Hill Wheatley

Hill Wheatley is a public boat launch on Hamilton Lake.

It is part of the Arkansas public boat-access system, maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Hill Wheatley is a trailer boat launch.

The site is managed by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Hamilton Lake is open to public fishing, boating and paddling across the lakes, rivers and Delta of Arkansas. Anglers here target largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bream, channel and blue catfish, and white bass.

The cold tailwaters below the dams — the White and Little Red rivers — are world-famous trout fisheries.

On a lake like this, weed edges, drop-offs, points and structure hold fish through the open-water season.

Hill Wheatley is a public access point to Hamilton Lake for trailered boats, kayaks and canoes.

This launch sits on Hamilton Lake; look for other public access points, marinas and shoreline fishing spots along the same water, and check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the full list of access sites nearby.

Conditions are usually milder than big water, but wind can still build a chop on open stretches. Watch for shallow bars, stumps and swimmers near shore, and check the forecast before a long run.

Carry U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear, wear your life jacket, file a float plan for longer trips, and watch the afternoon heat and storms in summer.

An Arkansas fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Follow the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's seasons, size and creel limits, which vary by water and species.

Clean, Drain and Dry: remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain every compartment, and never move live fish or bait between waters — this is how invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp spread.

Observe posted launch rules, no-wake and idle zones near the ramp, and any local watercraft controls.

Stage your gear before backing down to keep the lanes moving, especially on busy mornings. Check the ramp depth for your boat's draft, and rig the trailer lights to handle a dunk.

Arrive early on summer weekends for parking, and have a plan for wind direction before you launch on open water.