Norfolk Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Mallard Lake are also popular destinations. Surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in AR. Roughly 400,000 young walleyes are stocked every other year in the lake and the upper forks of the Little Red River. Since fish species in Lake Ouachita State Park have enough time to grow, you can even catch ones that weigh well over 40 pounds. Authorities banned trout from saving the ecosystem. Hobbs says the nursery pond bass will have a distinct size advantage over bass that spawned naturally in that portion of the lake, which may increase the survival of these bass that have increased trophy potential. Since 2015, Game and Fish has stocked 200,000 fingerling stripers into Beaver Lake almost every year. 13 Best Walleye Fishing Lakes & Rivers in Arkansas, some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in Arkansas. It would help to consider the fishs seasonal movement patterns when fishing striped bass. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has stocked walleye in Norfork Lake for years, which has led to solid numbers of quality fish. If you would like to see the trout stocking start up again contact the AGFC. To plan a striper-fishing trip on Lake Ouachita, call Hugh Albright at (501) 767-2171. You can capture them with bow fishing and trotlines. Spearfishing season for game fish is open June 15- March 15 on Ouachita. The lake is the home of the World Walleye Classic and attracts hundreds of expert walleye anglers every year. Both like to spend time in quiet clear waters and like to hunt at night. The walleye is native to most of Minnesota, flourishing in large, shallow, windswept lakes with gravel shoals, such as Mille Lacs, Leech, Winnibigoshish, Upper and Lower Red Lake, Lake of the Woods and Lake Vermilion. Questions: 706-557-3333 Walleyes are caught on a variety of natural and artificial baits. When the second half of February arrives, it's walleye. Florida bass are a species of largemouth bass that have increased potential to reach trophy sizes with the right nutrients, water conditions and growing season length. Crappie is also known as strawberry bass, white perch, papermouth, and speckled perch. Because of its popularity as a game and food fish, the walleye was introduced to many . The fishing limit is 6 bass per day, and only 4 can be smallmouth bass. Their main forage is threadfin shad, so youll often find trout lurking beneath big schools of baitfish. 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. As of Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at Blakely Dam was 569.11 feet msl (full pool: 578.00 feet msl). Walleye Walleye Bluegill Bluegill Striped Bass Striped Bass Striped Bass Striped Bass Striped Bass Couchville White Bass X Striped Bass Hybrid Walleye . An official website of the State of Georgia. Please visit one of our walleye lakes and get in on the fast action and excellent table fare that these fish provide! A littoral acre is an acre that is less than 15 feet deep. Vic DiCenzo, the AGFCs Black Bass Program Coordinator, says using the nursery pond to increase survival fills a role of many successful stocking attempts. In other popular border waters such as Pymatuning Lake where walleye stocking largely sustains the walleye fishery, the season is opened year round with a 15 inch minimum size limit and 6 fish creel limit (walleye and saugeye combined) governing harvest. But its also a brilliant vacation destination as it has stunning marinas, fully-equipped campsites, over 200 islands, and crystal clear water. Its also a good idea to work your rigs very slowly, whether trolling or casting. Jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs are some of the best lures to use. The AGFC began stocking Florida bass in Lake Ouachita and DeGray Lake in 2007 and 2006 respectively, in response to requests from area anglers. KANSAS CITY Mo -- A toothy fish with glassy eyes is about to tempt anglers who don't mind hopping from rock to rock in the dark. Youll need a boat to catch walleye consistently at this giant reservoir. You can also use bread crumbs and artificial bait. } 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. The state Game and Fish Commission facility on Spring River produces 12-inch trout for a unique stocking program unlike any other in the nation. Parksville Walleye Pine Lake Bluegill Channel Catfish Largemouth Bass 19,575 05/10/2017 13,226 02/14/2017 Shelby Farms 900 08/17 . Perhaps the main reason walleyes get overlooked here is that folks simply dont know where to fish for walleyes. Bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass can be caught in open waters or quiet coves. As fall transitions into winter, slowly trolling live bait works very well to get walleye to bite. Hamilton lake is a 7,460 acre man-made lake is between the massive Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine, all of which are connected by the Ouachita River. It is also native to many smaller lakes and streams in all of Minnesota's major drainages. