[2] The lake was impounded in 1986 with the construction of the Francois-Finlay Dam across the Saskatchewan River about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) upstream from the town of Nipawin.

[6] The creation of Codette Lake submerged Bushfield Flats, which was an important site for First Nations and an historic trading post.

The flats were directly upstream from the current site of the dam on a peninsula that jutted out into the Saskatchewan River.

[11] About 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Nipawin along Highway 35 is Francois Finlay Hydroelectric Dam Vista Viewpoint.

[12] On the southern shore of the lake, about 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi) west of Codette, is Smit's Campground and Blue Winds Fish n' Tours.