Electric Island Nature Trail on Lake Hamilton

Trail sign map showing georeferenced trail. The georeferenced map must be downloaded to use the Avenza app. Click for zoomed out view of Electric Island and the AGFC Fish Hatchery.

Distances
Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery Access – western Electric Island trailhead: 0.8 miles
Electric Island Nature Trail: 2 miles long  

Lake Conditions
Lake Hamilton is a popular destination and motorboat traffic increases on weekends and holidays. Wind and boats can create substantial waves and rough water. Paddlers should avoid congested weekends and windy conditions when visiting Electric Island. 

Visit Entergy's website for periodic lake level changes, especially in winter months.

Don’t Get a Ticket!
According to Arkansas law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and anyone on a boat must have one ready to use. Vessels 16 feet and longer must have a throwable life preserver (type IV) aboard. Glass containers are illegal in boats such as canoes and kayaks that can be easily swamped. Paddlers must securely fasten cooler lids, and use attached, closeable trash containers, and floating holders for beverages.

Wildlife and Habitat
Electric Island is home to white-tailed deer, raccoons, armadillos and gray squirrels. Various woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches and vireos live on the island year-round. Depending on the season, watch for bald eagles, loons, osprey, warblers and waterfowl. The island is typical of the Ouachita Mountains with an oak-hickory-pine forest. The Ouachita River was impounded in 1931 to form Lake Hamilton. Electric Island has not been logged since then and periodic, prescribed fire allows for an open woodland.

Camping
No camping or campfires on Electric Island.

Fishing
Electric Island offers some of the little remaining unaltered shoreline on Lake Hamilton. Anglers pursue largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, and bream. Minnows, jigs, and spinners are recommended baits. Fish for catfish on the bottom with worms, minnows and stink baits. Check AGFC fishing regulations.

Hunting
The 118-acre Electric Island WMA is owned by The Nature Conservancy and is managed as a nature preserve. No hunting.