Keith and I currently call Lake Ouachita home. We are camp hosts at one of the local campgrounds, and are lucky enough to have a permanent spot right on the lake. We wake up and go to sleep to some of the most amazing views one could ask for. As we have spent some time here, we dove in, and learned so much about the area. It’s always interesting to find out what makes a place unique. Though I will have a full post on our travel page about this amazing place, there were some unique finds I put together here.
Lake Ouachita, with 40,000 acres of crystal clear water and over 200 islands, is a boater’s paradise. Surrounded by 975 miles of remote shoreline and the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita has consistently been ranked one of the cleanest lakes in the nation.
Freshwater Jellyfish
Lake Ouachita in Arkansas is home to freshwater jellyfish, also known as Craspedacusta sowerbii.
- These jellyfish are small, translucent, and about the size of a quarter.
- They eat macroinvertebrates, and are a food source for crayfish and turtles.
- They have an umbrella-shaped body and tentacles that help them catch prey.
- Their presence in a body of water indicates that it is healthy and pollution-free, as they can only survive in a pH range of 6.5–7.
- They are not dangerous to humans because their stings are too small to break through human skin.
Sponges
Freshwater sponges are filter feeders that attach themselves to submerged rocks, logs, or other surfaces. They are often overlooked due to their simple appearance, but they are incredibly important for water quality.
Why are freshwater sponges important for Lake Ouachita?
- Sponges help to purify the lake’s water by removing harmful pollutants and debris.
- Sponges provide a habitat for a variety of small aquatic creatures, such as insects and crustaceans.
- The presence of freshwater sponges contributes to the overall biodiversity of Lake Ouachita.
Where can you find freshwater sponges in Lake Ouachita?
Freshwater sponges can be found in various parts of Lake Ouachita, but they are most commonly seen on submerged rocks and logs in shallow areas. If you’re lucky, you may even spot them during a snorkeling or scuba diving trip.
Fish
Lake Ouachita is a great place for fishing enthusiasts, and different fish species have their own areas of the lake.
- Striped bass: A popular fish that can be found in open water areas of the lake. Some fish caught here have weighed over 30 pounds.
- Walleye: Found in the central waters of the lake, around underwater ledges and humps.
- Largemouth bass: Found in creeks that flow off of the lake.
- Spotted bass: A popular gamefish that can be found in the lake.
- Blue catfish: A fish that can be found in the lake.
- Channel catfish: A fish that can be found in the lake.
- Flathead catfish: A fish that can be found in the lake.
Bird Island
Bird Island in Lake Ouachita State Park in Arkansas is a small island that’s home to many species of birds, including purple martins, egrets, herons, ibises, and turkey vultures:
- Location: Bird Island is a narrow spit of land in the middle of Lake Ouachita.
- Size: The island is 1,260 feet long and about 100 feet wide at its widest point.
- Features: Most of the island is covered by bald cypress trees, with a small open sandbar and shrubs.
- Bird species: Bird Island is home to many species of birds, including purple martins, cattle egrets, little blue herons, great blue herons, white ibis, turkey vultures, American crows, and red-winged blackbirds.
- Bird Island Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour to Bird Island to see the birds. Tours are available in August, and reservations are recommended because space is limited.
- Bird Island as an Important Bird Area: The National Audubon Society has named Bird Island an Important Bird Area (IBA).
- Purple Martin Awareness Weekend: Lake Ouachita State Park hosts Purple Martin Awareness Weekend in August with programs and boat tours to Bird Island.
- Nearby boat launch sites: The Brady Mountain Use Area and Buckville Use Area are nearby boat launch sites.
Geo-Float Trail
The GeoFloat Trail is a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Lake Ouachita. It’s a self-guided float trip that combines scenic beauty with educational opportunities.
- The trail takes you through some of the most picturesque areas of Lake Ouachita, offering stunning views of the surrounding forests, hills, and wildlife.
- Along the trail, you’ll find informational markers that highlight the geological features, historical sites, and ecological significance of the area.
- In addition to floating, you can also enjoy swimming, fishing, and birdwatching along the trail.
To embark on the GeoFloat Trail, you’ll need a boat or kayak and a map of the trail. You can obtain a map from the Lake Ouachita Visitor Center or online.
Islands
The lake has over 200 islands, many of which are uninhabited and perfect for houseboating. Some islands have special geologic features, like Crawdad Island, which is said to resemble a crayfish when viewed from above.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most notable islands:
- Goat Island: This small, uninhabited island is a popular destination for boaters and fishermen. It offers stunning views of the lake and is a great spot for picnicking or simply relaxing.
- Deer Island: As the name suggests, Deer Island is home to a variety of deer species. Visitors can often spot deer grazing on the island’s shores.
- Raccoon Island: This island is known for its abundant wildlife, including raccoons, squirrels, and birds. It’s a great place to observe nature and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Big Island: One of the largest islands on Lake Ouachita, Big Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
- Little Island: This small, secluded island is a perfect spot for a quiet getaway. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of the lake.
- Bird Island: See above about this island’s uniqueness, and why you should visit.
Please note that access to some islands may be restricted or require permits. It’s always a good idea to check with local authorities or park rangers before planning a visit.
Scuba diving
Lake Ouachita is an excellent destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Its clear waters, diverse underwater landscapes, and abundance of aquatic life make it a popular spot for divers of all levels. The lake has at least 30 dive spots and is popular with scuba divers from around the world.
Here’s what you can expect when scuba diving in Lake Ouachita:
- The lake’s waters are generally clear, providing excellent visibility for underwater exploration.
- You’ll find a variety of underwater features, including rocky outcrops, submerged trees, and sandy areas.
- Lake Ouachita is home to a diverse range of fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. You may also encounter turtles, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures.
- Several shipwrecks are located in Lake Ouachita, offering exciting opportunities for wreck diving.
- There are several dive shops in the area that offer scuba diving courses for beginners and advanced divers.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience, it’s important to remember a few things
- Respect the environment: Avoid touching or disturbing aquatic life.
- Check weather conditions: Ensure that the weather is suitable for diving before heading out.
- Dive with a buddy: Never dive alone.
- Follow safety guidelines: Always follow the guidelines set by your dive instructor or dive shop.
Buckville
The history of Buckville, Arkansas is tied to the creation of Lake Ouachita, which covered the town’s location in the 1950s:
- Development~ Buckville was a small town in Garland County, Arkansas that developed after the Civil War. The town was located on the upper Ouachita River and was known for its small farms and agricultural reliance.
- Construction of Blakely Mountain Dam~ The construction of Blakely Mountain Dam in the 1950s led to the flooding of the Buckville area by Lake Ouachita. The town was permanently evacuated and a new Buckville was built on a hillside higher up.
- Buckville Cemetery~ The Buckville Cemetery is the only remaining structure from the original town of Buckville. The cemetery is located on the north side of the lake, near the end of Buckville Road. It contains over 300 graves, including some of the area’s earliest settlers. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
These are just a few of the things I found interesting and somewhat unique to Lake Ouachita. Every day I’m here I learn more, and cannot wait to see what else comes my way.
Check out other interesting facts on our Curiosities Page
