Bussey Brake Reservoir Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish a heavily managed Louisiana reservoir known for trophy-quality largemouth bass and crappie, abundant submerged cover and a fishing-focused public access area.
Bussey Brake Reservoir is the centerpiece of Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area in northeast Louisiana. The reservoir was originally built in a forested area in the late 1950s as an industrial water supply. After International Paper donated the property to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in 2013, LDWF renovated and restocked the reservoir and reopened it to fishing in 2020. Fishing is the primary management focus here.
Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Submerged timber, old channels, brush, vegetation edges and other structural cover are key features throughout Bussey Brake. The renovated reservoir contains extensive fish habitat, so anglers should work visible and submerged cover carefully rather than treating it like an open-water lake.
Best for Beginners
Use the developed launch and marked access area for your first trip. Move cautiously around submerged timber and begin by fishing obvious cover near channels and vegetation. Bussey Brake has special fishing rules, so review them before launching.
Visitor Tips
Bussey Brake is managed differently from many Louisiana lakes. Recreational fish may be taken only by rod and reel or cane pole, shoreline fishing is limited to designated locations, and activities such as personal watercraft, water skiing and camping are prohibited on the WMA.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessBussey Brake WMA is owned and managed by LDWF for recreational fishing and other allowed non-consumptive uses. A developed public boat-launch area and designated fishing-pier/shoreline access are provided.
Bank FishingYes — only at designated shoreline locations and fishing-pier areas
Boat AccessGood — developed public boat launch
Kayak AccessYes in suitable conditions; personal watercraft and water skiing are prohibited
Fishing PierYes — designated fishing piers
Launch or Access FeeVerify current LDWF access requirements before travel
ParkingParking available at the developed boat-launch/access area
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
LDWF provides a developed public boat launch at Bussey Brake WMA along with designated fishing-pier access. Motorized vehicles are allowed on the reservoir levee only as necessary to launch a boat or access the fishing pier. A no-wake zone applies inside the harbor. Verify current launch conditions before your trip.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Bussey Brake has special harvest and gear rules. Current rules include a five-fish daily black-bass limit; retained black bass must be under 18 inches. One bass over 22 inches may be temporarily held in an aerated livewell only for weighing and must then be immediately released. Crappie have a 10-inch minimum length and 25-fish daily limit. Always check current LDWF regulations before fishing because special rules can change.