Lake Yucatan is a 2,421-acre oxbow lake located near Newellton, Louisiana. As an active oxbow connected to the Mississippi River by a 2-mile chute, water levels fluctuate dramatically with the river. When the Vicksburg gauge reaches 36.5 feet, the only access road floods, closing the lake. Paddling is best when levels are falling slowly, typically in late spring as floodwaters recede.

The lake reaches depths of 70 feet in places, with an irregular underwater topography of humps and shelves. Its shape resembles a long, narrow question mark. Yucatan Landing provides the only public boat launch, located on the deeper side of the lake. The opposite shore is shallower with numerous willow trees.

Water quality is excellent, as floodwaters are filtered through willow forests before entering the lake. Annual floods replenish nutrients and fish populations. Paddlers may encounter largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish and other species. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound on the lake.

While there are no marked paddling routes, exploring the concrete erosion control structures along some shorelines can be interesting. Paddlers should be aware of potential boat traffic. The lake's connection to the Mississippi River allows access to the larger waterway when levels permit.

Camping is available at Yucatan Landing, which also offers other amenities. The area has historical significance, with the lake formed in 1929 when river shifts cut off a large bend called Yucatan Point, named for a former plantation.

Paddlers should check water levels before visiting, as conditions change rapidly with Mississippi River fluctuations. Standard boating rules apply on the lake.