Located in the Boise National Forest, it has a surface area of 47 square miles (122 km2), and is the fourth largest lake or reservoir in the state.

Following a delay due to World War II, the earthen dam was built by the Bureau of Reclamation, completed 77 years ago in 1948.

Pikeminnows are considered problematic to sport fishing in Lake Cascade because they are predators that live up to 15 years and compete for food stocks.

[4] The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation withdrew its application for an Environmental Impact Statement studying the drawdown citing "that the draining of Lake Cascade is not a viable option for sport fish restoration.

"[5] The lake experienced a bloom of blue-green algae in 1993 caused by low water, high phosphorus content, and hot weather.