Lee Lake

March 23, 2016

The recently constructed Lee Lake and surrounding park area is quickly becoming one of Bartlesville’s favorite recreational areas. The lake, located on Adams Boulevard east of Silver Lake Road, is near Cooper Dog Park, a connecting series of Pathfinder Parkway trails, and the Julie and Charlie Daniels Soccer Fields.

The project began when Bartlesville was identified as an optimal location for an “urban fishing lake” by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Property commonly known as “MJ Lee Lake” was chosen as the project site, and work ultimately began to transform the area.

While Lee Lake is primarily a fishing lake and was developed partially with federal funds supporting the “urban fishing” concept, some types of watercraft are allowed at the lake . “No wake” vessels — which are defined as those that do not exceed five miles per hour — are permitted. This includes boats, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, rowboats, paddleboards and float tubes. Wave-runners and ski-doos are not permitted.

Boating permits are not required at either City-owned lake — Lee Lake or Hudson Lake; however, Oklahoma fishing licenses are required at all City of Bartlesville-owned reservoirs, in accordance with Oklahoma law. Safe boating practices as set forth and enforced by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety must be adhered to as well, including mandatory use of personal flotation devices, or life jackets.

Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.

Fish species at the lake include channel catfish, sunfish (perch) and largemouth bass. According to City ordinance, harvesting the bass is not allowed. Also, catfish harvesting is limited to six per day.

The lake is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Dogs are allowed to swim in the lake in the designated area but must be kept on-leash when not swimming or in the fenced area containing the nearby Cooper Dog Park. Parking — as well as boat launching and landing — is allowed only in designated areas.

For more information, contact the City of Bartlesville at 918-338-4238.