Tributaries for several major rivers in Arkansas
and Oklahoma originate in the Ouachitas. Runoff from Rich Mountain
feeds the Kiamichi, Mountain Fork and Ouachita Rivers. Streams beginning
on Winding Stair feed the Poteau and the Kiamichi Rivers.
The Talimena Scenic Drive is situated along a geographic zone separating
the flow of water. Water falling on the north side is collected
in streams that eventually flow into the Arkansas River. Water falling
on the south side flows to the Red River, forming a boundary between
Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. All is reunited in the Mississippi
River. Refer to pages 51 and 55 in the auto tour section of this
book.
A number of lake and reservoirs were built on area streams. Lake
Wister, Broken Bow Reservoir, Lake Wilhelmina, and Cedar Lake are
just a few.
These streams and lakes boast smallmouth, largemouth, spotted and
rock bass, green sunfish, walleye, chain pickerel, channel catfish
and some trout.
This area also hosts 27 species of non-game, native fish. Among
them are the stoneroller; golden, redfin, and steelcolor shiner;
freckled madtom; spotted sucker; channel, bluntnose, dusky and orangethroat
darters.
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