False River is an oxbow lake

Oxbow lake

An oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water formed when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off to create a lake. This landform is called an oxbow lake for the distinctive curved shape, named after part of a yoke for oxen. In Australia, an oxbow lake is called a billabong, derived...

 located in southeastern Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

Pointe Coupee Parish, pronounced "Pwent Koo-Pay" and , is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is New Roads. As of 2000, the population was 22,763....

 centered at 30°38′19"N 91°29′04"W This lake was once the main channel of the Mississippi River

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...

 in this area. It was cut off from the "mighty Mississippi" in about 1722 when seasonal flooding cut a shorter channel to the east.

History

Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his party bypassed False River to shorten their route up-river.

During the American Civil War

American Civil War

The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...

, an expedition was sent from Morganza

Morganza, Louisiana

Morganza is an incorporated village near the Mississippi River in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 659 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village's zip code is 70759...

 with five squadrons from the Second New York Cavalry

Cavalry

Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...

 to scout the area around the False River for Confederate

Confederate States of America

The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...

 recruiting officers. Marching through heavy rainstorms the expedition reached New Roads

New Roads, Louisiana

New Roads is a city in and the parish seat of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. The center of population of Louisiana is located in New Roads . The population was 4,996 at the 2000 census. The city's ZIP code is 70760...

 on January 31, 1865. Here five officers were found hiding in closets or under houses.

Recreation

This 10.5 miles (16.9 km) long lake is a "trophy lake", which means that fish of a certain size are required to be thrown back to grow larger. False River has often held the state record for the largest bass caught, and has the largest number of striped bass per acre in the state. Between 1974 and 1981, more than 265,000 striped bass fingerlings were released into the lake which covers approximately 3212 acres (13 km²).

Additionally, water sports including boating

Boating

Boating is the leisurely activity of travelling by boat, or the recreational use of a boat whether powerboats, sailboats, or man-powered vessels , focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or water skiing...

, sailing

Sailing

Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...

, and water skiing

Water skiing

thumb|right|A slalom skier making a turn on a slalom waterski.Waterskiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.-History:...

 may be enjoyed in the clean, sparkling waters of the lake. A number of commercial establishments provide launch facilities, boat rentals, supplies, and concessions. There are also many restaurants, bar & grills, antique shops, and bed & breakfast accommodations in the area.

During duck hunting

Duck hunting

Waterfowl hunting is the practice of hunting ducks, geese, or other waterfowl for food and sport...

 season, waterfowl may be legally harvested by the public in an area near Jarreau

Jarreau, Louisiana

Jarreau is an unincorporated community in the 7th Ward of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. Jarreau is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is a part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area. The community is located on the banks of False River. It is...

 and Oscar, Louisiana

Oscar, Louisiana

Oscar is an unincorporated community located in the southeastern portion of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana . It is located primarily along Louisiana Highway 1 on the southern end of False River. Famous residents include renowned author Ernest Gaines. This community was formerly home to the...

 known as "the south flats". Several private duck blinds have been erected in this area, but most duck hunters tend to simply anchor off their boats in the shallow water of the flats.

Located on the northern end of the lake, is a free public boat launch with barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing

Fishing

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....

 pier and gazebo that may be found downtown near City Hall in New Roads

New Roads, Louisiana

New Roads is a city in and the parish seat of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. The center of population of Louisiana is located in New Roads . The population was 4,996 at the 2000 census. The city's ZIP code is 70760...

, on Morrison Parkway. Another boat launch is open to the public for a launching fee and is located on the southern end of the lake in Jarreau. This launch, which is the most accessible when coming to the area from Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...

 is located on the Island side of False River on Louisiana Highway 413

Louisiana Highway 413

Louisiana Highway 413 is a state highway in Louisiana. It spans north–south for .-Route description:LA 413 begins at an intersection with LA 76 in West Baton Rouge Parish, and heads due north approximately towards Erwinville. This stretch of LA-413 is locally known as Poydras Bayou Road. ...

. Other paid launching facilities include Bergeron's Campground near Lakeland

Lakeland, Louisiana

Lakeland , is a non-census designated place in southeastern Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana . The area is home to several plantation houses, such as Alma, and Poydras Plantations...

, Bueche's Bar & Grill located near Ventress

Ventress, Louisiana

Ventress is an unincorporated village located in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana along the northeastern end of False River . The population of the area is approximately 1,100 individuals. It is home to the Hunter Fabre Post 248 American Legion Hall on Legion Road...

, Jim's Place located in Ventress

Ventress, Louisiana

Ventress is an unincorporated village located in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana along the northeastern end of False River . The population of the area is approximately 1,100 individuals. It is home to the Hunter Fabre Post 248 American Legion Hall on Legion Road...

, and the Point Breeze Motel on False River Drive (LA-1) in New Roads.