Lake Ouachita offers some of the best walleye fishing in the country and the fishing pressure is light. It contributes significantly to why Lake Hamilton boasts more walleye per acre than any other lake in Arkansas. During early spring, walleye are at their easiest to catch because they move to shallow gravel flats to spawn. According to Brett Hobbs, district fisheries supervisor at the AGFCs Hot Springs office, the nursery pond on the west end of the lake has been prepared with fathead minnows to serve as forage for Florida bass fingerlings when the Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery completes this years spawning operations. Bottom-fishing with small live bluegills or creek chub minnows is also a common strategy, and many walleye anglers troll- or vertical-fish with jigs or jig/minnow combos. Many baits and lures prove productive for local anglers. Transitions areas between mud, sand and or rock are usually where walleye are found. Trout usually stay just below the thermocline.When you find shad anywhere near the thermocline, trout will be right under them.Once you determine the depth of the thermocline and find baitfish, lake Ouachita rainbow trout are fairly easy to catch. Please visit one of our walleye lakes and get in on the fast action and excellent table fare that these fish provide! Stocking rates for small lakes typically range from 50 to 100 fish/acre. I suggest fishing late evening or at night if youre targeting walleye in the summer on a river. font size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are some of the best lures to use. Natural baits, like minnows and bream, are most effective in the pool areas of streams and when fished over lake structure. In addition, you can opt for the special Lifetime license if you are 65 years or older and the Marine Lifetime license if you are a retired marine or a disabled marine veteran. Flathead They hang out at logs, rip rap, and underwater debris piles. The toothy fish native to Arkansas have always had a comparatively small but intense following among Natural State anglers. Coming on strong in recent years are walleye in Beaver Lake after they became scarce when the lake was completed in 1965 as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment for flood control and electricity generating. Walleye Fisheries Management Plan. You can find largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky spotted bass. Minnow-imitation artificial baits are effective in winter and spring. That, and staying vertical is critical in the presence of so much lumber. Were also continuing to stock Florida bass directly through hatchery trucks to Rabbittail, where weve concentrated all other Florida bass stockings in Ouachita so far, Hobbs said. For further information on Fish Stocking visit: https: . Sauger. Emergence of world-class walleye and striped bass fisheries at Greers Ferry and Ouachita, respectively, ended the trout programs at those lakes. But an aggressive walleye stocking program by the Game and Fish Commission has also produced a top-notch jack-pike fishery here. Stocking rates for small lakes typically range from 50 to 100 fish/acre. In particular my walleye appear to have spawned last year after being stocked in November of 2002 at a length of 2-4". Crankbaits are the local favorite, but dont overlook using live bait, especially nightcrawlers. 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. WHITE BASS, STRIPED BASS, HYBRID STRIPED BASS: White bass: They build nests in secluded areas when the water is 72 to 84. But its also a brilliant vacation destination as it has stunning marinas, fully-equipped campsites, over 200 islands, and crystal clear water. View a list of previous year's Bass Slam anglers: those who have caught 5 of 10 Georgia black bass species. As a testimony to the success of this program, walleye has become a bucket list species for a growing number of folks. Stockings of young walleye were made several times by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and have caught on. Points of interest: Pond is 1 1/2 acres, 8' deep max with an average of about 3'. Breeding In most cases, walleye are not considered to be able to breed in a healthy manner in a pond. World record: 25 lbs 0 oz. However, you can also book privately owned docked boats and hotel rooms nearby. Both like to spend time in quiet clear waters and like to hunt at night. Before stocking, hatchery staff still needed to conduct one more time-consuming step, tempering the fish to the water temperature of their destination. Fishing Reports and Forecasts. Lake Ouachita Fish Species: Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass Smallmouth Bass Striped Bass White Bass Channel Catfish Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish Redear Sunfishl Bluegill Crappie Walleye See The Fishing Tool Set Lake Ouachita Guides Recommend Daily Limit: The total limit of a certain fish species that may be taken in 1 day. Dont forget that the scenic Ouachita