Fishing Lake Bruin, LA
AKA: Lake Bruin State Park
Boat and bank fishing
Last updated on .
Popular Fish Species
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Bruin. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. A history of careful fisheries management by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Bruin is a popular bass tournament for local anglers. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at time, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Bruin. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Lake & Fishing Video
Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie and bluegill at Lake Bruin in Louisiana.
An ox-bow shaped fishing haven in the east-central part of the state, Lake Bruin is a 2,700-acre lake , two miles north of St. Joseph. In all there are about 22 miles of shoreline to explore in search of bass, crappie and bluegill. This oxbow lake, formed by a bend in the Mississippi River, offers excellent fishing opportunities and is a favorite destination for anglers in the region.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Lake Bruin is the largemouth bass. In addition to largemouth bass, Lake Bruin is also known for its abundant population of black crappie and white crappie. Bluegill, a popular and easily caught panfish, can also be found in good numbers in Lake Bruin.
This is an ideal lake to bring the family as the kids will have a blast with big bluegills and crappie, while dad tempts the quality largemouth bass that call this home. There is a year-round boat launch at Lake Bruin State Park on the southeast corner of the lake off State Park Road, and another at Netterville Landing on the south shore of the north end of the oxbow. Fishing piers and areas for fishing from the bank are available at the state park.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Bruin
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Bruin Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Click here for fishing boat rentals.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Bruin State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Click here for marinas.
Fishing License
Click here for a Louisiana Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Bruin State Park Campground - 318 766-3530
Camp Lake Bruin - 318 766-3530
Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Bruin State Park
201 State Park Road
St. Joseph, LA 71366
318 766-3530
Fishing lakes in each state
020626
LOUISIANA
Fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill in central LA.
