SWL
Home > Recreation > Lake Dardanelle
Constructed
under the supervision of the Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock
District, Lake Dardanelle and Winthrop Rockefeller Lake comprise
one of the most accessible and attractive recreation areas in Arkansas.
With nearly
40,000 acres of boating and fishing waters and rimmed by choice
picnic and camping areas, it is the ideal leisure-time destination.
Lake Dardanelle spreads westward behind Dardanelle Dam into Pope,
Yell, Logan, Johnson, and Franklin Counties. Two miles wide in places,
it reaches 50 miles upstream to the Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam
and has 315 miles of shoreline.
Parks
on Lake Dardanelle offer many recreational opportunities. Each has
drinking water, toilet facilities, and picnic tables. Several have
boat launch ramps, trailer dump stations, electrical sites with
water, and group picnic shelters. Public boat docks offer boat and
motor rental services, fuel, food, and other supplies and services.
Winthrop-Rockefeller Lake begins below Dardanelle Dam and extends
2.8 miles southeast to Arthur V. Ormond Lock and Dam near Morrilton.
The lake provides excellent boating and fishing with scenic views
of Petit Jean Mountain and fertile croplands along the river’s
banks.
The Arkansas River has for many years been popular with fishermen
for its large catfish. White bass are native to the river, with
adults traveling in schools and feeding near the surface. Bream,
crappie, and largemouth bass are stocked in the lake and provide
excellent sport fishing. With no closed season and mild winters,
fishing is good year round.
Located near the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, the area has
an abundance of wildlife. There is in-season hunting for deer, turkey,
water fowl and other small game. This game and the picturesque shoreline
provide ideal conditions for nature enthusiasts and camera bugs.
The River Valley is a favorite wintering area for the American Bald
Eagle. From late fall through early spring, eagle are often seen
perched in large trees and on snags along the river as they hunt
for their favorite prey – fish. Popular viewing areas include
Old Post Road Park in Russellville and Holla Bend National Wildlife
Refuge, southeast of Dardanelle.
Contact
Information
Russellville Project Office
1598 Lock and Dam Road
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 968-5008
Send
technical questions and comments to our Webmaster
|
