Lake Ellis Simon is a 607-hectare (1,500-acre) shallow impoundment located in Craven County, North Carolina, within the Croatan National Forest. This unique water body reaches a maximum depth of only 1 meter except in deeper canal areas that extend to 1-2 meters. The lake is characterized by extensive aquatic vegetation coverage spanning 70-80% of its surface area, including both submerged and emergent vegetation along with various tree species. Water clarity is typically excellent with Secchi disk visibility reaching the sand or silt bottom, though heavy precipitation can introduce tannic acid staining. The lake maintains acidic conditions with pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 and low alkalinity between 4.5 to 9.5 ppm, creating a distinctive coastal plain ecosystem that supports a diverse fish community.