Public meetings to update fisheries management on Lake Ouachita, June 7 and 26

May 30, 2018

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

HOT SPRINGS – Lake Ouachita reigns as one of the best fisheries in Arkansas. Its crystal clear waters accommodate many species of fish that anglers of all types enjoy. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is undergoing its scheduled review and revision process for the lake’s fisheries management plan, and would like to hear directly from the anglers who use this treasured resource. 

At the first meeting, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. June 7 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, biologists will talk about the lake’s booming largemouth bass fishery and information on the latest genetic testing that is one method biologists are using to evaluate the success of experimental stocking of Florida largemouth bass that took place from 2007 to 2014. They also will cover the results of the most recent angler mail surveys and boat ramp surveys on the lake, as well as the components of striped bass and crappie management activities on Ouachita. Biologists covering each topic will be available for one-on-one discussion during the first hour of the meeting. 

Once the presentations are over, all attendees will be able to participate in focus groups where they will be able to identify the things most important to them as the AGFC moves forward in fisheries management on Ouachita. The biologists will collect the results of these group findings and incorporate them into a revised plan.

The second meeting, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., June 26 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, will be held to review a draft of the revised plan, with opportunity for additional input on some issues.

All interested parties, especially Lake Ouachita anglers, should plan to attend both meetings in June. Your voice will help shape the new plan that will serve as a guideline for the management of the Lake Ouachita fishery for the next five years.