Got a trip planned for three days fishing on Lake Ouachita in late August staying at the Shangri La. We are scheduled to go out with a guide on day one and then do our own thing for the next two days. I understand there are some large stripers but the guide told us it wasn't a good time of year to fish for them. He suggested Crappie on crickets and Black bass fishing but we would like to go find some stipers.
Has anyone ever been up there and provide any guidance?

Pete,

I was there the first week in June and they were tearing up the large striper around the dam on live shad. Tradiationally we have done well trolling 5 inch sassy shad but not this year. It seemed like they wanted live shad or nothing. I can't say what it will be like this time of year but I bet given enough time watching your electronics you can come up with something that will work. Most certainly early or late is going to be a must.....Its a pretty lake...Good luck.

Thanks Mud. We were thinking the same thing. Live shad around the dam early in the AM but we will talk with the guide.

crappie and black bass fishing will be really tough, the stripers should be ok on live shad. what guide are you taking. just got back from a 2 week trip from there.

What guide, Pete?

Also, if you plan on fishing with shad, bring 'em with you.

Just a question, but do you know if a feller by the name of Hal Curtis is guiding up there?

i have never heard of him before but there are a couple of new guides.

Hal Curtis is living out in west Texas and not guiding at all.

mark
www.texomasportfishing.com

Night fishing should be good at Quchita right now. Hate to say it but down rigging at night is your best bet.

Going out with Hugh Albright. Any feedback?
http://www.arkansas-adventures.com/albright/

Goo dpoint about bringing your own shad. If you can't catch them they are charging anywhere from 1-2 bucks per shad.

OK so follow this scenario. Run over to grapevine with the good old shad net and cast the bubbles pulling up a couple of dozen shad on Saturday Night. Get in the truck on Sunday morning and drive 350 miles with my bubbler in the shad tank and the pump running like crazy moving the water around. Go out with the guide on Monday and fish with our travel weary shad on Tuesday and Wednesday. Shoot guys I have trouble keeping shad alive for a full day of fishing never mind catching some three days in advance. Might be worth trying to chuck the shad net when we get there or buying some vs the hassle of trying to keep them alive for the trip. I appreciate the advice however! The place we are staying at has live bait advertised so maybe we can get the "discount rate".

hugh is the best guide on the lake, stripers is not his #1 thing but he knows were they are at. he should put you on some bass and monster bream too.

When I went my shad died too so i baited them on a trot line and tore up some catfish. It was the lemonaide threory on that trip.

I was just up there, around the 4th of July, and fishing was very tough. Caught some fish but all were small. If possible, you might want to postpone until fall.

my $.02.