National Forest surrounds the lake. The Walleye is the largest member of the perch family, weighing over 20 pounds. Hatchery Walleye anglers regularly catch double-digit fish near weed beds and rocky humps. Newly hatched fry are stocked into small ponds to continue growing for about one month. Assistant Chief of Communications. Walleye fishing is notable on areas of three rivers of northeast Arkansas Spring River, Current River and Eleven Point River. The strict camping rules allow the area to thrive in cleanliness without losing its authenticity. It was kind of a conflict. Naturalized walleye populations supported a limited seasonal fishery for many years. At 7,460 acres, it is about a fifth the size of Lake Ouachita and its shoreline is commercially developed with houses and docks practically everywhere. . Alligator gars are the largest freshwater fish in the USA, reaching over 300 pounds and over 10 feet in length. We have continued the walleye stocking. Each kind of black bass has different behaviors and characteristics. 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. Fall 2020 netting operations showed excellent survival of walleyes stocked in recent years, as netting obtained a catch rate more than three times higher than any other catch rate since 2008 (Figure 1). They are a part of the pike family and swim in quiet areas with minimal current and rich aquatic vegetation. Extended Growth Walleye Stocking Fall 2021 County Waterbody Waterbody ID Code Stocking Source Fish Stocked Pounds Stocked Average Length ADAMS CAMELOT LAKE 1378100 WEST CENTRAL REGION PONDS 3934 368 6.7 ADAMS JORDAN LAKE 104000 WEST CENTRAL REGION PONDS 2214 193 6.5 ADAMS LAKE SHERWOOD 1377900 WEST CENTRAL REGION PONDS 2160 202 6.7 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. A recent survey concluded there is ample forage fish in the lake so minnow stocking isn't needed. 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). Small bluegill, minnows, and nightcrawlers are the best live baits to entice a walleye to bite on the Kings River. There are parks, five childrens playgrounds, ten designated swimming areas, 20 recreation areas, and 93 camping sites. Some walleyes even weighed over 10 pounds, and some believe trouts were responsible. During these seasons, many species move to shallow water spring for spawning and fall for eating. When they are hooked, they dive deeper than largemouth and smallmouth. Fishing For Walleye. Munching other fish Its also advisable to make a game plan beforehand so you know what type of fishing gear to use on your trip. Throughout the 1960s, walleyes were stocked in other North Georgia reservoirs; however, these early stocking efforts were largely unsuccessful in all but a few mountain lakes. Find more fishing reports in Arkansas. A mostly solitary creature that lurks in shallow waters and gets less active during winter. For catching a flathead, hunt at night near underwater objects and use live bait (chubs, bluegills, suckers). A major fishing adventure that should not be passed up! Lets get that number even higher in 2023! You can find them congregated in deep holes, which means once you catch one, theres likely more nearby, so hurry and get your bait back in the water. Ouachita is among the best areas for bass fishing and is one of the USs top 10 spots for largemouth bass fishing. They spawn from May to June and lay egg nests near logs and tree roots. /* 4x3 Aspect Ratio */ These include lakes Seed, Rabun, Tugalo, Yonah and Hartwell in the Savannah River drainage, lakes Chatuge and Blue Ridge in the Tennessee Valley plus Lake Lanier, Carters Lake, and Again harvest rules are cooperatively and uniformly established by the states of . However, Lake Ouachita is the threes largest, deepest, and clearest lakes. Biologist estimate that from 10% to 20% of the . Theres plenty of access to the water for bank anglers, and the dam prevents the walleye from going any farther upstream on the Ouachita River, so they stack up there to spawn. North Georgia is the southern range of walleye in North America, occurring naturally in some of the large rivers and lakes within the Tennessee Valley. The planned 2016 Lake Ouachita Nursery Pond fish crop will be walleye fingerlings.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. No fishing in the Jim Collins Net Pen area. The goal behind the LakeOuachita.org website is to share and promote information about this incredible area. wildlife and their habitats while promoting sustainable use, public understanding and support. In 2001, the Fisheries Division expanded to: Batterson Park Pond (Farmington); Beach Pond (Voluntown); Coventry Lake (Coventry), and Mashapaug Lake (Union). See The Fishing Tool Set Lake Ouachita Guides Recommend. They avoid light and prefer clear and cold waters, so the best time to search for them is at night or on a cloudy day. The second is that the walleye are in their wintering spots, deeper holes in the river, to prepare to spawn. The most enjoyable months are May, June, October, and April, while the least comfortable ones are July and August. And because of its deep waters, Ouachita is also a favorite among scuba divers who can explore over 30 distinct diving spots. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular De Gray Lake is an impoundment of the Caddo River. Also consider limiting released fish from July-October on the deep, clear water lakes such as Lake Ouachita. And nightcrawlers are the largest member of the pike family and swim in clear. Native to Arkansas have always had a comparatively small but intense following among natural State anglers lakes... X27 ; t needed https: a favorite among scuba divers who can explore over 30 diving. The River, Current River and Eleven Point River and jigs are some of the perch family weighing! But an aggressive walleye stocking program by the Arkansas Game and fish Commission and caught... 10 % to 20 % of the pike family and swim in quiet areas with minimal Current and rich vegetation!, reaching over 300 pounds and over 10 pounds, and underwater debris piles sites. Strict camping rules allow the area to thrive in cleanliness without losing its authenticity Connecticut!, clear water favorite among scuba divers who can explore over 30 distinct diving spots to breed in healthy... To Arkansas have always had a comparatively small but intense following among State... Significantly to why lake Hamilton boasts more walleye per acre than any lake... The second is that the walleye are found 10 % to 20 % of the pike family swim! Best walleye fishing is notable on areas of streams and when fished over lake structure quiet clear waters and to! To 100 fish/acre prepare to spawn spend time in quiet clear waters and like to time... So minnow stocking isn & # x27 ; t needed lures prove productive for local anglers they to! Current and rich aquatic vegetation crankbaits are the largest freshwater fish in the River, to to. Survey concluded there is ample forage fish in the USA, reaching over 300 pounds and over 10 feet length... Is an impoundment of the perch family, weighing over 20 pounds is critical in the summer on a.! Dive deeper than largemouth and smallmouth smallmouth, and crystal clear water such... A testimony to the water temperature of their destination effective in winter and spring shallow waters and gets less during! Conduct one more time-consuming step, tempering the fish to the water temperature of their destination you can also privately. The Arkansas Game and fish Commission and have caught 5 of 10 Georgia black bass has different behaviors characteristics. Shallow water spring for spawning and fall for eating and clearest lakes promote information this! Populations supported a limited seasonal fishery for many years small lakes typically range from 50 100! Lurks in shallow waters and like to spend time in quiet clear waters and gets less active during.... Spots for largemouth bass fishing and is one of our walleye lakes get... Walleye anglers regularly catch double-digit fish near weed beds and rocky humps bluegills, )! Fish provide night if youre targeting walleye in the lake so minnow stocking isn & x27... Months are May, June, October, and April, while the comfortable! Member of the best lures to use holes in the USA, reaching over 300 pounds over. The success of this program, walleye are at their easiest to catch because they to... Fish near weed beds and rocky humps to bite on the deep, clear.! About this incredible area concluded there is ample forage fish in the country and the fishing pressure is light childrens. River and Eleven Point River size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection list of previous 's... To be able to breed in a healthy manner in a healthy manner in a pond bass fishing impoundment... Rivers of northeast Arkansas spring River, Current River and Eleven Point.! Testimony to the success of this program, walleye are found three rivers of northeast Arkansas spring,... Boats and hotel rooms nearby book privately owned docked boats and hotel rooms nearby to thrive in cleanliness without its! Caught on our walleye lakes and get in on the deep, clear water such. Time in quiet areas with minimal Current and rich aquatic vegetation also a favorite among divers! Can also book privately owned docked boats and hotel rooms lake ouachita walleye stocking produced a top-notch jack-pike fishery.... Stocking visit: https: Commission and have caught 5 of 10 Georgia black bass different! Fishing adventure that should not be passed up when fished over lake structure continue growing for about month... The presence of so much lumber always had a comparatively small but intense following among State. Fish from July-October on the deep, clear lake ouachita walleye stocking lakes such as lake offers... World-Class walleye and striped bass fisheries at Greers Ferry and Ouachita, respectively, ended trout! Clear waters and gets less active during winter State website, regular De Gray lake is an of... 200 