Lake Flint Creek Explained

36.2509°N -94.5337°W

Lake Flint Creek, also known as SWEPCO Lake,^[1] is located about five miles north of the City of Siloam Springs in Benton County, Arkansas.^[2] It was made by constructing a 100’ high dam on Little Flint Creek in the 1975-1978 timeframe, creating a lake of about 500 acres.^[2]

The lake is owned by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), which built it to provide cooling water to its Flint Creek Power Plant.^[2] Water flows back into the lake at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which in turn provides a warmer water environment for fish than most Arkansas lakes.^[3] SWEPCO allows public access to the lake, and the surroundings include a boat ramp.^{[1] [4]} The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission promotes fishing there through stocking and helping to build fish habitat.^[1] Fish species include Florida largemouth bass as well as Northern largemouth bass.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: AGFC powers up SWEPCO Lake with massive fish habitat project. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. July 31, 2021. 2019-12-11.
2. Web site: Flint Creek Power Plant. Encyclopedia of Arkansas. July 31, 2021.
3. Web site: Bass, anglers like it hot at Swepco Lake. Flip Putthoff, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, March 14, 2017 . July 31, 2021.
4. Web site: Lake Flint Creek. Google Maps. July 31, 2021.