy production, irrigation for agricultural purposes, and water usage for urban areas. A byproduct is often an artificial lake.

With more than 3,600 dams, Missouri has plenty of reservoirs or artificial lakes to show off. Here, we’ll learn about the largest one in the Show Me State. 

What Is the Largest Artificial Lake in Missouri?

With a surface area of more than 55,000 acres at its normal level, Truman Lake is unquestionably the largest artificial lake in Missouri, although there is some stiff competition from the Lake of the Ozarks, which covers about 54,000 acres. Truman Lake serves as a flood control outlet to the Lake of the Ozarks, so its surface area increases to around 200,000 acres when it’s flooded.

Truman Lake wasn’t always so big, however. For thousands of years, before Europeans settled there, the land the lake now covers was occupied by various Native American tribes. In the early 19th century, in 1820s, the town of Warsaw saw its first Europeans residents arrive, although the town wasn’t incorporated until 1843. Warsaw was a steamboat port, as it was the farthest point that could be navigated on the Osage River.

While it is presently named after the 33rd U.S. president Harry S Truman, that wasn’t always the case. Prior to the completion of the current dam in 1979 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Truman Reservoir was known as the Kaysinger Bluff Dam and Reservoir, so named because of a local land formation located near the dam. Approved and named in 1954, construction on the dam didn’t begin until 10 years later.

The lake sits just north of Springfield, Missouri, and southeast of Kansas City. Its shape follows the routes of several watersheds, appearing like four fingers snaking their way west from the dam.

Other Artificial Lakes in Missouri

The nearest in size is just east of Truman Reservoir and also on the Osage River. The Lake of the Ozarks’ Bagnal Dam is only 90 miles away from Truman Lake. Its surface area covers more than 54,000 acres. The Lake of the Ozarks is followed, in surface area, by Bull Shoals Lake, which covers about 45,000 acres. The reservoir impounds the White River and is located in southern Missouri, but most of it is in northern Arkansas. At about 43,000 surface area acres, also on the White River, Table Rock Lake sits in the Ozark Mountains, which provides an unparalleled backdrop of natural beauty.

Wildlife Around the Reservoir

Truman Lake isn’t just a pretty landscape; it’s also home to hundreds of species of animals. These include birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even mammals. Venturing through the lands surrounding Truman Lake, you might encounter opossums, muskrats, beavers, woodchucks, cottontails, foxes, or even skunks. Larger, rarer animals include black bears and bobcats, which only rarely come in contact with people. White-tailed deer also call the lake their home, as do badgers and raccoons. 

And when it comes to birds, Truman Lake has plenty. Waterfowl, including grebes, herons, geese, mallards, and wood ducks, dominate the tranquil waters. Nearby, you might hear the warbling songs of robins or encounter red-winged blackbirds, chickadees, and flickers.

Things to Do at Truman Reservoir

Camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking top the list of outdoor activities in and around the largest man-made lake in Missouri. But what if you’ve been outside all day, and you’re ready for a hot meal and a nice bed? Look no further than the small, historic town of Warsaw. Warsaw has several places to eat, drink, and stay, as well as lots to see. Start with the Benton County Museum, before taking in the beautiful Drake Harbor. Then, wander the historic streets of the town, and learn more about the rich history of the area.

Fishing at Truman Lake

What fish species can you expect to find in Truman Lake? There are catfish of the blue, channel, and flathead varieties. Large flathead catfish can be found at the Tebo arm of the reservoir, and also at the Osage and Grand arms (at the upper extremities of the latter location). Blue and channel catfish can be caught on flats, with the former available for most of the year.

Bass are also available including varieties such as largemouth, spotted, striped, and white. White bass are best caught between March and May when they can be found making spawning runs along the Osage branch of the reservoir.

Where Is Truman Lake Located on a Map?

Truman Lake, also referred to as the Harry S Truman Reservoir, can be found in the state of Missouri. The reservoir stretches from Osceola in the south to a location between Clinton and Warsaw on the Osage River.

Here is Truman Lake on a map: