Prairion Bayou

**Location & Access**
Prairion Bayou Recreation Area provides boat ramp access to the Ouachita River in West Monroe, Louisiana. To reach the site, take LA-557 N to Line Road, then Red Cut Road, veering left onto Lenard Loop Road to W Watson School Road. Follow the road as it becomes River Road and continues along the Ouachita River to the recreation area. A nearby private boat ramp (Joe Bob's) is approximately a quarter-mile away if needed.

**River Conditions & Boating Character**
The Ouachita River at this location is a major waterway—a stream order 8 river with an average flow of approximately 27,700 cubic feet per second and average velocity of 4.6 feet per second. The river has a modest gradient of about 3 feet per mile in this region. Paddlers and boaters should expect a substantial, flowing river suitable for experienced users. The Ouachita-Black River system includes four locks and dams downstream, so plan accordingly if you're running longer distances on the water.

**Recreation Nearby**
This area offers access to the Ouachita-Black Rivers system with additional boat ramps and facilities available throughout the region. The recreation area itself provides a private setting for launching watercraft for kayaking, canoeing, and boating on one of Louisiana's major river systems.