The lake is located approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the city of Vernon and is its main drinking water supply.

[1][2] The lake is named after the Okanagan (Okanogan U.S. spelling) First Nation chief who occupied its northern shores.

[2][3] From fall to spring the entire water column mixes and is thermally stratified in May through early November.

[2] The main inflow is from Wood Lake located to the south and connected by a canal at Oyama.

Kalamalka Lake receives very little fishing pressure and is used mostly for recreational boating and water skiing.