Fishing
Fishing
is one of the most popular wildlife related activities in the south and Lake
Ouachita’s 690 miles of shoreline and 40,000 acres of water create an
excellent playground for both the experienced and novice angular. Although
there is little natural cover in the top 1/3 of the lake due to tree clearing
during construction, there are trees left standing in the lower portions of the
lake, creating artificial reefs. Brush piles, drop-offs, submerged humps, and
rock outcroppings in shallower areas are also found throughout the lake. The
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has developed a detailed Fisheries Management
Plan for Lake Ouachita which includes habitat improvement and quality stocking
techniques.
The following fish species can be found in Lake Ouachita:
- Blue Catfish
- Bluegill
- Channel Catfish
- Crappie
- Flathead Catfish
- Largemouth Bass
- Rainbow Trout
- Redear Sunfish
- Spotted Bass
- Striped Bass
- Walleye
- White Bass
Trout fishing below Blakely Dam is also popular. The cold water supports rainbow
trout that are stocked in the river by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Fishing guide services and bait shops are located near the lake and there are
10 marinas on the lake to assist in your fishing needs.
Avery Handicap Fishing Dock
Information and Links
Hundreds of fishing tournaments
are held each year at Lake Ouachita. A
permit must be obtained in order to conduct a tournament on the lake. Contact
the Lake Ouachita Field Office at (501) 767-2101 for more information.
