© 2002-2009
 

WHEN TO GO

Love crowds of people?  Then choose Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day for your vacation.  Otherwise, avoid major holiday weekends.  Spring break is another very busy time of year.

If you want to swim, water ski or just get wet, you won't want to go before June 15.  It takes a long time to warm up that much water.  The lake is likely to be more inviting in October than in May.  Conversely, it takes a long time to cool down that many millions of gallons.  September is ideal as often the water temperature is higher than the air temperature and the lake is like a giant bath.  July and August are extremely busy months, some businesses charge higher rates and there is general pandemonium.

On the subject of weather, springtime is often extremely windy and can continue well into May, with freak snowstorms in March and April not uncommon.  It can (and does) rain in August and September. 

If you don't care about swimming, consider November, December or January for your trip.  Local businesses offer outrageous specials and the lake is virtually deserted.  If you like to fish, your best bet is March, April or May, but be prepared for tournaments, college students on Spring Break, wind and possibly cold weather.