Bussey Brake LA / Caney Lake LA / Cedar Lake OK

[bacolmm]

I’m going to be in Arkansas in early June and I’m looking for a small lake to fish a couple days where I’ll have a chance at a big largemouth. I have a small 10 foot plastic Pelican boat with a trolling motor, so I’m looking for a small lake that I can fish somewhat effectively in my little boat. I don’t know much at all about the area/lakes, however Bussey Brake, Caney Lake and Cedar Lake are all within reasonable driving distance. Any recommendations? One of these 3 or somewhere else? I see a lot of big bass being caught at Bussey Brake, but it also seems like it’s getting a ton of pressure. Cedar Lake in OK is the lake I’m hearing the least about, but maybe that’s a good thing? Any guidance will be greatly appreciated!

[Bankc]

Cedar Lake is pretty nice.  I believe the state record was caught there.  And maybe another on the top 10, if I recall.  

 

But, like any small, big-bass lake, once word gets out, they get overfished pretty quickly.  But people do forget, and I don't think it's a crowded as it once was.  I think the record was caught around 2013.  Either way, I don't think it's producing record bass anymore.  Besides, I think those record largemouth from that lake came about because the lake got accidentally drained, and then when it refilled, it kind of reset the ecosystem for a while in favor of large bass.  Now that it's been steady for a few decades, I don't think it's as favorable for bass that size.  But there are probably still some double-digit bass in there.  

For its size and how remote it is, it still sees a lot of anglers.  But the few times I've been there, it hasn't been too crowded.  It is a real pretty lake.  Though every time I've been, I was in the area for some other reason, so fishing wasn't a priority.  So I've only fished from the bank there, and to be honest, bank fishing is not fun on that lake.  But a Pond Prowler, kayak, or jon boat would be great!