When this occurs, give the walleye a little slack to make it think the jig is not putting up a fight. In fact, people call this lake the Trophy Striped Bass Lake. Many baits and lures prove productive for local anglers. While Lake Ouachita is known for other species of fish, such as largemouth bass and stripers, walleye fishing is the lakes best-kept secret. Walleye are most abundant in large, cool, sandy-bottomed lakes, reservoirs or impoundments, but also lives in small lakes and large streams in . WALLEYE: Beaver Lake and its tributaries; Table Rock Lake and its tributaries to Beaver Dam; Bull Shoals Lake, and Norfork Lake - minimum length limit of 18 inches, daily limit 4. Hot spots to consider include the upper White River, Eleven Point, Fourche la Fave, the Strawberry River, the Petit Jean River, the Caddo River, the Saline River and the Little Missouri. In clear waters like Lake Ouachita, you can see their spawning beds in the shallows. Fishing at night can give you an edge on other anglers. Walleye fry from annual Hulsey Hatchery spawning project will be stocked into the pond late March 2016 and grown to fingerling size prior to their release. World record: 25 lbs 0 oz. Fishing methods are the same for both black and white crappie. Interestingly, to catch monster chain pickerel, go to Lake Ouachita in the summer. Lake Ouachita Guide Service is an experienced and family friendly operated Guide Service that offers fishing trips in some of Arkansas's finest lakes. Old-timers in Arkansas called them walleyed pike or jack salmon in addition to the proper name walleye. You can choose between 93 campsites, 9 cabins, and 4 camper cabins. So, when you finish fishing, you can enjoy the shoreline, stargaze, birdwatch, ride horses, visit natural attractions, or explore the many hiking trails available. Hatchery If you're looking to fish lakes, however, there are also plenty of great options. This makes Lake Ouachita the ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts visiting the Ouachita mountains. There are many things at this lake suitable for all ages. Rounding out the top three walleye hot spots in Arkansas is Lake Ouachita. Hard bottom areas are used rather than softer types. Those populations run up the Muskegon River to spawn, where the Michigan Department of Natural Resources gathers eggs and sperm via electroshocking. And Lake Ouachita is the perfect location for taking your fishing trip to another level. 936.8 ADAMS LAKE ARROWHEAD 1377700 WEST CENTRAL REGION PONDS 2951 217 6.2 ASHLAND LAKE GALILEE 2935500 GOV. Most species have daily fishing and size limitations, which vary from one area to another. The young of the originally stocked walleye are now at 5-7" with the adults 16-18". Fishing Reports and Forecasts. Stocked annually with trout, walleye, catfish and bass, the lake is most famous for its large mouth bass and striper fishing. There is a lot of vegetation beneath the surface, left from before the lake existed. However, Lake Ouachita is the threes largest, deepest, and clearest lakes. Downstream from Ouachita, lakes Hamilton and Catherine have fishable walleye populations. fishing experience, you can always ask for help from local fishing guides. Some rivers have good public access, while others require a boat to reach the best spots. "This was a large catch for one boat.". The Viking Sportsmen would like to continue funding and facilitating this program and asks local anglers, lake home owners, resort owners, guides, bait and tackle shops to work with local lake associations to support the effort. As for baits, crappies would bite anything, from jigs and crankbait to live minnows. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center, Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center, Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center, Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Action Plan | 2020-2025, Disability, Mobility-impaired, 65-Plus, Military Retiree, Lifetime Licenses. Walleye are one of the most overlooked gamefish in Arkansas, which is crazy because they are the best-tasting fish (yes, even better than crappie). Walleyes fishing Greers Ferry lake and all around Lake Ouachita are the freshwater fish with the best flavor. Most anglers dont target this species, which makes them perfect for beginners and families with children. In the meantime, here are some of the most important rules: Everybody 16 years or older needs a fishing license in Arkansas, issued by the Arkansas Department of Wildlife and Fishery, i.e., the AGFC. Lake Ouachita is a vary beautiful lake, if you have a trip planned to the Hot Springs, Arkansas area, I would recommend that you visit Brady Mountain! }. Each kind of black bass has different behaviors and characteristics. (updated 12-30-2022) Capt. Its best to use lures near the bottom, such as deep-diving crankbaits, jigs, and spoons, because walleye tend to stick near the bottom of the lake. However, the AGFC stopped the trout stocking program in the lake, and the size of the walleye anglers caught began to come back down. Walleyes rank high among the most popular sport fish in many Northern states, but here in Arkansas, few people