Konawa Lake will be closed for much of the day this Wednesday, Feb. 25 ss Oklahoma Gas and Electric performs a land management procedure on the lake’s “island.”

According to Tim Coffey, who works at OG&E’s Seminole Power Plant, all boat docks and access areas will be closed between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. while the work is being performed.

OG&E manages Lake Konawa as a 1,350-acre cooling reservoir for its adjacent Seminole Power Plant. Beyond its primary purpose for power generation, OG&E maintains the lake as a public, high-quality fishery and recreational area, which has become famous for its trophy largemouth bass. The reservoir was constructed by OG&E in the late 1960s, creating a cooling water source for the Seminole Generating Station. The lake level is managed by pumping water from the South Canadian River to support the plant, which requires up to a million gallons of water per minute when its generators are operating.

In cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), the lake is managed for high-quality fishing. Management includes periodic stocking of Florida- strain largemouth bass, monitoring white bass, and adjusting hybrid striped bass populations.

The power plant’s warm-water discharge into the lake during winter months enhances the fishery by keeping the water warmer, fostering rapid fish growth and an active food chain.

OG&E allows public access to the lake for fishing and water skiing. There are three boat ramps and picnic areas.