The use of **the** is governed by the rules of grammar. For your case,
>**Use the** before the names of *rivers, oceans, seas and groups of lakes*.

- For e.g., the Nile, the English channel, the Atlantic, the Great Lakes

>**Do not use the** before the names of *lakes and bays*.

- For e.g., Lake Geneva, Lake Erie

If you want a more thorough list, head over [**here**][1].


  [1]: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/540/01/