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Louisiana · Fishing
Louisiana fishing covers more ground than most anglers realize. The state runs from saltwater marshes along the Gulf Coast to cypress-lined bayous in the Atchafalaya Basin to freshwater lakes tucked into the piney hills of the north.
128 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 128 spots
Louisiana fishing covers more ground than most anglers realize. The state runs from saltwater marshes along the Gulf Coast to cypress-lined bayous in the Atchafalaya Basin to freshwater lakes tucked into the piney hills of the north. Near Cameron, the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Canal sits at just 3 feet of elevation and holds red drum, spotted seatrout, black drum, and flounder — accessible fishing with no technical skill required. Head inland to Saline Lake in Winn Parish at 65 feet and you're in largemouth bass and crappie territory. The Atchafalaya Basin Landing near St. Martinville puts you on moving water at 10 feet of elevation, where largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill are all realistic targets on a moderate-effort float or bank session. Lake Pontchartrain draws anglers from both the Mandeville and La Place sides, while coastal spots like Bay L'Ours near Cut Off and Bayou Ferblanc near Golden Meadow keep saltwater options close for anglers based in the Lafourche Parish area. With 120 active fishing spots listed across the state, Louisiana rewards anglers who match the water type to what they actually want to catch rather than just heading to the nearest access point.
Louisiana requires a basic fishing license for residents and non-residents alike, and freshwater and saltwater are treated as separate endorsements. If you plan to fish Lake Pontchartrain or coastal spots like Bayou Ferblanc and Bay L'Ours near Golden Meadow, you'll need the saltwater endorsement in addition to your base license. Check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for current fees and any free fishing days before your trip.
Along the coast and in the marshes near Cameron and Cut Off, red drum, spotted seatrout, black drum, and flounder are the main targets. Move into the Atchafalaya Basin near St. Martinville and you're fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill on river water. Freshwater lakes like Saline Lake near Winnfield and Black River Lake near Monterey are solid bets for bass and crappie. Tickfaw River at Tickfaw State Park near Holden also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie in easy-access river conditions.
Boggy Lake
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Atchafalaya Basin Landing
~1h 7m drive
Moderate
Tickfaw State Park - Tickfaw River
~1h 10m drive
Easy
Spring Lake
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
White Oak Lake
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Martin Bay
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Morel Lake
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Horseshoe Lake
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Jeff Lake
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Lake Martin
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Gum Swamp
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Lac Ophelia
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near LA.
Also worth it near here
reservoirLake fishing
Lake Providence, LA
largemouth bass, crappie
reservoirLake fishing
Zwolle, LA
largemouth bass, striped bass
riverRiver fishing
St. Martinville, LA
largemouth bass, channel catfish
riverRiver fishing
St. Martinville, LA
largemouth bass, channel catfish
lakeLake fishing
Mooringsport, LA
largemouth bass, chain pickerel
Lake fishing
Bastrop, LA
Lake fishing
Buras, LA
Lake fishing
Golden Meadow, LA
Lake fishing
Golden Meadow, LA
Lake fishing
Cut Off, LA
Lake fishing
Port Sulphur, LA
Lake fishing
Port Sulphur, LA
Lake fishing
Slidell, LA
Lake fishing
Natchez, LA
Lake fishing
Golden Meadow, LA
Lake fishing
Grand Isle, LA
Lake fishing
Port Sulphur, LA
Lake fishing
Cut Off, LA
Lake fishing
Golden Meadow, LA
Lake fishing
Baskin, LA
Lake fishing
Abbeville, LA
Lake fishing
LA
Lake fishing
Pineville, LA
Lake fishing
Jeanerette, LA
Lake fishing
Hodge, LA
Lake fishing
Monterey, LA
Lake fishing
New Orleans, LA
Lake fishing
Ferriday, LA
Lake fishing
Buras, LA
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons across most of the state. Crappie and bass fishing in freshwater lakes peaks in spring as water temperatures rise into the mid-60s. Coastal fishing for speckled trout and redfish tends to be strongest in fall when fish push into the shallower marshes. Summer fishing is doable but heat pushes fish deeper and into shade during midday, so early morning and evening sessions matter more.
Several spots on the list are rated easy difficulty. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Canal near Cameron is flat, calm water with straightforward bank or kayak access and a mix of species that respond to basic bait rigs. Saline Lake near Winnfield and Tickfaw River at Tickfaw State Park near Holden are also rated easy. The Atchafalaya Basin Landing near St. Martinville is rated moderate, mainly because current and navigation on river water require a bit more awareness.
For coastal and marsh fishing near spots like Bay L'Ours or Bayou Ferblanc, a medium-action spinning rod in the 7-foot range with 15-20 lb braided line and a fluorocarbon leader handles redfish and trout well. For freshwater bass and crappie in lakes like Saline Lake or the Atchafalaya Basin, a lighter spinning or baitcasting setup works fine. Regardless of where you go, bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a cooler — Louisiana summers are brutal and the bugs are serious.