False River . . .

False River is a lake along the mighty Mississippi River. The lake was once the main channel of the river and looped around and eventually cut itself off from the main course.

The lake's name is unique in that it contains elements of its origin, a false river, no longer a river at all but was once part of it. In becoming isolated it has become a false river.

It is about a mile wide and roughly 10 miles long and is in horseshoe shape - the remnants of a real river. There are a number of such lakes along the Mississippi like Ole River, Lake Providence and Lake St Joseph line the west side of the Mississippi River from Arkansas down to New Roads. Two of the lakes exist in Pointe Coupee Parish, False River and Ole River. Ole River located in the upper part of the parish is still connected to the river and thus rises and falls as does the Mississippi River.

Lake Providence like False River abuts the town of Lake Providence. It is similar to False River but not near as populated by camps as is False River. Today False River is literally lined with camps and folks from all over south Louisian have a camp on the lake. It is a good fishing hole and a terrific water sports place, many many boats and ski-dos running around.

I grew up on the banks of False River in the little town of New Roads. Great place to grow up.