Lake Austell
What to know
Lake Austell, at 85 acres, made headlines several years ago when a 15-pound, 12-ounce largemouth bass was hooked from its waters at Village Creek State Park, along Ark. 284, between Wynne and Forrest City. For over 20 years, Austell has been delighting fishermen with a steady yield of big Florida-strain largemouth bass. Since 1987, dozens of over-eight-pound bass have been caught in this lake. Bream, crappie and catfish are also popular catches. The 7,000-acre park offers two fishing lakes, boat launch and dock, recreational field, camping, cabins, hiking trails, nature programs, playgrounds and sandy beach. Contact the park at 870-238-9406.