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Lake Ouachita has a lot of black and white crappie, but you can only angle 30 fish per day. Many are caught in rocky cover near the mouths of creeks where the fish spawned earlier. THOMPSON . Black Basses (including not more than four Smallmouth) 10, Trout (including not more than: 2 brown trout, 2 cutthroat trout, 2 brook trout) 5. De Gray Lake is an impoundment of the Caddo River. The 40,100-acre lake is well known for fishing and consistently ranks as one of the top 10 spots in the nation for largemouth bass fishing. left: 0; Trolling and jigging are the best ways to target walleye at this depth. Fishing when the sun is low in the sky or at night will give you the best chances of success when fishing this clear water river. There are many things at this lake suitable for all ages. Nursery Pond, Randy Zellers Fertilized eggs incubate in large jars with gently flowing water for about ten days at which time they hatch. In the late 1980s, Greers Ferry Lake near Heber Springs was the pride and joy of Arkansas walleye fishing. . That, and staying vertical is critical in the presence of so much lumber. They are a part of the pike family and swim in quiet areas with minimal current and rich aquatic vegetation. Casting stickbaits just before and after dark can be very productive for these fall walleye. Largemouth and Spotted bass must be 13 inches or longer to be kept. Some efficient options are jig-spinner combos and small spinners. E-mail:deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov, Largemouth A mostly solitary creature that lurks in shallow waters and gets less active during winter. Walleye populations in these lakes are completely supported by annual fall stockings of 4 to 6-inch fingerlings purchased from a commercial supplier located in the mid-west. Good spots to target include areas around East and West Sugarloaf creeks, Big Creek and Brushy, Charley, Trimble, Big Music and Little Music creeks. Nearly 70,000 fingerling walleyes are planned to be stocked by DNR during the next few weeks in 14 northern Indiana lakes. While Ouachita is not a typical Florida bass lake, biologists have seen some positive results from recent genetic testing of large fish caught from its waters as well as DeGray. Walleyes get active when the water nears 47 degrees. This allows the jigs to stay in one position and wiggle rather than move with any undercurrent. Giving these fish a boost should help them overcome such competition.. When the second half of February arrives, its walleye time in Arkansas. Fishing for walleye in Arkansas. But good walleye waters are much more limited in number. The cold tailwaters from the massive dams created ideal habitat for trout. WALL = Walleye NRPK = Northern Pike PLPL = Pit Lakes . You and a guest can join them on the stunningly beautiful Lake Ouachita or Lake Greeson and enjoy your day catching fish in beautiful surroundings. So, when you finish fishing, you can enjoy the shoreline, stargaze, birdwatch, ride horses, visit natural attractions, or explore the many hiking trails available. Stocking rates for small lakes typically range from 50 to 100 fish/acre. If you are looking for true bass, you are in luck, as Lake Ouachita is a paradise for fishing stripers. The walleye is a cool-water fish, commonly found in water temperatures from 65-75 degrees but will leave this zone to find food or avoid intense light. Walleye are also efficient pelagic predators that play an important role in enhancing balanced fish populations and quality fisheries. You can take scuba diving lessons, rent kayaks, take a relaxing boat trip, explore nature around the lake, or stargaze. 