Get Outdoors
Welcome to the Ouachitas! Not only are you in good company, but the surrounding area is the environment you seek to cure a myriad of outdoor experiences.
Pronounced “Wash-ah-taw”, the lake was created by building the Blakely Mountain Dam.
“Ouachita” is the French spelling of the Indian word “Washita” which is from two Choctaw Indian words, “Owa Chito,” meaning “big hunt”, where some would argue it means “land of great hunting.”
With over 40,000 acres of water, Lake Ouachita averages 50 feet deep. The deepest area touching 200 feet.
Lake Ouachita was not clear cut before it was filled, so a forest is still standing beneath the surface. Many trees left standing were over 60 feet tall. Always be on the lookout for shallow water markers and tree tops. Even in seemingly open water you can go from 150 feet to 2 feet in a short distance.
Lake Ouachita was not clear cut before it was filled, so a forest is still standing beneath the surface. Many trees left standing were over 60 feet tall. Always be on the lookout for shallow water markers and tree tops. Even in seemingly open water you can go from 150 feet to 2 feet in a short distance.
Fishing 🎣
Ouachita is known for all species of freshwater fishing opportunities. Hosting tournaments from local to professional levels, Lake Ouachita has plenty of hot spots for potential lifetime catches.
Don’t have a boat, or need some insight on what’s biting? No problem! Our hosts are regulars on the lake throughout the year and can either put you on a limit of crappie, or areas to catch largemouth, smallmouth or striped bass.
Contact us directly for personal guide rates and availability
Hiking 🥾
Attention hikers! The Ouachitas are a hiking mecca with trails on both sides of the lake, with the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) being the most famed, and highly popular attraction.
Amidst the endless trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy, some trails attract visitors for the waterfalls that are plentiful with early Spring rains, or to double-up on the views, Fall is another great season adding the foliage. Either way, bring a camera and post up that selfie!
Boating ⚓️
Wakesurfin’, pleasure boatin’ is the name of the Summer games on Ouachita.
Wide open areas for full throttle joy to finding that private cove for entertaining, you won’t have to look long to find your spot on this Arkansas oasis.
The cooler waters of the mid-lake to dam areas are perfect for pulling tubes, wake surfers or just drop an anchor and wave howdy as other boaters pass by.