Lake Ouachita

• Lake Information
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• Bait, Tackle & Marine Repair
• Lodgng & Marinas
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About Lake Ouachita

Welcome to the beautiful waters of Lake Ouachita. (pronounced "Wash-It-Ah") Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs Arkansas, Lake Ouachita provides the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Dam

Blakely Mountain Dam is located on the Ouachita River in Garland County, Arkansas, approximately 10 miles northwest of Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Dam is 231' high and 1100' wide. Construction of the earth-filled dam and intake structure began in 1950 and was completed in 1952. The flood gates were closed in July of 1952 and Lake Ouachita began to fill with water. The power plant was constructed once the lake level reached the working level of the intake towers and the first electrical power was generated on July 17, 1955. The official dedication of Blakely Mountain Dam occurred on July 4, 1956.

The Lake

Lake Ouachita was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1954 as part of a flood control, hydropower, and navigation project. The land surrounding the lake is part of the Ouachita National Forest, which encompasses 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Lake Ouachita has 690 miles of shoreline, Over 200 islands, 20 Corps recreation areas, 9 Marinas, 1 State Park, Crystal clear cool clean water, and World class striper fishing.

Recreation

Approximately 1.2 million people visit Lake Ouachita each year. With 40,000 acres of water and 20,000 acres of public land, Ouachita offers an abundance of recreational opportunities. The Corps of Engineers maintains over 1100 campsites and 18 boat ramps on Lake Ouachita. Boating, fishing, scuba diving and island camping are especially popular here.

Lake Level, Moon Phase and Weather
Last updated: Unknown		Data Provided by WeatherBug.
Lake Level 578.79	CURRENT MOON moon phase	Today High: -- Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.	Monday High: 54 Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 5 mph.

Fishing Report

Normal Pool Elevation 578

Lake Ouachita Fishing Report 04/28/2011

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water is 62 to 68 degrees and stained. Largemouth bass are very good on jighead worms in watermelonseed, green pumpkin and watermelon candy colors. Spinnerbaits fished over main lake points and humps are getting very good results. Topwater action with Zara Super Spook Jr.'s and Rebel Pop-R's is picking up fast. Walleye are still good and being caught on fluorescent jigs and watermelonseed plastics 12 to 15 feet deep around brush. Stripers are still excellent on live bait, soft-plastic grubs and white or gray hair jigs. Top water action on C-10 Redfins is very good early and late or on cloudy days. Bream are still very good and being caught on crickets or worms 10 to 25 feet deep near brush. Crappie are very good near and over brush 8 to 12 feet deep on minnows and Tennessee shad, albino shad and rainbow trout crappie grubs. Catfish are still very good and being caught on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.