The Ouachita River

The Ouachita River, which has a length of 605 miles, flows through the American states of Louisiana and Arkansas before merging with the Tensas River to form the Black River close to Jonesville, Louisiana. It ranks as the 25th-longest river in the country. It runs down and near both lakes, Hamilton and Catherine.

The Basic Essentials Of Ouachita River

There is plenty of locally owned restaurants along the lake for a quick bite to eat. The beauty of being on Ouachita River is that you can do any outdoor activity under the sun. No matter if it’s swimming, boating, hiking, or even laying out under the peaceful midnight sky–Ouachita has it all. The local medical center is less than 25 minutes away and the nearest airport is Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport which is not a far drive at all! All the essential stores are local to the Ouachita River for ease.

Ouachita River’s Rich History

The Ouachita tribe, one of several ancient tribes that once resided there, is honored by the river’s name. The Caddo, Osage Nation, Tensa, Chickasaw, and Choctaw were among the others. According to the historian Muriel Hazel Wright, the term “Ouachita owa chito” means “hunt big” or “excellent hunting grounds” in Choctaw. Their indigenous ancestors lived near the river for thousands of years before the historic tribes emerged. The Middle Archaic period saw the beginning of the construction of enormous earthwork mounds in the Lower Mississippi Valley (6000–2000 B.C .in Louisiana). The oldest building was Watson Brake, an 11-mound complex built by hunter-gatherers in what is now Louisiana around 3500 BC. There are still a lot of historical monuments from that era that hindered the development of the geographical area.

The largest of these prehistoric mounds was destroyed in the 20th century near Jonesville, Louisiana, during the building of a bridge. This mound, which was probably constructed by the Mississippian culture, which emerged around 1000 A.D. on the Mississippi and its tributaries, was still in use in 1540, according to the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. He came across Indians living there while on his excursion across the region near Ouachita River. The tribe took it as a terrible omen when lightning struck the temple on the mound that year. They were said to have abandoned the location in 1736 but never rebuilt the temple.

Fishing On The River

Fishing here at Ouachita River is unique as it’s history, as walleye and white bass make their spawning trips up the river. To benefit from the colder water temperatures, different types of trout are stocked from November to April. There are other types of fish swimming around as well. The rules on the lake are pretty simple to follow too. To keep trout, you need a permission. Five trout are the day limit. The daily limit for smallmouth bass is two, unless you are told otherwise. Some fish cannot be taken or eaten depending on the are of the lake they’re from.

Don’t Keep Ouachita Waiting

Ouachita River is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the unique sights one of the best rivers of America.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 650 miles
  • Shoreline Borders: State Park (some), National Park (some) , Mountians
  • Ownership: Public
  • Notable Events: Ouachita River Challenge
  • Permit is not required to use the lake. Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). — Do not exceed 5 miles per hour in a no wake zone. (See https://afbic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/boatinglawhandbook.pdf

  • Resources Nearby

    Paddle Bay- Campsites, SUP Yoga Classes & Paddleboard Rental

    Phone: (501) 520-9880
    Address: 141 Terrace Rd Hot Springs, AR 71913

    Diamondhead Golf Club

    Phone: (501) 262-3734
    Address: 245 Independence Dr. Hot Springs, AR 71913

    Lakeside Country Golf Club

    Phone: (501) 262-1826
    Address: 418 Wilson Lake Ln Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901

    Paradise Cove Marina

    Phone: (501) 767-4144
    Address: 1300 Airport Rd Hot Springs , AR 71913

    Sunset Cove Marina

    Phone: (501) 760-3303

    CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs

    Phone: (501) 622-1000
    Address: 300 Werner St Hot Springs, AR 71913