Truman Lake is the largest flood control lake in Missouri At normal pool of 706 ft. above mean sea level the lake has a surface area of about 55,600 acres – which can get to over 200,000 acres at the top of the flood control pool during periods of flooding, The Truman Power Plant has six turbine generators and a rated capacity of 160,000 kilowatts. Additionally the power plants located at Stockton and Mark Twain lakes are remotely controlled from Truman Dam.
The lake and more than 100,000 acres of land surrounding the lake is managed for fish and wildlife. Agricultural leases, prescribed burning, wetland development, food plot establishment, and native grass re-introduction are a few of the land management techniques used at Truman Reservoir. Over 55,000 acres are licensed to the Missouri Department of Conservation for fish and wildlife management, and approximately 8,800 acres of timber was left standing in the lake to improve fisheries habitat.
Twenty parks and access areas, managed by or leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are conveniently located around the reservoir and Truman Lake offers many opportunities for a variety of game. White-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, duck and geese are favorites among sportsmen. Truman Lake consists of Oak-Hickory forest to the east and prairie/farmland to the west and it is this diversity of land types creates a variety of wildlife habitat. Waterfowl hunters can take advantage of several marshes located on the project.
Parks at Truman Reservoir offer a wide variety of recreation facilities including boat launching ramps, campgrounds, full service marinas, picnic areas, sand swimming beaches, and a regional visitor center. Many routine maintenance items are contracted to the private sector.
Campers will find a variety of campgrounds conveniently located around the shoreline of Truman Lake. Most campgrounds have paved roads, shower buildings, laundry facilities, and level campsites. Many sites have electricity, fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern hanging posts.
