Information on Ouachita River At Rockport
Rating: II
TDCR: ????
Location: You can float the river by launching just below Remmel Dam,
take US Hwy 270 east from Malvern to Jones Mill. Turn left
onto Remmel Dam road and follow to the river. Or you can
drive to the I-30 Bridge crossing and paddle 1/4 mile
upstream to the ledge. Recently the road on the north side
has been opened and it may be possible to drive directly to
the ledge. To park under the I-30 Bridge cross the river on
I-30 going west and exit immediately, cross over and turn
left at the old Tanner Street Bridge to cross private
property to the I-30 Bridge access.
Topo Quad(s): Malvern North
Gradient: N/A (just one rapid)
Length: N/A (5 mi. from dam to I-30)
Season: ALL
Gauge: USGS Ouachita River Gage at Jones Mill, river is typically
up or down. Optimum surfing at the ledge is 3,600 cfs which
is full flow generation from the dam.
Hazards: No major hazards beyond the typical underwater rocks and
swift water. There is excellent recovery if you should swim
while playing.
Description: There is a river wide ledge that creates a number of Class
II play spots. This is a good location for beginners to
learn to ferry and roll and for more advanced paddlers to
play when nothing else is running. During the week you can
call Entergy at 501-844-2148 and ask if Remmel Dam is
generating. Note that it requires 3 hours for the water to
fully develop at the ledge after generation starts. During
the late summer the dam may only run for 3 hours. The dam
typically operates during the peak energy load demand
which is late afternoon in the summer so this makes an
ideal after work opportunity for those in the Little Rock
and Hot Springs areas. Thanks to Ted Smethers for information
on this great summertime playspot.
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