Zman...I think you are talking about Cottonwood Park lake. There are 4 or 5 lakes in the area which all have fish. I fish this area off and on for bass. I can give a basic rundown from my trips here.
Cottonwood is a good/decent bass spot. It is only 8 surface acres so you can cover the entire lake with a buzzbait in just a few hours. (east from Kipling and Jewell, turn right on Oak. Lake is just east of the tire shop)
The bass populations are good but most are in the 12-14 inch range. 15 and over get plucked out by some of the locals but there are still one or two hawgs. Great kids fishing spot as the bluegill tend to get thick and the easy access/mixed with the park-like setting is what really makes this a fun place to fish. I run into the occassional 5 to 7 pound catfish. Dropped off a bit in 2004 and was a bit mossy.
Other lakes in this area:
Main/Ozner res. (Florida and Kipling) Stocked trout, a few bass, a few catfish, and two really big Oscar cichlids (one tiger/one albino) I couldn't get them to hit anything in 2002.
Smith Res...former smallmouth legend. back to back state records in the late 80's. Smallies in the 14-15 inch range still exist on that east side rip-rap structure. some bass, some catfish, loads of carp in 2003.
Kendrick Res...a few blocks down (east) from Smith Res on Florida. Some bass, good catfish (decent numbers of 3 to 5 pounders). Lots of cattail structure, moderately stained water. Worth another look but I didn't do very well in 2002, 2003.
If you live in the area, these are great after work spots.
East Reservoir (small pond on Kipling-east side of Main) Water fluctuation/small size really reduce the quality of fish. I scouted it once in 2003...didn't even see panfish.
Good luck and good fishing!
