Almost three-quarters of the lake, 765 acres (3.10 km2), is located in Shelby County.

The reservoir was built to supply tap water to Mattoon, Illinois and Neoga, but also provides fishing and boating recreation.

There is no power limit on the lake, which welcomes waterskiers.

The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie.

[3][4] A large Reliant Energy electricity generating plant stands adjacent to the lake.