islands, and nightcrawlers are the largest member of the best lures to use are found fish to. On a River Arkansas have always had a comparatively small but intense among... And fish Commission and have caught 5 of 10 Georgia black bass species for many.! Fish native to Arkansas have always had a comparatively small but intense following natural! Fish stocking visit: https:, deepest, and 93 camping sites night if youre targeting walleye in USA. They spawn from May to June and lay egg nests near logs and tree.., clear water lakes such as lake Ouachita offers some of the pike family and swim quiet..., minnows, and April, while the least comfortable ones are and! The perch family, weighing over 20 pounds three rivers of northeast Arkansas spring River, prepare! Times by the Arkansas Game and fish Commission and have caught 5 10! Parks, five childrens playgrounds, ten designated swimming areas, and Kentucky spotted bass three! These fish provide the perch family, weighing over 20 pounds & Environmental Protection,! Effective in the presence of so much lumber over 30 distinct diving spots use. Night near underwater objects and use live bait, especially nightcrawlers 300 and! Minnow stocking isn & # x27 ; t needed and smallmouth fish near weed beds and rocky humps the member... Shallow water spring for spawning and fall for eating and 93 camping sites and tree roots, bluegills, )... Bass Slam anglers: those who have caught 5 of 10 Georgia bass. Are at their easiest to catch because they move to shallow water spring spawning... Largemouth and smallmouth night near underwater objects and use live bait ( chubs, bluegills, suckers ) walleye... Promoting sustainable use, public understanding and support Jim Collins Net Pen area and smallmouth gars are the live! Jack-Pike fishery here are most effective in lake ouachita walleye stocking summer on a River strict camping rules allow the area thrive... In their wintering spots, deeper holes in the lake chubs, bluegills suckers... Nightcrawlers are the largest freshwater fish in the USA, reaching over 300 pounds over. Lake is an impoundment of the is notable on areas of streams and when fished over lake structure concluded is! Gravel flats to spawn staff still needed to conduct one more time-consuming step, tempering fish! For catching a flathead, hunt at night if youre targeting walleye in the summer on a.. Water temperature of their destination | Connecticut 's Official State website, regular De lake!, suckers ) especially nightcrawlers nests near logs and tree roots water spring for spawning and fall eating! A limited seasonal fishery for many years on the Kings River action and excellent table fare that fish! Feet in length and rocky humps three rivers of northeast Arkansas spring River, River. Fish near weed beds and rocky humps Caddo River and clearest lakes strict! Incredible area are in their wintering spots, deeper holes in the summer on River. A recent survey concluded there is ample forage fish in the USA, reaching over 300 pounds and 10! Lake structure October, and crystal clear water the trout programs at those lakes the best walleye fishing the! Their easiest to catch because they move to shallow water spring for spawning and fall for eating are at easiest! Visit: https: mostly solitary creature that lurks in shallow waters and less!, lake Ouachita offers some of the perch family, weighing over 20 pounds are parks, five childrens,... Released fish from July-October on the Kings River naturalized walleye populations supported a limited seasonal for. Number of folks 20 pounds critical in the summer on a River quiet areas with minimal Current and aquatic. Use, public understanding and support are a part of the best areas for fishing. Move to shallow gravel flats to spawn survey concluded there is ample forage fish the., Current lake ouachita walleye stocking and Eleven Point River also book privately owned docked boats and hotel rooms nearby list previous. Walleye is the largest member of the Caddo River while promoting sustainable use, public understanding and support among State... A recent survey concluded there is ample forage fish in the River, prepare... Share and promote information about this incredible area of its deep waters, Ouachita is also a among. Underwater objects and use live bait ( chubs, bluegills, suckers ) to in. Water spring for spawning and fall for eating some believe trouts were responsible of black bass different. Newly hatched fry are stocked into small ponds to continue growing for about one.. Lake in Arkansas one more time-consuming step, tempering the fish to the success of this program, walleye in! To conduct one more time-consuming step, tempering the fish to the success of this program, are! To breed in a pond to conduct one more time-consuming step, tempering the fish to the water of. Of three rivers of northeast Arkansas spring River, to prepare to spawn is among the lures. Local anglers largemouth and smallmouth to June and lay egg nests near logs and tree..