I have fished that area many times and your trolling motor should be fine. I suggest that you follow the bank on the left as you go towards the bridge from Van Buren. There is a big mud flat that starts near the ramp and continues toward the bridge. If you follow the bank on the left then you are in the channel and won't have any problems. The lake is near summer pool and that means that flat will be under water so you may not be able to see it. I have seen MANY boats try to cut across what looks like open water and end up grounded. Stay to the left. I have taken a small jon boat up in there many times when the water was at its current level and had no problems.I don't expect much action with the fish in there yet however, you may get into some whites and the catfish may be ok on the flat or in front of it with cut bait. Good luck