The lake and dam is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District.

At this point any further flow into the lake is channelled over an emergency spillway to the west of the main dam structure.

The record high stage for the reservoir was 892.03 feet (271.89 m) above sea level set on July 11, 1993 during the Great Flood of 1993.

The Corps of Engineers operates several recreation areas, campgrounds, and boat ramp facilities around the lake.

Boating and swimming are very popular, as are camping, deer and game bird hunting, fishing, hiking, biking and disc golf.