Ouachita River Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 1656'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/14/09 10:14 AM
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Below Lake Ouachita, the Ouachita River continues through the Ouachita Mountains, though two dams interrupt its flow near the resort town of Hot Springs to form lakes Hamilton and Catherine. Below Lake Catherine, the stream travels south past Arkadelphia before leaving the Ouachita Mountain region and entering the West Gulf Coastal Plain, also known in Arkansas as the Timberlands region. Camden, a town known for its Civil War history, lies on the river's path. Before crossing the state's southern border, the stream passes near the towns of Smackover and El Dorado, key sites in southern Arkansas's oil history, and through the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge east of Crossett. Fishing: Stocked rainbow trout are available in the tailwaters of dams in the Hot Springs area. Farther south, anglers seek bass, catfish, crappie, and bream in the Ouachita's waters. The Felsenthal refuge is one of southern Arkansas's most renowned fishing venues. The Ouachita River begins in western Arkansas at the base of Rich Mountain, the state's second highest peak. Its upper section flows freely through the Ouachita Mountains of Polk and Montgomery counties into the western end of Lake Ouachita, the largest lake contained entirely within the state. Major features include clear water in sparkling shoals and long pools, interesting rock formations and overhanging trees. An extensive portion of the river's upper stretch lies within the Ouachita National Forest. Photo opportunities include shoreline wildlife, such as deer, wild turkey and wading birds. Riverside resorts, cabins and camping areas are available. Inns and other lodging can be found in cities near the stream. Fishing: Smallmouth and spotted bass are prime targets on the upper Ouachita, as are green and longear sunfish. Spawning runs of white bass from Lake Ouachita attract spring fishermen to the river.

The Ouachita River (pronounced [?w????t??], WAH-shi-tah) is a 605-mile-long river that runs south and east through the U.S. states of Arkansas and Louisiana, joining the Red River just before the Red joins the Mississippi River.