 The Hot Springs area is surrounded by lakes and rivers that are sure to please anglers and fun-seekers alike, offering thousands of acres of recreational waters and countless miles of shoreline fun. You have plenty of elbow room to fish, ski, swim, float, sail, rent a houseboat, cruise a party barge, spread a picnic, camp out, go canoeing, para sailing or just kick back and catch some sun. The trio lakes - Ouachita, Hamilton, and Catherine all share the same water, but separated by dams. Lake Oauchita was formed by Blakely Mountain Dam in 1956 and a project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Lake Hamilton was created by Carpenter Dam in 1931, and Lake Catherine was formed by Remmel Dam in 1924 - both by the Arkansas Power & Light Company.
Lake Ouachita - Arkansas' Ocean . . .
Surrounded by the Oauchita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its scenic natural beauty and the clarity of its waters. The 49,000-acre lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. It's a water sports mecca, drawing thousands of visitors to its swimming, skiing, scuba  diving, boating, fishing and camping. Angling for largemouth bass, striped bass, bream, crappie and catfish is popular in the open waters or quiet coves along the lake's 975 miles of shoreline. Lake Oauchita is one of the best striped bass lakes in Arkansas and has produced three state-record stripers. Marinas, resorts and campgrounds are plentiful all around the lake. Lake Ouachita is also home to Arkansas' first and only full-service lake resort spas. For more information, visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakeouachita
Lake Hamilton offers lots more fun . . .
Lake Hamilton is the most highly developed lake in the state. It is 25 miles long, has 240 miles of shorelines, and covers 9,000 acres. It offers the visitor a smorgasbord of angling opportunities including scappy redear, green, bluegill and longear  sunfish; black, spotted, white and striped bass; black and white crappie; flathead, blue and channel catfish; walleye; and chain pickerel. Rainbow trout are also stocked in Lake Hamilton at the dams. Lake Hamilton has produced two state-recorded striped bass. Full urban amenities are close by Lake Hamilton, including resorts, condominiums, housing developments, restaurants, shopping and other amenities. Part of Lake Hamilton even extends into the Hot Springs National Park city limits. Beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens is located along 4- 1/2 miles of the Lake Hamilton shoreline.
Boating is one of the most popular sports on Lake Hamilton, and there are several boat launching ramps on the lake. Various concessionaires rent boats to the public. The Belle of Hot Springs cruises Lake Hamilton offering sight-seeing cruises, luncheon cruises, sunset dinner and dance  cruises. Lakeside breakfast and lunch is available at The Belle's Gilligan's Cafe. Amphibious craft called the "Ducks" also ply the waters of Lake Hamilton, as well as the streets of Historic Downtown Hot Springs. Resort hotels on Lake Hamilton offer full menus of hospitality and recreation. There are many restaurants on the lake with parking on land or docking for your boat. Lake Hamilton is a hubbub of recreational activity, with boats, sails and endless fun that even includes para sailing. The parade of boats is something to see. Click here to see virtual tour. For more information about Lake Hamilton, email Blake Hogue, the Lakes & Property Coordinator of Entergy at BHogue@Entergy.com and request their quarterly newsletter, or click here to view their website.
Lake Catherine hosts a popular State Park . . .
Nestled on the shore of the 1,940-acre lake, Lake Catherine State Park features rustic-style facilities of native stone and wood. The lake is 12 miles long and has 80 miles of shoreline. Along  the lake shore are fully equipped cabins with kitchens and 70 campsites. The park's marina, open in summer, sells bait and fuel. Rental boats are available all year. Guided horseback trail rides are available at the park during the summer. Interpreters offer guided hikes, boat tours, and programs during summer and by advance request in other seasons. Lake Catherine also offers the visitor a smorgasbord of angling opportunities including scappy redear, green, bluegill and longear sunfish; black, spotted, white and striped bass; black and white crappie; flathead, blue and channel catfish; walleye; and chain pickerel. For more information, visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/park.asp?id=2
Lake DeGray is home to DeGray Lake Resort . . .
Arkansas' resort state park is on the north shore of DeGray Lake, a 13,800-acre fishing a nd water sports playground in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Here you can enjoy resort amenities combined with plenty of fun in the great out-of-doors. Lake DeGray offers a 96-room lodge and a convention center, camping, swimming, tennis, golf, hiking, bicycling and guided horseback trail rides. The full-service marina offers all you need for fishing and fun, including a  variety of boat rentals. DeGray's lodge and convention center offers sweeping views of the lake from its island setting. And there's a bonus for golfers: DeGray's 18-hole public championship golf course (7,200 yards) includes a driving range, practice range and pro shop. Anglers will enjoy fishing for largemouth bass and other game fish on DeGray, which has a reputation for producing nice fish. Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina offers cottages, a full-service marina with rental ski boats and party barges, and meeting and retreat facilities. Iron Mountain's exciting holiday lighting display in late November-December 31 is not be missed. For more information, visit http://www.degray.com/
Lake Greeson is known for Big Sripers . . .
Located between the cities of Glenwood and Murfreesboro, Lake Greeson has a deserved reputation for producing big striped bass. Some even claim that this 7,300-acre Corps of Engineers impoundment contains more stripers per acre than any other lake in Arkansas. At Self Creek, the Self Creek Lodge and Marina offers a full-service marina, new two- and three-bedroom cottages, slips and boat rentals that include ski, party barge and fishing. Veteran fishing guides are available as well to "take you to the BIG stripers". |