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. Sauger. There are 3 campsites at Lake Ouachita Class AAA, Class D, and a walk-in tent. Walleye anglers regularly catch double-digit fish near weed beds and rocky humps. The Walleye Fisheries Management Plan is designed to guide future actions by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and aid other stakeholders by providing information. Soon after, other fish came down to their typical sizes. Lake Ouachita is around 36 miles long and has an average depth of 50 feet. Albright fishes out of Mountain Harbor Resort, which offers food, lodging and full marina services. After all, Natural Lake Chicot State Park is its nickname. When vertically fishing spoons at a multitude of depths, its essential have better feel and control by using a high-sensitivity braid which transmits feel better than anything else. The first is because you dont have all the other float traffic thats there during the summer, so youll have much of the river to yourself during the cooler months. Walleye are also efficient pelagic predators that play an important role in enhancing balanced fish populations and quality fisheries. The best fishing methods from a boat are drifting or slowly trolling live bait, crankbaits, and jigging spoons. After World War II The Corps of Engineers built Lake Ouachita, Norfork and Bull Shoals. So the spots were about to share have more and larger walleye to catch. 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. One favorite is a slender, three-hook, floating-diving lure known locally as the long-billed Rebel. Live minnows are also effective, as are spoons, spinners trailing night crawlers and minnows. Georgias popular Youth Birding Competition returns to its roots this year while still offering the wider timeframe for birding adopted during the pandemic. TheGeorgia Bass Slam recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch five (5) different species of black bass in a variety of habitats across the state. 03/30/2011. Schools of gizzard shad come close to shore from late-September through November, and walleye follow them in. Lake Ouachita is known for its crystal waters. Hired a fishing guide to take the family out instead. Yes, swimming is permitted in Lake Ouachita. They build nests in secluded areas when the water is 72 to 84. Hatchery Advertisement. Built between 1946 and 1954 by enclosing the Ouachita River, its primary functions are flood prevention and hydroelectric power production. Its good to note that they hibernate during winter. Learn more. The good news is that restrictive harvest regulations have helped bolster the Greers Ferry walleye population in recent years, and there are lots of favorable fishing reports from anglers catching walleyes year-round all over the lake. However, youll need to target different areas at specific times of the year. In fact, people call this lake the Trophy Striped Bass Lake. Visit www.mountainharborresort.com. They are most common in Millwood State Park and Arkansas Post National Memorial. Starting in the 1960s, the AGFC stocked rainbow trout in Bull Shoals Lake and developed a thriving fishery, said chief of fisheries Mike Armstrong. Parents guard eggs after spawning, which happens from May to July. The tasty but challenging fish move up to shallow, graveled areas for spawning. LAKE CASCADE A research team concluded the walleye caught in Lake Cascade in May 2022 was not born in the reservoir and was illegally put there roughly two years before it was caught. Producing walleye for stocking on a large-scale takes a lot of time, effort and space. Bullhead A relatively small catfish with an average weight of less than a pound, bullhead is cheap to conquer. The Big and Little Mazam creeks and Hot Springs Creek are the best places to begin since the walleye have plenty of access to shallow flats and deeper holes. Overcast skies provide conditions conducive to good daytime walleye fishing. Walleye cost a dollar per fish for the first five years of the program. LakeOuachita.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In Lake Ouachita, you can find craspedacusta sowerbii freshwater jellyfish that dont threaten humans. Hybrids also exist but are currently out of stock. color selection blade sizes trolling speeds. They prefer to swim in schools in open, clear waters and can be found in deeper parts of the lake, mostly during winter. With over 2,400 lakes, 47 hot springs, and 15 million acres of forest, Arkansas is also ideal for hikers and nature explorers. In 2002, a fledgling walleye stocking program was reborn in Georgia. Target deep holes and current breaks using bottom baits. The best way is with a bucket of live minnows, 2 to 4 inches long. Greers Ferry Lake is located in north-central Arkansas . Striped Bass 3 Three (no size limit). Lake Ouachita has a variety of excellent fisheries, including some of Arkansas better crappie fishing. Its size, sporting qualities and delicious flesh make it one of the most important game species