Lake Ouachita, AR

Lake Ouachita (Pronounced WAH-shi-tah) is a reservoir 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. It is one of Arkansas’ five diamond lakes and consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for bass fishing.Lake Ouachita features a marked Geo-Float Trail, which can be followed with a brochure detailing prominent geologic features along the route. It 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.Recommended baits on this water include top water lures, swimbaits, big spoons, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Texas-rigged soft plastics, crickets, worms in bright colors, minnows and cut bait.