Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Partner to Improve Fish Habitat on Lake Ouachita

VICKSBURG, Miss. –  The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is undertaking a habitat enhancement project on Lake Ouachita designed to benefit anglers and aquatic life.

During the weeks of December 1^st-5^th and December 8^th-12^th, crews will cut trees on islands located between point markers 28, 29, 30, and 33. These trees will be strategically dropped in the lake to create fish shelters, providing essential cover and habitat for sportfish species such as bass, crappie, and bream.

Please note, the trees selected for this project are identified by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel to provide optimum fisheries habitat. Cutting or removing trees on Corps-managed land without USACE approval by private citizens is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or other penalties. This process ensures that habitat projects are conducted responsibly, and that the integrity of Corps lands is preserved for recreation, conservation, and wildlife management.

To carry out the project, seven barges will depart from the Crystal Springs Boat Ramp. Each shelter location will be recorded using GPS technology, ensuring precise mapping of the new structures. Once completed, the GPS coordinates of all fish shelters will be made available to the public on the AGFC website, https://www.agfc.com, giving anglers easy access to enhanced fishing opportunities.

The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees.

USACE Celebrates 250 Years - For 250 years, the Corps of Engineers has been working to safely deliver quality projects on schedule and within budget. As we move forward, USACE continues to look to the future as we address today’s challenges.