Lake Isom has suffered from considerable siltation in the past, making it even shallower and swampier than it already was. Improved agricultural practices in the area are slowing this development, however.
Due to the long-term federal ownership and its smaller size, Lake Isom is almost entirely undeveloped and is not surrounded with parks, restaurants, and hunting and fishing camps as is Reelfoot. Motors on boats on the lake are also limited to 10 horsepower.