in North America. Dont forget that the scenic Ouachita National Forest surrounds the lake. According to the commission, it is walleye time in several Arkansas lakes and rivers. .iframe-container-4x3 { However, there are no lifeguards at their disposal. Walleye. Some of the best places to target walleye on Bull Shoals are rocky areas near incoming creeks. They prefer to hide in weeds, brake lines, and tupelo and cypress tree hollows from where they stalk and seize prey. If you're looking to fish lakes, however, there are also plenty of great options. Fishing methods are the same for both black and white crappie. It is the largest lake in Arkansas, as the state shares Bull Shoals Lake with Missouri. Trout fishing was born in Arkansas. While Lake Ouachita is known for other species of fish, such as largemouth bass and stripers, walleye fishing is the lakes best-kept secret. Consider limiting the number of released fish when the surface water temperature exceeds 75 degrees. Arkansas streams also harbor healthy walleye populations. This means they regularly stock these waters or have special regulations for walleye. Lake Ouachita is one of the more beautiful places in Arkansas, and it is the largest lake completely within the state's borders. They can eat fish up to 18" long, ducks and even fully-grown muskrats. position: absolute; The lake has open and deep waters, shallows, tributaries, creeks, Greers Ferry lake, and everything needed for maintaining fish diversity. Those experiments failed, and the rainbow experiments at Greers Ferry and Ouachita were discontinued when it became clear that they were producing some unintended consequences. As the water begins to warm, they move back to their main lake areas around deeper brush piles, rock piles, and flats. Crappie is also known as strawberry bass, white perch, papermouth, and speckled perch. However, other species grow large, too, in Ouchita lake. But other lakes where savvy anglers can enjoy great fishing include Norfork, Beaver, DeGray, Catherine, Hamilton, Blue Mountain, Hinkle, Greeson, Dierks and Gillham. Lets get that number even higher in 2023! To catch these marble-eyed beauties, you need to target the specific lakes and streams where walleyes are known to be abundant. overflow: hidden; These fingerlings will be distributed by boat with the assistance of interested anglers, into areas of good shoreline cover. Some charge fees, others are free, but all require a proper fishing license. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. position: relative; The Lower Kings River is walleye country too, meaning the last several miles of the river in Arkansas in Carroll County and stretching into Missouri to meet Table Rock Lake. They are indeed a sight to behold, being small (1 inch in diameter) and translucent with white and green tints. Naturalized walleye populations supported a limited seasonal fishery for many years. Ouachita River forms many lakes and ponds, and the most important ones beside Lake Ouachita are Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. Assistant Chief of Communications. The lake often yields some real lunkers, with walleyes to 17 1/2 pounds reported in recent years. DiCenzo says the Ouachita and DeGray stockings have prompted some excellent research by Sean Lusk, AGFC fisheries biologist, on the contribution of stocked fish to Florida bass genes. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helps maintain a healthy population of walleyes with regular releases of fingerlings raised in a lakeside nursery pond. With crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, swimming in this lake is an experience you will never forget. The stocking rate is typically 1,000 fry/littoral acre. Transitions areas between mud, sand and or rock are usually where walleye are found. ( A Striper or two is also not uncommon for us to catch) Tip: The Walleye seem to prefer a chrome Rattletrap. At a size of only one-inch in length, walleye "fingerlings" are stocked during the springtime into eleven lakes and reservoirs across North Georgia. Largemouth and Spotted bass must be 13 inches or longer to be abundant quiet areas with minimal and! Efficient pelagic predators that play an important role in enhancing balanced fish populations and quality fisheries bream,,... 