Crankbaits
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap
The classic lipless rattling crankbait for flats and schooling fish.
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A clear, 40,000 acre Ouachita Mountain reservoir known for striped bass and largemouth.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Ouachita for largemouth bass, striped bass and crappie. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, largemouth bass, striped bass and crappie are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 9 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Masterbaiters Bait & Tackle in Hot Springs Village, 12 mi away.
Best Months
Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Ouachita Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
11 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Surface blitzes.
Shop This LureSoft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Striped Bass
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Crappie
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig · Striped Bass
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Crappie, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Under a slip float.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Striped Bass
Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
Crappie
Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.
Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Ouachita
Line
PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PricePanfish Lures
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs
A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
Check PriceTopwater
Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Lake Ouachita
Bait & Tackle
Masterbaiters Bait & Tackle
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas· 12 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hot Springs Village, AR.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Hot Springs, Arkansas· 14 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hot Springs, AR.
Bait & Tackle
Ruth's Twin Creek Bait, Tackle & Storage
Mt Ida, Arkansas· 14 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Mt Ida, AR.
Bait & Tackle
Carter Cove Bait-N-More
Plainview, Arkansas· 27 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Plainview, AR.
Bait & Tackle
Twin Rivers Bait and Tackle
Arkadelphia, Arkansas· 32 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Arkadelphia, AR.