Upper Ouachita River
The Ouachita River starts in the Ouachita Mountains. This part of the river ends at Lake Ouachita. The stretch of river between Eagleton, Arkansas and Lake Ouachita is a popular float stream for smallmouth bass and spotted bass. The smallmouth bass fishery is what really stands out in the upper part of the river, however, the white bass spawning run gets a lot of attention in the spring every year. Walleye runs occur in the upper stretches as well in the spring and fall, but the spring run is better.
Lower Ouachita River
Below Lake Ouachita, the Ouachita River continues through the Ouachita Mountains. There are 2 dams on this part of the river. Blakely Mountain Dam (Lake Ouachita) and Carpenter Dam (Lake Hamilton) both offer a cold water fishery for a short stretch below the dams. Rainbow trout are stocked below both dams and they provide some excellent seasonal fishing opportunities for them. As you head further south on the river, anglers target largemouth bass, spotted bass, some smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream.
