Wildlife-viewing Area Details 

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Name:Wattensaw Bayou Water Trail
Type:Water Trail
County Coverage:Prairie
Access:

Fire Tower Road Access:

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 639823E, 3857919N
Latitude/Longitude – 34°51’14”N, 91°28’13”W

Driving Directions:

  • From I-40, take Exit 193 and go north on Ark. Highway 11 for 1.6 miles. Turn east into the Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA.
  • Fire Tower road turns to gravel at the 1.0 mile mark. Continue on for 2 more miles and the road comes to a T intersection. Turn left at this junction.
  • At mile 6.2, stay to the right and the launch is just around the corner at mile 6.3.

North/Wattensaw Auto Road Access:

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 635096E, 3859113N
Latitude/Longitude -- 34°51’55”N, 91°31’19”W

Driving Directions:

  • From 1-40, take Exit 193 and go north on Ark. Highway 11 for 3.1 miles. Turn east on North/Wattensaw Auto Road. This road is not marked, but HW 249 South is on the west side of the road directly across from it.
  • Stay to left at mile 2.3. The launch is at mile 2.6.

Robinwood Road Access:

GPS Coordinates:
UTM – 638039E, 3859767N
Latitude/Longitude – 34°52’15”N, 91°29’23”W

Driving Directions:

  • From 1-40, take Exit 193 and go north on Ark. Highway 11 for 7.1 miles to Childers Corner. 
  • Turn east on Letchworth. At mile 4.4, the road takes a sharp left. Continue straight in this curve.
  • Stay to the right at mile 4.9.
  • At mile 6.9, the road comes to a T intersection. Turn right.
  • The boat launch is at mile 8.0.
Description:

Water Trail Length
7.8 miles; North Road to Robinwood Road - 3.5 miles; Robinwood Road to Fire Tower Road - 4.3 miles

Float Time  
Expect to travel 1-2 miles per hour, depending on water level and rate of paddling.

Warning
A train trestle 0.3 miles upstream from the Robinwood Road Access can create a logjam. Approach with caution and portage if necessary.

River Conditions
Wattensaw Bayou usually is a flat-water float. However, heavy rain and high water can create dangerous conditions. Watch for snags and logjams.

At normal water levels, a shuttle vehicle is not needed for this float. Put in at any of the access points and paddle upstream or downstream. Wattensaw Bayou flows east toward the White River.

Wildlife and Habitat
Wattensaw Bayou offers wonderful wildlife-viewing opportunities. Watch for prothonotary warblers, red-headed and pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl. Watch for beavers, muskrats, deer and raccoons as they travel and feed in and around the bayou. Overcup oak, bald cypress, blackgum and water tupelo trees make up much of the forest.

Fishing
The bayou offers fishing for crappie and bream. Minnows, jigs, spinners and light line are recommended. Fish on the bottom of the bayou for catfish with worms, minnows and stink baits.

Hunting
Hunters seek deer, turkey, quail and small game on Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA. Be aware of hunting seasons and wear hunter orange when appropriate. Check hunting regulations for additional information.

Conservation
Arkansas law prohibits glass containers in boats such as canoes and kayaks that are susceptible to swamping. Paddlers must fasten cooler lids, attach and use a mesh litter bag, and use a floating holder for beverages.

Water conservation is one way to ensure the natural heritage of Arkansas is protected. To conserve rivers and streams, keep them clean, maintain native vegetation and participate in river clean-ups. Click here to join an Arkansas Steam Team. 

Respect Private Property
Please respect private property along navigable streams. Private property may be marked by fences, signs or purple paint. Avoid stopping on private property whenever possible. Keep noise levels low and plan your stops on public land.

Emergency Contacts
Prairie County EMS 911
Prairie County Sheriff (870) 256-4137
Wildlife Hotline (800) 440-1477

Map:PDF Map
WMA Info:Link to Details