Bass Fishing In Louisiana

Guide to fishing for spotted and largemouth bass in LA lakes.

By Rick Seaman

Louisiana Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Louisiana is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Louisiana

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Louisiana. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Louisiana. The state record largemouth bass is over 15 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Spotted Bass Fishing In Louisiana

While largemouth bass takes the spotlight, spotted bass also holds its own in certain areas of Louisiana. Although not as prevalent as their largemouth cousins, spotted bass can be found in many of the same waters.

The best time to go bass fishing in Louisiana depends on the region and the water temperature. Typically, spring and fall are considered prime seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and readily feeding during these times. During spring, as the water warms up, largemouth bass become more active and move to shallower waters for spawning. In the fall, as the water cools down, bass are once again active and feed voraciously in preparation for winter.

Bass fishing basics video.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Louisiana

Louisiana is covered with more places to catch bass than one can imagine. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. There are more ponds, small lakes, rivers, creek and backwaters and the cast majority contain bass. The most consistent stringers continue to come from the major lakes including Anacoco Lake, Atchafalaya Basin, Black Bayou Lake, Caddo Lake, Caney Creek Reservoir, Cheniere Brake Lake, Cocodrie Lake, Cross Lake, Cypress Bayou Reservoir, Grand Lake, Lac des Allemands, Lake Bistineau, Lake Bruin, Lake Cataouatche, Lake Claiborne, Lake D’Arbonne, Lake Iatt, Lake Maurepas, Lake Palourde, Lake Rodemacher, Lake Salvador, Lake Verret, Saline Lake, Sibley Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake, Vernon Lake and Wallace Lake.

Whether you're fishing for largemouth bass or spotted bass in the vast array of lakes, Louisiana offers an abundance of opportunities for bass anglers. With its diverse waterways and year-round fishing potential, the state stands as a top-notch destination for bass fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable and rewarding experience on the water.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Louisiana this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Louisiana State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Caney Lake.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of the Tickfaw River.

This is Brandon Waltz with a bass he caught, on a spinnerbait, in small stream leading to lake near Cypremort Pointe, LA.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Louisiana. Understanding the primary seasonal movements of largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Pelican State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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