Fishing Lake D’Arbonne

AKA: D’Arbonne Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake D’Arbonne Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Lake D’Arbonne, LA

Popular Fish Species Lake D’Arbonne, LA

Crappie Fishing

Black and white crappie both reside in Lake D’Arbonne, which is one of the top crappie lakes in the state. Crappie generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Lake D’Arbonne Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a great bass fishing lake, Lake D’Arbonne continues to deliver nice catches of largemouth bass. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake D’Arbonne on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here is year round. Spotted bass also reside here in lesser numbers.

Lake D’Arbonne Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake D’Arbonne, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring, channel catfish tend to migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.

Lake D’Arbonne Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, flier sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish and warmouth at Lake D’Arbonne in Louisiana.

Considered a top Louisiana destination for recreation and fishing, Lake D’Arbonne has it all. Scenic views, water recreation activities and great fishing draw visitors to this 15,200-acre lake in the northern section of Louisiana, at Farmerville.

Fishing on Lake D'Arbonne is renowned, particularly for its excellent bass fishing. Largemouth and spotted bass are abundant in the lake. Channel catfish are also plentiful and are a favorite target for many anglers. Crappie fishing is another highlight of Lake D'Arbonne. The lake is home to healthy populations of both black and white crappie. Bluegill and sunfish are abundant in the lake, making it an excellent destination for families and youth anglers.

There are over 100 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. Healthy populations of bass, crappie, catfish and numerous species of sunfish-bream are available for fishing enthusiasts to pursue. Local fishing guides can simplify the fishing experience by providing the boat, gear and knowledge to compliment a great day of fishing. If you prefer, you can fish from the bank at public access areas or bring your own fishing or family boat. There are half a dozen boat launch ramps available for public use. These and other access points may also provide access for portage of canoes and kayaks.

Primary fish species residing in Lake D’Arbonne

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake D’Arbonne Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

James Peyton Smith Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, at the north end of the James Peyton Smith Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Downsville Spillway Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the south end of the dam, off Spillway Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Farmerville Spillway Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, at the north end of the dam, off N Spillway Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Highway 2 West Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, at the west end of the State Route 2 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake D'Arbonne State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Evergreen Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Terral Island Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Par Road 1701, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.