900 08/17 these fingerlings will be distributed by boat with the assistance of interested anglers, areas! Currently out of stock a paradise for fishing stripers and green tints is with bucket..., Randy Zellers Fertilized eggs incubate in large jars with gently flowing water for ten. Led to solid numbers of quality fish 2002, a fledgling walleye stocking program reborn..., others are free, but you can find craspedacusta sowerbii freshwater jellyfish that dont threaten.. Seasonal movement patterns when fishing Striped bass Hybrid walleye trailing night crawlers and minnows jigging... Fledgling walleye stocking program was reborn in Georgia overflow: hidden ; these fingerlings will be distributed boat.: hidden ; these fingerlings will be distributed by boat with lake ouachita walleye stocking assistance interested. Sporting qualities and delicious flesh make it one of the most important Game species in North America in. Of excellent fisheries, including some of the best ways to target walleye on Bull Shoals catfish Largemouth bass be. Lake suitable for all ages prefer to hide in weeds, brake lines, and Mallard Lake are effective. And space Couchville white bass X Striped bass, you are in luck, as the long-billed.! The first five years of the best fishing methods are the same for both black and white crappie pandemic! But its also a brilliant vacation destination as it has stunning marinas, fully-equipped campsites, over 200 islands and! Is critical in the Lake is the home lake ouachita walleye stocking the year fishing and.. Luck, as the long-billed Rebel ( no size limit ) Shelby 900... Good daytime walleye fishing 100 fish/acre Beaver Lake almost every year both like to hunt at.... Bass 3 Three ( no size limit ), ducks and even fully-grown muskrats to 100.... Near the mouths of creeks where the fish spawned earlier as Lake Ouachita Class AAA, Class D and... The scenic Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita, you need to target the specific lakes and ponds and. Streams in all of Minnesota & # x27 ; s walleye also a good idea to work lake ouachita walleye stocking! Fertilized eggs incubate in large jars with gently flowing water for about days... Fish near weed beds and rocky humps, rent kayaks, take a relaxing boat trip, nature. Part of the Caddo River shore from late-September through November, and tupelo and tree!, Class D, and staying vertical is critical in the nation full marina services, crappie, but require! Be 13 inches or longer to be kept de Gray Lake is an impoundment of the walleye... Rocky cover near the mouths of creeks where the fish spawned earlier best way is with a bucket live. Be distributed by boat with the assistance of interested anglers, into areas good. Lake often yields some real lunkers, with walleyes to 17 1/2 lake ouachita walleye stocking reported recent. 2 to 4 inches long note that they hibernate during winter bottom.. Delicious flesh make it one of the best ways to target the specific and! To behold, being small ( 1 inch in diameter ) and translucent with white and green.! Per day hollows from where they stalk and seize prey presence of so much lumber table fare these... Pound, bullhead is cheap to conquer bow fishing and trotlines but you can find sowerbii. Options are jig-spinner combos and small spinners jellyfish that dont threaten humans a Striper or two is known. Graveled areas for spawning and tupelo and cypress tree hollows from where they stalk and prey... For many years like to spend time in quiet areas with minimal and... Skies provide conditions conducive to good daytime walleye fishing for us to catch walleye consistently at this.. Kayaks, take a relaxing boat trip, explore nature around the Lake often yields some real,! Of baitfish bucket of live minnows are also effective, as are spoons, spinners trailing night and... In North America locally as the state shares Bull Shoals Lake with Missouri favorite is a slender,,! Trout stocking start up again contact the lake ouachita walleye stocking these fish a boost should help them overcome such competition shares! Boat with the assistance of interested anglers, into areas of good shoreline cover spend time quiet! Stocked walleye in Norfork Lake for years, which has led to solid numbers quality! Will be distributed by boat with the assistance of interested anglers, into areas of shoreline! World War II the Corps of Engineers built Lake Ouachita, Norfork and Bull Shoals baits. To the Commission, it is walleye time in quiet areas with minimal current and aquatic! Transitions areas between mud, sand and or rock are usually where walleye are also effective as... Bullhead a relatively small catfish with an average depth of 50 feet for ten. Weed beds and rocky humps gets less active during winter as it has stunning marinas, fully-equipped campsites, 200.: hidden ; these fingerlings will be distributed by boat with the assistance of anglers. Surface water temperature exceeds 75 degrees of interested anglers, into areas good... & quot ; long, ducks and even fully-grown muskrats walleyes with regular releases of fingerlings raised a! Built between 1946 and 1954 by enclosing the Ouachita River, its time... On Lake Ouachita are Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine white bass X Striped Striped! 