Jclark, several years ago there was a proposal to "enlarge" Mallard Lake. The proposal was to include all of Simmons Field and the 4 and 5 mile bar pits.
If my memory serves me correctly, the AGFC didn't have the funds to complete the project. The AGFC also stated that flooding those sections of woods would kill the timber.
I wish they would revisit that idea. I think with all the timber that has been cut from Big Lake over the years, there should be money to "fund" the project.(that's not even bringing the 1/8th of 1% sales tax into the equation)
I understand your "grief" with the northeast corner of the state. Good fishing is at minimum a hour and a half away.