Bussey Brake

Bussey Brake is LDWF’s newest WMA. International Paper donated the 2,600-acre property to LDWF in 2013. They used the 2,200-acre reservoir on this property, historically called Bussey Brake, as an emergency water supply for their mill in Bastrop but no longer needed it when the mill closed in 2010. However, since International Paper had always allowed the public to fish in the reservoir, they wanted to ensure that it would remain available to the public for fishing and other activities. 

Our primary focus on Bussey Brake WMA is managing a quality fishery. After receiving the property, we decided to prioritize fishing and renovate the reservoir. The reservoir was constructed in a forested area in the late 1950s and provided a tremendous fishery for many years. However, natural habitat loss and the introduction of undesirable fish species led to a decline in the productivity of the reservoir and fishing suffered. Our renovation involved almost completely draining the lake and removing the existing fish population. While the lake was lowered, we created boat lanes and constructed a new fishing pier, boat dock, and wave break. In addition, during the drawdown, abundant woody and herbaceous vegetation grew on the lake bottom, providing new habitat for fish. We will maintain this habitat to ensure a quality fishery on Bussey Brake for years to come. In 2017, we began stocking the lake with fish such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish.

Activities and Amenities

Fishing and boating: Three fishing piers, including one ADA-accessible pier, are available for those without boats. A three-lane concrete boat launch is located at the north parking lot, while a dirt launch suitable for kayaks is available at the south parking lot. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, bream, and crappie. Users can also access the adjacent Bayou Bartholomew, which forms the eastern boundary of Bussey Brake WMA. 

Some fishing regulations at Bussey Brake are different than statewide regulations to protect the young and expanding fishery and ensure a quality fishing experience for all anglers. 

Statewide regulations apply to all other species. Anglers may only use rod and reel or cane pole gear; no other gear types are allowed on the WMA.

Other:

An 8-mile trail which follows the top of the reservoir levee is available fo hiking, biking (non-motorized bikes only), and horseback riding. The WMA is ideal for birdwatching, especially for waterfowl in the winter.

 Limited Tournament Fishing: 

Bussey Brake is the only LDWF Wildlife Management Area (WMA) with recreational fishing as the top priority.  Since re-opening in 2020, Bussey has produced numerous Louisiana top-10 bass and crappie and anglers continue to experience unprecedented success in catching personal best and trophy-sized fish.

The waterbody is currently undergoing what biologists refer to as a “new lake effect.”  In a new lake, nutrients that fuel a fishery from the bottom of the food chain to the top of the food chain are abundant, and fisheries habitat quality is at its peak.  Unfortunately, the “new lake effect” will not last forever.  Over time, the nutrients fueling the current fishery and habitat conditions will slowly decline.   As the fishery and habitat matures, LDWF’s management of the lake will also change and may include drawdowns (our best tool to combat the effects of aging) or regulation changes that encourage more harvest of certain sizes and species of fish.

While the lake is extremely popular, fisheries habitat is peaking, and growth rates are high, angler-related harvest and mortality will be limited to preserve the fishery for as many users as possible and to optimize the potential for state record size bass and crappie at Bussey.  The LDWF acknowledges the popularity of fishing tournaments and will allow limited tournament activity on Bussey Brake with an LDWF-issued Special Use Permit, which is required for such activities on all LDWF WMAs.  Permits will be issued in the best interest of the fishery, while maximizing the overall public benefit of Bussey Brake as a recreational fishery. 

• To be eligible for a permit, tournament organizers must
• apply online at least sixty (60) days in advance of requested date
• limit participation to 15 boats
• use an immediate live-release format (weighed or measured in boat then immediately released back into lake)
• provide written live-release tournament rules to LDWF
• agree to follow all WMA rules and regulations

• Special-Use Tournament permits will be
• Limited to two (2) per month
• Issued to qualifying applicants on a first come, first served basis

There will be no exemptions granted to Bussey Brake WMA regulations for approved tournaments and tournament activities may not interfere or block any other normal public use of the facility.   Applicants can begin the process by applying below.

Map

Bussey Brake

Parish

Morehouse

Acreage

2,600

Owner/Manager

LDWF

Directions

Bussey Brake WMA is located 5 miles northwest of Bastrop off of Bonner Ferry Road (LA Hwy 593). Two parking areas (north and south) are located on the west side of the highway. The self-clearing permit station is located at the north parking area.