Brouillette

The Brouillette boat ramp provides access to the Red River, a major waterway with substantial flow and current. This is the 9th-order Red River system, averaging over 68,000 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of nearly 6 feet per second—paddlers and boaters should be prepared for significant current conditions. Located in Marksville (Avoyelles Parish), the ramp is accessed via LA Highway 494 or from Montgomery by taking US Highway 71 west through downtown, then turning right on Old Jefferson Highway to reach the access road.

**Important operational note:** The Brouillette ramp closes when Red River water levels reach 28 feet with predicted continued rise. Check current water conditions before launching, as the Red River's substantial gradient and flow mean conditions can change rapidly. The site provides convenient access for exploring this major river system and is located near both Lake Ophelia and Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuges, making it a good base for wildlife viewing and paddling exploration in the Red River floodplain.