Act 277 of 1948[1] creating the Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve, setting aside 5,379 acres (2,177 ha) of land, money for the purchase of wild game and fish, and for restocking purposes, as well as for the building and maintenance of a dam.

[2] Act 858 of the 1981 Legislature abolished the Anacoco Prairie Game and Fish Commission and transferred authority to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The embankment is constructed of a homogeneous earth fill with stone rip-rap shore protection with a maximum height of approximately 43 feet.

Vernon Lake was lowered after Tropical storm Harvey went through the area causing damage to the dam.

[4] In 1997 a fish consumption advisory was issued for Vernon Lake by the Environmental Protection Agency.