Report: Ouachita River 11/28

[zthomas]

Floated the Ouachita River Saturday 11/28 from a low-water bridge a mile or so above the US 270 bridge down to the Ouachita River Haven Resort near Sims.

This was my first time on the Ouachita. It’s a big, pretty river, and at 2.8 on the gauge I never even touched bottom in the pontoon. Although the 4.5 mile section I did is in a valley with big pine ridges on both sides, the mountains are far enough away that you don’t really see them much from the water. Still very scenic, though, with a number of nice little riffles and runs.

The couple that owns Ouachita River Haven were very friendly and helpful, and the husband is a fly fisherman. They live on site, so they stay open year-round. They charged $10 for a shuttle and helped me haul gear and such on both ends.

Fishing was about like I’m starting to learn it usually is in the off-season—tough but okay. Got several little spots and assorted sunfish, and then performed a textbook long-line release on one nice bass—either a largemouth or spot—that might have gone 2-1/2 pounds.

Big black wooly bugger was the ticket this time. Way outfished the craw patterns—exactly opposite of the Mulberry two weeks ago.

At any rate, I’ll be back when it warms up some. There was great-looking habitat throughout the run, and it would be a really fun river when the fish are more active and out on the shoals.

[Phil Lilley]

Is this river floated by alot of people in the summer?

Nice report and great pics. It's nice to hear about different waters like this one.

Thanks.

[ozark trout fisher]

Floated the Ouachita River Saturday 11/28 from a low-water bridge a mile or so above the US 270 bridge down to the Ouachita River Haven Resort near Sims.

This was my first time on the Ouachita. It’s a big, pretty river, and at 2.8 on the gauge I never even touched bottom in the pontoon. Although the 4.5 mile section I did is in a valley with big pine ridges on both sides, the mountains are far enough away that you don’t really see them much from the water. Still very scenic, though, with a number of nice little riffles and runs.

The couple that owns Ouachita River Haven were very friendly and helpful, and the husband is a fly fisherman. They live on site, so they stay open year-round. They charged $10 for a shuttle and helped me haul gear and such on both ends.

Fishing was about like I’m starting to learn it usually is in the off-season—tough but okay. Got several little spots and assorted sunfish, and then performed a textbook long-line release on one nice bass—either a largemouth or spot—that might have gone 2-1/2 pounds.

Big black wooly bugger was the ticket this time. Way outfished the craw patterns—exactly opposite of the Mulberry two weeks ago.

At any rate, I’ll be back when it warms up some. There was great-looking habitat throughout the run, and it would be a really fun river when the fish are more active and out on the shoals.

That's an interesting looking river there.... I bet there are some really big bass in there to be caught.

Thanks for posting.

[Zack Hoyt]

Great report Z. It has been a good while since I was on the Quachita. Just don't make it south much anymore. I do remember it being a pretty fishy area. Phil, it gets a good bit of canoe traffic in the spring and summer.

Z, are you using a regular weight-forward line? I swapped to a 10' DC sink tip for getting the flies down lower or even on the bottom. Helps alot fishing with a bit of current.

[zthomas]

Zack, I bought a sink-tip a month or so ago, and it definitely does help a lot. Surprisingly easy to cast and manage, too.

Phil, I get the impression the Ouachita does get crowded in the summer, but not like a Buffalo or a Spring where people are literally bumping into you.

ZT

[Goggle eyed]

The first river I ever paddled was the Ouachita, 1972. It has uninterrupted runs from the largest and most natural body of water in the state and is in one of the most remote counties. Small mouth is good, google eye great, and hybrid whites wonderful during their run. Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone.