Fishing Lake Ouachita

AKA: Ouachita Reservoir

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.

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 Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

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

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.