Lake Ouachita, located in the Ouachita National Forrest of more than
1.6 million acres near the resort city of
Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Lake
Ouachita is surrounded by the
Ouachita National Forest
and is one of the cleanest lakes in the country.
Arkansas's largest lake, it has 66,324 total acres of land and water. 20,000 forested acres around the lake are open for hunting.
No homes are allowed on the
tree covered rustic shore line of over 900 miles.
With Over 200
islands you can find your own private camping space and beach.
Pronounced
"Washita" ( WAH-shi-tah ),
the lake was created by building
the
Blakely Mountain Dam
on the Ouachita River.
With over 40,000 acres of water, Lake Ouachita averages 50 feet deep.
The
deepest area touching 200 feet.
The lake 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.
!!! Be Careful !!!
!!! Wear you life jackets. !!!
With over 200 islands showing, there are many
just under the waters surface,
even in seemingly open water,
you can go from 150 feet to 2 feet in a short distance.
Always check the weather,
storms on Lake Ouachita can spin up fast.
Lake Ouachita is the first of 3 lakes on the
Ouachita River.
Below Lake Ouachita, is Lake Hamilton formed by Carpenter Dam,
below
Hamilton, formed by Remmel Dam is Lake Catherine.
These lakes, and the bath
houses
of
Hot Springs National Park make
Hot Springs, Arkansas a popular tourist and
vacation attraction.
“Ouachita” is the French spelling of the Indian word Washita which means "good hunting
grounds". . Since the formation of Lake Ouachita we have to add Good Fishing
Waters.
Lake Ouachita has many
unusual features, one feature by the Corps of Engineers is the
Geo-Float Trail, a marked
trail
which can be followed with a brochure
which details prominent geologic features along the
route.
Lake Ouchita also features one of the largest crystal veins in the world.
Lake Ouachita has rare jellyfish (non-stinging) and
sponges
found in only very few of the cleanest freshwater lakes.
Scuba Divers from all over the world enjoy the underwater experience as well
as the special spear fishing season. The Original purpose of Lake Ouachita was flood control and
hydroelectricity.
