Lake Ouachita

   Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is one of Arkansas's most beautiful bodies of water. Blakely Mountain Dam impounds the waters of the Ouachita River near Hot Springs to create Lake Ouachita, the largest lake (40,000 acres) located entirely within the state.  Lake Ouachita is located on the Ouachita River near the resort spa of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

   One area of the lake features one of the largest crystal veins in the world. This lake is a scuba diver's haven with crystal clear water featuring rare jellyfish (non-stinging) and sponges which are found in only a few of the cleanest freshwater lakes. World class trophy striped bass abound here, as do most species of freshwater fish. For fishermen, Lake Ouachita is well-known for its prolific fishing opportunities.

   Many striper experts agree that Lake Ouachita offers the best striper fishing in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is a clear water lake with a huge threadfin and gizzard shad population. Shad are the number one food source of the striped bass. Because of the clear, unpolluted water, there is a healthy plankton and algae colonization. Since shad are plankton and algae feeders, they multiply extremely well in Ouachita.

 Lake Ouachita Pool Level at Blakely Dam

Lake Ouachita Map

Lake Degray Map

Lake Greeson Map

Arkansas Game Fish