These are lakes within a short driving distance from Hot Springs Village
Lake Catherine – With 1,940 surface acres, Lake Catherine is a relatively small lake, but it has big recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike. With its proximity to the resort town of Hot Springs, visitors can enjoy the quiet relaxation of the lake, and have access to all the amenities they could want. Nestled at the base of the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine is a freshwater Ozark pearl.
Lake Greeson – Southwest of Little Rock, Arkansas in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, lies a hidden mountain treasure. Lake Greeson is one of the oldest reservoirs in Arkansas. Although relatively undiscovered, there are ample amenities and recreational opportunities for visitors. With over 7,000 acres of water, this mountain beauty is waiting to be explored. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Anglers fish for black and white bass, stripers, crappie, and bluegill, with very good fishing for channel catfish and rainbow trout. There are 7,000 acres of land open to the public for hunting, and bird watchers will love catching glimpses of the wintering bald eagles. Daisy State Park is a favorite family destination, providing campsites, picnic areas, launch ramps, hiking trails, and a motorcycle/mountain bike/ATV trail. Bear Creek Trail, the only year-round, off-road trail in the Arkansas trail system, offers cyclists 31 miles of beautiful cycling and ATV trails to explore this mountain lake. Greeson Lake Level
Lake Hamilton – Lake Hamilton has almost 200 miles of shoreline characterized by small coves and inlets, and is almost entirely surrounded by homes, restaurants, and resorts. The lake covers 7200 acres and stretches out over 18 miles in length. Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway crosses over the lake. In addition to relaxing at one of the many resorts, visitors can enjoy all types of water sports. Speed boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks share the waters of Lake Hamilton. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and Lake Hamilton’s mix of water temperatures support habitats for a variety of fish. The Arkansas Fish and Game Commission operates the Lake Hamilton Fish Hatchery, and releases fingerlings into the lake each year. Angling opportunities include striped, spotted, white and smallmouth bass; black and white crappie; flathead, blue, channel, and bullhead catfish; walley and chain pickerel. The Commission also stocks the lake with rainbow trout. Lake Hamilton has hosted several fishing tournaments, and with the fishing resources being managed by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, it is sure to host many more. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and Lake Hamilton’s mix of water temperatures support habitats for a variety of fish. The Arkansas Fish and Game Commission operates the Lake Hamilton Fish Hatchery, and releases fingerlings into the lake each year. Angling opportunities include striped, spotted, white and smallmouth bass; black and white crappie; flathead, blue, channel, and bullhead catfish; walley and chain pickerel. The Commission also stocks the lake with rainbow trout. Lake Hamilton has hosted several fishing tournaments, and with the fishing resources being managed by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, it is sure to host many more.
Lake Ouachita – Lake Ouachita is an angler’s paradise. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, bream, crappie, catfish and walleye rank among its top fishing attractions. But trophy striped bass are the biggest draw for most anglers. For many, Lake Ouachita earns the title ‘Striped Bass Capital of the World’. Lake Ouachita is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. It’s the largest lake located entirely within the state of Arkansas. More than 200 islands can make your own private camping spot a reality! Explore 40,000+ acres of boating and water recreation, and 975 miles of shoreline. There are designated recreation areas for camping, fishing docks, boat slips and swimming. Several marinas rent a variety of watercraft, including houseboats. Ouachita Water Level
Nimrod Lake – Nimrod Lake is a definite stop for fishers and hunters who will find an abundance of game in and around the lake’s 3,550 acres. Along with a popular slab crappie fishery, anglers will find catfish, bluegill, and bass for relaxed leisure or exciting sport. In-season hunting and trapping is generously permitted throughout thousands of acres of project land. White-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, fox, mink, black bear, dove, and waterfowl abound. With such an abundance of game options, it is no wonder the lake is named after the mighty hunter and great-grandson of the Biblical Noah. Noteworthy are the Lloyd Millwood Waterfowl Management Area (a “green tree” public duck hunting area); a mobility impaired hunting area; and a 3,800-acre bobwhite quail management area. Nimrod Water Level
Harris Brake Lake – Harris Brake Lake was built in 1955 by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and remains the third largest lake owned by the state wildlife agency. The surface of the lake spreads across approximately 1,300 acres in Perry County and has an average depth of six feet. The lake is part of the Harris Brake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which totals 2,788 acres. Harris Brake Lake is adjacent to an 800-acre green tree reservoir, a lowland area typically flooded during the fall and winter to attract waterfowl and to prevent tree mortality.
Lake Maumelle – With 70 miles of mostly wooded shoreline, Lake Maumelle is a nature lover’s paradise. Lake Maumelle is located in the Central Arkansas Region about 12 miles northwest of Little Rock. The lake is controlled by Central Arkansas Water, and was completed in 1957 by damming the Big Maumelle River. The purpose of Maumelle Reservoir is to provide water for Little Rock, Arkansas. For this reason, recreational activities on and around Maumelle Lake are limited. However, anglers and sailboat enthusiasts will enjoy the peaceful surroundings as they take pleasure in a relaxing afternoon on the lake.
DeGray Lake – With 208 miles of shoreline and 13,400 surface acres of water, DeGray Lake visitors will enjoy many recreational activities. Anglers can cast in their line and try to catch a number of game fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish. Hunters will find designated hunting areas, where they may encounter white-tailed deer, black bear and bobcat. Lake visitors who enjoy nature watching or bird watching should cast their eyes above and around for bald eagles, ducks, loons, wild turkeys and herons. Additionally, a State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established on DeGray Lake and consists of approximately 31,800 acres of land and water. The WMA provides opportunity for hunting and wildlife viewing while protecting the natural habitat of the animals that make DeGray Reservoir their home. DeGray Water Level