Lake Information for Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is a lake created by the damming of the Ouachita River by Blakely Mountain Dam. The lake is located near Hot Springs, Arkansas. Lake Ouachita is the largest lake completely in Arkansas, as the larger Bull Shoals Lake extends into Missouri. Lake Ouachita has over 690 miles (1,110 km) of shoreline and over 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) of water. It is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Lake Ouachita is located near two other lakes, Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. These three lakes, DeGray Lake to the near south, and the thermal springs of Hot Springs National Park make Hot Springs a popular tourist getaway.
Lake Ouachita also features one of the largest crystal veins in the world. Lake Ouachita has rare jellyfish (non-stinging) and sponges found in only very few of the cleanest freshwater lakes.
Scuba divers from all over the world enjoy the underwater experience as well as the special spear fishing season. The original purpose of Lake Ouachita was flood control and hydroelectricity.
Largemouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish, Walleye and world class Trophy Striped Bass await the angler. Lake Ouachita is known as the Striped Bass Capital of the World.
The spearfishing season is open from June 15 until March 15, sunrise to sunset. For more information and regulations about spearfishing, consult the Arkansas DNR regulations.
Businesses Located Nearby
Bait & Tackle
- Ruth's Twin Creek Bait-Tackle
- 4307 Highway 270 E - Mt Ida, AR
- (870) 867-3904
- T & S Bait and Tackle
- 398 Highway 270 W - Mt Ida, AR
- (870) 867-2679
- Bill's Bait Shop
- 7354 W Highway 248 - Waldron, AR
- (479) 637-4719
Boat Rental
- Wake Zone Rentals & Excursions
- 1647 N Crystal Springs Rd - Royal, AR
- (501) 991-3600
- Dreamchasers House Boat Rental
- 60 Marina Dr - Mt Ida, AR
- (870) 867-3480
- Salty Dog Boat & Jet Ski Rental
- 4931 Central Ave - Hot Springs National Park, AR
- (501) 525-6400
Vacation Rental
- Hot Springs Vacation Rental
- 5380 Central Ave - Lake Hamilton, AR
- (501) 525-3500
- Coronado Lake Front Home & Vacation Rentals
- 31 Lerida Ln - Hot Springs Village, AR
- (501) 984-1421
- Hs Village Vacation Rental
- 110 Cooper Cir - Hot Springs Village, AR
- (501) 922-9850
Bar and Restaurant
- Purity Bar-B-Q Restaurant & Lounge
- 1000 Malvern Ave - Hot Springs, AR
- (501) 623-4006
- J D's Bar B Que
- 5771 Central Ave - Hot Springs National Park, AR
- (501) 525-6364
- Sam's Pizza Pub & Restaurant
- 401 Burchwood Bay Rd - Lake Hamilton, AR
- (501) 525-0780