The lake covers 8,800 surface acres (36 square kilometers) of water in the summer and has a maximum depth of 52 feet (16 meters).

Creation of Patoka Lake:

The lake was created in 1965 by damming the Patoka River with the Patoka Lake Dam, a 145-foot (44-meter) high rockfill earthen dam, which was completed in 1978. The lake is fed by several smaller tributaries, including Allen Creek, Painter Creek, and Ritter Creek.

Activities at Patoka Lake:

• Boating: The lake is a popular destination for boating, with two marinas offering rentals and other services.
• Fishing: The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and white bass.
• Swimming: There are several designated swimming areas around the lake.
• Hiking and biking: The Patoka Lake State Park offers over 10 miles of paved hiking and biking trails.
• Camping: The park has several campgrounds with various amenities.
• Wildlife watching: The area around the lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, eagles, and otters.

Patoka Lake State Park:

Patoka Lake is surrounded by the Patoka Lake State Park, which encompasses over 26,000 acres of land and water. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The park also has a swimming pool, a nature center, and a boat launch.

Overall, Patoka Lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Southern Indiana. The lake and surrounding park offer a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.