Water / Cane River Lake

Louisiana’s many rivers and bayous provided paths for travel and trade. Goods, people, animals, communications, and even diseases were carried on the waters by dugouts, barges, and steamships over the centuries. Cane River, once the main channel of the Red River, still plays a vital role in the area. The addition of two dams created a 34-mile long lake that provides many opportunities for recreation from swimming and skiing to sport fishing and boating for generations to come.

The Cane River was named for the large cane brakes or thickets of Arundinaria gigantea and not for sugar cane. The Native People who lived in this area used the cane for a variety of items, such as split cane baskets. Freshwater mussel shells were used as temper in Caddoan pottery and later for shell buttons.

 

Jr. Ranger's during the 2022 Kids Fishing Clinic

Today, one of the most common uses of Cane River Lake is recreation. With Oakland Plantation located across the water from a public access boat ramp - we are only a quick walk from a wooden dock where you can fish, or just take a closer took at the water.

We host events using the water such as our Kid's Fishing Clinic, and our Jr. Angler program. To learn more about our upcoming events visit the park calendar.