Garland County, AR · Reservoir
Lake Ouachita
Arkansas's largest lake, a clear 40,000-acre reservoir near Hot Springs — largemouth and striped bass, crappie, catfish, and bream across hundreds of islands.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Marginal conditions for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Lake Ouachita.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Ouachita
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Marginal conditions for Striped Bass. In season 37/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Min size
- 20"
- Daily creel
- 3
20" minimum, 3/day (striped & hybrid combined).
Source: Arkansas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 6
15" minimum, 6/day on the big highland reservoirs (Bull Shoals, Beaver, Norfork).
Source: Arkansas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 15
10" minimum, 15/day on the highland reservoirs.
Source: Arkansas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
3/day statewide (varies by water body).
Source: Arkansas regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Arkansas
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Lake Ouachita: Arkansas Game & Fish fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Ouachita?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Ouachita you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Ouachita?
Lake Ouachita is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Ouachita?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Ouachita against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Ouachita have?
Lake Ouachita has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Ouachita?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Ouachita. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Ouachita tidal water?
No. Lake Ouachita is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.