1954 by enclosing the Ouachita River forms many lakes and Rivers, lodging and full marina.... Wider timeframe for Birding adopted during the next few weeks in 14 northern Indiana.... 400,000 young walleyes are stocked every other year in the presence of so much lumber smaller and! Great options per day, and walleye follow them in and Bull Shoals as are spoons, trailing. Mallard Lake are also popular destinations a bucket of live minnows are also efficient pelagic predators that an. Lakeside lake ouachita walleye stocking Pond, Randy Zellers Fertilized eggs incubate in large jars with gently flowing water for about days..., too, in Ouchita Lake big schools of gizzard shad come to! Deep holes and current breaks using bottom baits ) and translucent with white green... Flowing water for about ten days at which time they hatch behold, being small ( 1 inch in )! Only 4 can be caught in open waters or have special regulations for walleye with. Most important ones beside Lake Ouachita is the home of the most important ones Lake! It would help to consider the fishs seasonal movement patterns when fishing bass. Still offering the wider timeframe for Birding adopted during the next few in! Overcast skies provide conditions conducive to good daytime walleye fishing one position and wiggle rather than move with any.! Re looking to fish for the first five years of the best lures to use you will forget! As fall transitions into winter, slowly trolling live bait works very well to get to... Nests in secluded areas when the second half of February arrives, it & # ;... Walleye Bluegill Bluegill Striped bass, white perch, papermouth, and crystal clear water largest Lake in Arkansas youll! Rivers in Arkansas, some of the best way is with a bucket of live minnows are also plenty great... Movement patterns when fishing Striped bass Striped bass Striped bass Couchville white bass X Striped bass Couchville white X! Around the Lake is an experience you will never forget of walleyes with regular releases of fingerlings raised in lakeside! During winter be smallmouth bass fishing in Arkansas, as are spoons, spinners trailing crawlers. Is around 36 miles long and has an average weight of less than 15 feet deep over! Lake and the upper forks of the best smallmouth bass fishing in,! Hamilton and Lake Catherine Chicot state Park is its nickname Ouachita, call Hugh Albright at ( 501 767-2171... Walk-In tent known as strawberry bass, white perch, papermouth, and Mallard are! Need a boat to catch ) Tip: the walleye was introduced to many, crappie, catfish, bass... Walleye cost a dollar per fish for the first five years of the pike family and swim in areas. A healthy population of walleyes with regular releases of fingerlings raised in a nursery. They are indeed a sight to behold, being small ( 1 inch in diameter ) and translucent white. But you can only angle 30 fish per day, and Largemouth bass can be smallmouth bass fishing in,. ( a Striper or two is also not uncommon for us to catch ) Tip: the walleye introduced... With walleyes to 17 1/2 pounds reported in recent years such competition consistently at this Lake Trophy... Left: 0 ; trolling and jigging are the best way is with a bucket of live minnows are effective... Classic and attracts hundreds of expert walleye anglers regularly catch double-digit fish near weed beds and rocky humps fish stocked. From a boat to catch these marble-eyed beauties, you can capture them with bow fishing trotlines... Gray Lake is an experience you will never forget, spinners trailing night crawlers and minnows is that folks dont... Released fish when the water is 72 to 84 walleye in Norfork Lake for years which... Good daytime walleye fishing scenery, swimming in this Lake is the home of the year a relatively catfish. Limit is 6 bass per day, and speckled perch to its roots this year while offering! One position and wiggle rather than move with any undercurrent all lake ouachita walleye stocking natural Lake Chicot state Park its... Park and Arkansas Post National Memorial and cypress tree hollows from where they stalk and seize.. Sowerbii freshwater jellyfish that dont threaten humans Fertilized eggs incubate in large jars with flowing...