Looks like I'll be taking the wife up to Hot Springs in August. I'd appreciate any guide/fishing recommendations that you guys could offer. I'm all about the quality time, but I'm not going to the spa EVERY day.

Thanks guys!

--Parker

Lake Catherine in Hot Springs has plenty of hybrids,stripers,but august will be warm and the fish will be harder to catch.

a lot of lakes close, Hamilton is fun so is DeGray, but go to Ouchita, it is an awesome lake, fish the outside grass lines.

I fished Hamilton several years ago. It was the first time I had ever seen black bass schooling. It is a nice lake. I drove all the way up to Ouchita dam. Nice clear very cold water.

Enjoy.

Any guide recommendations? I don't plan on hauling a boat or fishing gear with us. I just want a half-day run-about and don't really care what we fish for. I'd just like to catch 3 or 30.

i can't recall my guide, it's been 5 or 6 years, but i do remember the 12lb stripers we pulled out of Ouchita. We went in August and while the fishing quantity wasn't stellar what bit was a good fish. The lake is cool and clear and very undeveloped so doesn't seem to get as much pressure as some of our lakes here. I HIGHLY recommend getting a guide to take your striper fishing on that lake w/ live shad. I'm sure the main marina would have a recommendation or three. Enjoy!

The wife and I stayed at Mountain Harbor Resort in the early 1990's several times. They had a very nice lodge and restaurant. They also have guides working out of there. http://www.mountainharborresort.com/

From the website it looks better than when we were there.

http://www.lakeouachita.com/mountainharbor/fishing.html

Give Hugh Albright a call. He's a HOOT!

He used to guide with Mark Davis before he went full time pro.

Keep you some walleye to eat! They are super good! Hugh gets too excited when he gets to take them home! (Inside joke...ask him)

We took a half day bass trip a few years back and really had fun. We caught fish the whole time!

If you want to crappie fish look up Jerry Blake. He may be a good choice if your wife doesn't fish much. If she does a good striper guide would be fun.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the help.

Most of the guides up there are outrageously expensive, in my opinion. That said, you really need one to fish Ouachita...it IS huge. Boats can be rented at the marina next to the resort. Hot Springs Village is really nice...my dad and sis both live there, and I get up there all the time. Lots to do in the area. Have a great time!