Bass Fishing Jul - Sept 2019 | Page 68

Ouachita National Forest A LOOK AT THE CUP PLAYING FIELD LAKE HAMILToN, HoT SpRINGS, ARK. ILLUSTRATIONS BY KEVIN HAND LAKE STATS Surface acres: 7,460 Shoreline miles: 198 Span: about 18 miles Average depth: 26 feet Maximum depth: 60 feet Year completed: 1932 THE UppER ENd The Ouachita River flows in from the northwest through a narrow stretch in the lake that’s mostly devoid of docks. Other upstream tributaries are more similar to the lower end. Ouachita River KEY fEATURE: BRUSH pILES Local crappie and bass anglers have lined the reser- voir with brush. ScHooLERS This region of Arkansas is known for its summertime schoolers. The surface activity usually peaks in June and July, but they’ll still be busting come August. KEY fEATURE: BANK GRASS Water willow grass could attract some forage and bass. 66 KEY fEATURE: SEAWALLS ANd RIpRAp Rock and con- crete structures lining deep banks can be especially good in the summer. fLWfISHING.coM I SUMMER 2019