Cypress Black Bayou Reservoir Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish close to Benton and Bossier City while having convenient access to public launches, fishing piers, camping, cabins and other developed recreation facilities.
Cypress Black Bayou is a two-reservoir recreation system near Benton in Bossier Parish. This guide focuses on Cypress Lake, the larger reservoir, while neighboring Black Bayou Reservoir is part of the same Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District. Cypress Park provides developed recreation facilities, and the lake combines open water, shoreline cover, docks and wooded/cypress-lined areas for North Louisiana freshwater fishing.
🏆 Bassmaster Tournament History
Major B.A.S.S. moments on this Louisiana fishery2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship
Cypress Black Bayou entered Bassmaster history when the 2009 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship was moved here because unsafe high water made the Red River unsuitable for competition.
Wong won the championship on the Black Bayou portion of Cypress-Black Bayou. Pam Martin-Wells earned the season Angler of the Year title and a 2010 Bassmaster Classic berth.
Official Bassmaster Coverage →Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Shoreline cover, docks, points, vegetation, cypress/wood cover and changes in depth can all hold fish depending on season. Anglers can begin around visible cover and transition toward deeper structure as water temperature and seasonal patterns change.
Best for Beginners
Cypress Park is an easy first-trip starting point because it combines a launch, fishing piers, parking and other facilities. If launching elsewhere, confirm the correct district ramp and bring what you need for the current boat sticker and launch fee.
Visitor Tips
Cypress Black Bayou is more regulated than an ordinary public lake. The District requires current boat stickers and maintains its own boating rules in addition to Louisiana requirements. Check the District website before traveling for current park hours, fees and notices.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessCypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District provides three Cypress Lake launch options: one inside Cypress Park, one off Parks Road and one off Highway 162. Cypress Park at 135 Cypress Park Drive also provides fishing piers and other recreation facilities. Verify current hours and access conditions before travel.
Bank FishingYes — shoreline fishing is allowed in appropriate public-access areas; fishing piers are also available at Cypress Park
Boat AccessExcellent — three district launch options serve Cypress Lake
Kayak AccessYes in suitable conditions; use caution around powerboat and ski traffic
Fishing PierYes — Cypress Park provides fishing-pier access
Launch or Access FeeCurrent district information lists a $5 launch fee; a current Cypress Lake/Black Bayou boat sticker is also required. Fees can change, so verify before travel.
ParkingDeveloped parking is available at district launch and park access areas
RestroomsAvailable at Cypress Park and selected developed facilities
CampingYes — Cypress Park offers RV camping, tent camping, cabins and cottages
🚤 BOAT / ACCESS PERMIT
Special Permit or Access Requirement
Current-year boat sticker required for motorized boats. The Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District requires the current permit sticker for passage on both Cypress Lake and Black Bayou Reservoir. Non-motorized watercraft are currently exempt from the sticker requirement. Check current sticker and launch fees before your trip.
Check Official Permit Information →Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
The District identifies three Cypress Lake launch options: the launch inside Cypress Park, a launch off Parks Road and a launch off Highway 162. Its launch-and-pier page lists district access at 900 Parks Road and 990 Highway 162, while Cypress Park is at 135 Cypress Park Drive in Benton. Verify the exact entrance and current ramp status before towing a boat to a specific launch.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Cypress Lake and Black Bayou also require the District's current boat sticker/permit for boats. Follow current Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries fishing rules plus Cypress Black Bayou District boating and access regulations.