Fishing Lake Ouachita

AKA: Ouachita Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Ouachita, AR

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Ouachita is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the united states, so good that national bass fishing organizations hold tournaments here regularly. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Ouachita, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

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Striped Bass Fishing

locals and fishing guides at Lake Ouachita enjoy chasing big stripers. These large fish are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

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Crappie Fishing

Along with great bass and striper fishing, crappie fishing at Lake Ouachita continues to get the attention of crappie fishing enthusiasts. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas.

Lake Ouachita Fishing Video

Surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in AR. The 40,000-acre lake has 690 miles of shoreline and a multitude of ways to catch the fish species residing here.

Lake Ouachita, situated in the Ouachita National Forest of western Arkansas, is a premier fishing destination known for its pristine waters and diverse fish populations. This 40,000-acre reservoir offers anglers a unique fishing experience in a picturesque setting.

One of the most popular fish species in Lake Ouachita is striped bass. The lake is renowned for its excellent striped bass fishery, providing anglers with the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish. Spring and fall are prime seasons for striped bass fishing, as the fish become more active and feed near the surface. Anglers can target striped bass using various techniques such as trolling with large diving plugs, live bait fishing, or casting topwater lures.

Lake Ouachita is also home to a thriving population of largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy exceptional bass fishing opportunities, particularly around the lake's abundant submerged structure, points, and vegetation. Spring and early summer are popular seasons for bass fishing, as the fish move closer to the shorelines to spawn. Anglers can use techniques such as flipping jigs, casting soft plastics, or working topwater lures to entice these powerful gamefish.

Crappie fishing is also prominent in Lake Ouachita. The lake is known for its quality crappie fishery, with black crappie and white crappie being the primary species. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for crappie fishing, as the fish move into shallower water to spawn or feed. Anglers can target crappie around submerged timber, brush piles, and bridge pilings using jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits.

Lake Ouachita in Arkansas offers a remarkable fishing experience, with its diverse fish populations, exceptional striped bass and bass fisheries, and quality crappie fishing. Combined with its boating amenities and camping facilities, Lake Ouachita is a top destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing getaway in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest.

Bass, crappie, walleye, trout, catfish, sunfish, white bass, pike and stripers roam these waters and thrill anglers both young and old, novice and experienced. And the water is clear enough to attract scuba divers and snorkel enthusiasts. Conveniently located mid-state, slightly west of center, the lake is only 25 miles northwest of Hot Springs. Primary public access, along with marinas, boat launch ramps and camping facilities, is along the southern perimeter of the lake. In and nearby these public access areas are sections of shoreline for fishing from the bank. Local fishing guides and boat rental outlets can expand options for getting on the water for fishing. Cautious use of kayaks, canoes and small fishing boats can enhance a weekend fishing and camping weekend, or a family vacation.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Ouachita

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Ouachita Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Ouachita, with numerous boat ramps and marinas available for easy access. The lake's expansive size and numerous islands offer endless opportunities for boating, water skiing, and exploring the scenic shoreline.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Aqua Fun Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon and deck boats
501 984-6187

Mountain Harbor Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
870 867-2191

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brady Mountain Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Brady Mountain Marina Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Cedar Fourche Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Crawford Landing Road, this is a one-lane, earthen ramp with gravel parking.

Crystal Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off N Crystal Springs Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Echo Canyon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, west side, off Blakely Dam Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Ouachita State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Crawdad Island Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mountain Harbor Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Mountain Harbor Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rabbit Trail Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Rabbit Trail Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Echo Canyon Resort & Marina
2645 Blakely Dam Road
Royal, AR 71968
501 767-2997

Lake Ouachita Shores Marina
359 Ouachita Shores Pkwy
Mt. Ida, AR 71957
870 867-3651

Mountain Harbor Marina
34 Marina Dr
Mt Ida, AR 71957
870 867-1211

Safe Harbor Brady Mountain
4120 Brady Mountain Rd
Royal, AR 71968
501 767-3422

Fishing Guides On Lake Ouachita

David Cochran Striper Fishing - striped bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arkansas Fishing License.

Camping facilities are also available near Lake Ouachita, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities can be found in the vicinity, providing a perfect setting for anglers to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Highway 27 Fishing Village Campground - 870 867-2211

Caddo/Womble Campground - 870 867-2101

Lake Ouachita State Park Campground - 501 767-9366

Marilyn's RV Park & Old Country Store - 870 867-0168

Denby Point Campground - 870 867-4475

Joplin Recreation Area Campground - 501 767-2101

Crystal Springs Campground - 501 767-2101

Brady Mountain Recreational Area Campground - 501 760-1146

Treasure Isle RV Park - 501 767-6852

Lake Ouachita AR Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita State Park
5451 Mountain Pine Road
Mountain Pine, AR 71956
501-767-9366

Fishing lakes in each state.

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