I was wondering if shad were catchable on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas during the months of November and December? If so were would be a good place to try? Thanks for your help.

Your not allowed to use a cast net on Ouachita when it's dark. The lake is too clear to use one during the day unless you happen to catch them on the top they'll be gone by the time your net gets to them. Alot of people get them from the Ark. river and take them with you to the lake. Hopefully someone will have better advice. I've heard of people using goldfish but don't know how well they'll work. I've also heard around the dam area @ 4:00 a.m.ish is a good place to be.
Welcome to the TFF.

Thanks for your help, I'll keep that in mind. Just curious why are you not allowed to use your net at night?

I have no idea. I'm not sure if it's just that way on Ouachita or if it is also true on other clear lakes. I assume it has something to do with water clarity and the Parks and wildlife or whatever AR. calls it is worried about the shad population. I know it was that way last Sept. when I was up there. It's an absolutely beautiful lake. Take GPS with you if your gonna be out on a boat. There's lots of different coves there and you could get lost if you don't pay attention . They do have several points marked with signs to help you navigate.

Get some worm and catch the big one on hooks.LOL

Dynamite works well also

Bamaboy, did you catch some fish last time you were up there?

I caught very few, we hired a guide and only caught two stripers, 1 lmb, and one spot. Saw a couple of other guides and they didn't fair much better. I wish I had tried the dam super early, I heard that later after we were back.

I think they are trying to preserve the shad population. Shad don't reproduce like they do on some of our lakes. On clear lakes like that night time is about the only way you can catch bait because during the day shad see the net coming and can avoid it. After rains you could probably catch bait in a muddy cove. I've been told even if you do catch bait you can't keep them alive. Not sure why. Maybe they are used to clean water(Ouachita is one of the cleanest lakes in the country) Its a trophy managed lake so if it was easy to catch bait there I bet it would be much more crowded which equates to fewer big fish. River shad are much cleaner and hardier. Find a tailrace or river to catch your bait. They'll do better anyway.

Thanks for help