Ask anyone who has had the opportunity to fish Caney Lake and they will tell you that it is one of the best they have ever been on. This was echoed by many of the anglers on the Major League Fishing Tour following the circuits first visit to the lake this past February. Now the nationally syndicated, Bassmasters Magazine, has agreed as well. 

In their “Top 100 Lakes” for 2022 edition, Bassmaster Magazine lists Caney Lake as the 4th rated lake in the nation. This marks the third consecutive appearance on the list for the “Jewel of the Pines” which moved up one spot from last year. Caney Lake is one of four lakes managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries that made the top 100 list. Toledo Bend Reservior, came in at #5 with Bussey Brake and D’Arbonne Lake being listed for the first time. 

Excerpts from Bassmaster Magazine on each lake:

Caney Lake is currently ranked No. 4, jumping up one spot from last year. The ranking is largely due to some astonishing tournament weights, in addition to the great numbers of 10-pound-plus bass caught in the past few years. Habitat conditions are currently driving the surge in big fish and total abundance of bass in this 5,000-acre reservoir in Jackson Parish.

Toledo Bend Reservoir (TX/LA) continues to hold a steady position within the central division, ranking No. 5. A low-water period in 2019, which dropped the reservoir to 7 feet below pool for 6 months, enhanced habitat conditions throughout the reservoir for a short window of time. Average winning catch weights have shown an increase in the last year, with several 25-pound, 5-bass limit winning weights. This reservoir stretches along the Texas/Louisiana state line, from Desoto Parish to Vernon Parish.

It’s no surprise that Bussey Brake broke into the list this year at No. 15 in the central division. Bussey has produced an astonishing number of lunkers since it was restored and re-opened to the public in 2020. Most of this production is due to the large number of pure Florida strain brood fish that were provided by LDWF’s own Booker Fowler fish hatchery. These large brood fish, in combination with excellent habitat, have provided a tremendous fishery in Morehouse Parish that should continue to get even better in the years to come. In 2021, the American Fisheries Society nationally recognized Bussey Brake and LDWF for excellence in fisheries management associated with the restoration efforts.

D’Arbonne Lake makes its first appearance on the list at No. 24 in the central division. This Union Parish gem is most known for its spectacular crappie catches, but for years it has been producing an abundance of quality-size largemouth bass. Numerous bass topping 8 pounds are caught every year, with occasional 10 pounders landed. It typically takes 20 pounds or more to win most tournaments in the spring.