fish for walleyes outside the late-winter/early-spring spawning season. Moreover, you can always visit nearby cities and attractions, too. While certain locations are better for specific species, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission manages the following lakes for walleye. Its size, sporting qualities and delicious flesh make it one of the most important game species in North America. Approximately 50,000 Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings about 2 inches long will be stocked around late May or early June, Hobbs said. Boat Registration: 800-366-2661 Ouachita River forms many lakes and ponds, and the most important ones beside Lake Ouachita are Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. The middle Ouachita River from Remmel Dam that forms Lake Catherine downstream past Malvern to Arkadelphia is another walleye area. However, youll need to target different areas at specific times of the year. Located near Mountain Home, Bull Shoals Lake has a longer history as a great bass lake but recently become a walleye hotspot; if you want to catch bigguns, visit this lake. Both like to spend time in quiet clear waters and like to hunt at night. We have increased production of this segment of bass production on our hatcheries, but we must still be strategic and put our limited resources into those efforts that have the best chance for success.. Their nests are in undercut banks and natural cavities, and you can lure them with shrimp, crayfish, nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or stink and cutbait. Since there are only 9 cabins, you must book early as they get packed even before the season starts. Trophy fish awards of walleye catches greater than 23 inches (released) or greater than 6 pounds (kept) have been awarded to anglers from every lake stocked with walleye (since 2001). A relatively small catfish with an average weight of less than a pound, bullhead is cheap to conquer. Several of our lakes and streams harbor healthy populations of these perch-family members, and anglers who learn the right fishing tactics have no trouble catching their limit. You can find largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky spotted bass. Stockings of young walleye were made several times by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and have caught on. DeGray Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Ouachita are widely considered some of the top spots in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita offers some of the best walleye fishing in the country and the fishing pressure is light. Licenses: 800-366-2661 So the spots were about to share have more and larger walleye to catch. If you are looking for true bass, you are in luck, as Lake Ouachita is a paradise for fishing stripers. Learn more. Continue reading to discover everything you need about fishing Lake Ouachita. Also, you can choose between various contests, from kayak fishing to bass fishing challenges. When using jigs, throw them at night and wait for the walleye to react. Natural baits, like minnows and bream, are most effective in the pool areas of streams and when fished over lake structure. They build nests in secluded areas when the water is 72 to 84. Stocking of walleye in Indiana waters take place annually. For more information, visit www.mountainharborresort.com. Walleyes inhabit clean streams or lakes with bottoms containing rock, gravel and sand. Spawning sections of the lake are several tributaries South Fork, Middle Fork and Devils Fork especially. Ultimately, it is the goal of the management plan to create high-quality Walleye fisheries. You can use small live bait and nylon strings for longnose and minnows for spotted gar. The Spring River is one of the states more popular walleye fisheries, with catches of 2- to 3-pounders common in spring. Call 501-282-6104 to book a boat with the amazing Jerry Bean. Marinas, like Brady Mountain and Crystal Springs, even have beautiful restaurants, providing a unique dining experience next to Ouachitas stunning clear waters. . Smallmouth Because they like extremely clear waters, they are a sign of a healthy environment. Find more fishing reports in Arkansas. The Southern Eye Slip-bobber fishing method. Sunrise and sunset are perfect periods for catching true bass. To see a complete list of great Arkansas Fishing Guides, please click here! One reason those fish got so big was the abundance of stocked rainbow trout.Theyre very nutritious, and high in protein. We have continued the walleye stocking. Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Fishing Report Feb. 23, 2023 An angler named Bo from Gentry, Arkansas, landed this very impressive brown trout in the Beaver Lake tailwater this past week. This allows the jigs to stay in one position and wiggle rather than move with any undercurrent. Details. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. While some breeding may occur (though it is rare), the population of fish will only decrease over time. However, resorts and marinas are in small numbers, so the lake still preserves an authentic wildlife feel. 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