The Best Fishing Lakes In Louisiana

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in LA.

Atchafalaya Basin, Caddo Lake, Lac des Allemands, Lake Claiborne, Lake D’Arbonne, Lake Verret and Toledo Bend Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in Louisiana, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Striped Bass Lakes

Louisiana is known for its abundant fishing opportunities, with a wide variety of lakes that cater to both warm water and cold water fishing enthusiasts. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, and the species found in each lake.

Warm Water Lakes:
Many lakes in Louisiana fall under the category of warm water lakes due to the state's warm climate and geographic location. Warm water lakes are known for supporting a diverse range of fish species, including popular game fish such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and catfish species like channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. These lakes are teeming with aquatic life and offer excellent fishing experiences year-round, making them popular destinations for anglers of all skill levels.

Cold Water Lakes:
While the majority of Louisiana's lakes are warm water systems, there are a few notable cold water lakes that provide unique fishing opportunities. These lakes are typically located in the northern part of the state, where the climate and water conditions allow for colder temperatures. Cold water lakes are known for their populations of trout species, including rainbow trout and brown trout, which are stocked annually to support recreational fishing. These lakes offer a different fishing experience compared to warm water lakes and attract anglers seeking to challenge themselves with trout fishing.

Some of the well-known fishing lakes in Louisiana include Toledo Bend Reservoir, which is a premier warm water lake and one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Verret are other popular warm water lakes offering great opportunities for catching a variety of species. For cold water fishing, Caney Creek Reservoir and Anacoco Lake are among the top destinations for anglers seeking trout.

Overall, Louisiana's fishing lakes cater to diverse tastes and skill levels, providing an abundance of opportunities to catch a wide array of fish species. From warm water lakes teeming with bass and catfish to cold water lakes with trout populations, Louisiana offers something for every angler's preference and passion.

Visit the Louisiana fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Louisiana map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations.