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.