A large variety of fish can be caught on Lake Hudson and the 1990 state record hybrid bass weighed in at over 19 pounds. All water sports may be enjoyed since the formation of the lake leads to harmony among water skiers, anglers and boaters. In the fall and winter months, the lake is a haven for wildlife. Osprey and the American White Pelicans settle on the lake in the hundreds White Bald Eagles soar gracefully overhead. As a Grand River Dam Authority lake , Lake Hudson is one of two lakes in Oklahoma where a property owner can own lakefront property on the water's edge.
Many residents enjoy living on the lake and commuting to larger metropolitan areas.
While at Lake Hudson, visitors need to allow time to explore the museums, antique shops and great places to eat and shop in the small towns surrounding the lake area. Mayes County is rich in Oklahoma history. The state's first European settlement was founded in 1796 on the banks of the Grand River near present-day Salina. The first mission in the state was founded in Chouteau, famous Civil War battles were fought in Locust Grove and Pensacola and the City of Pryor was once an Indian settlement.