The Mardi Gras state is known for being notoriously humid and sweltering in the summer. Louisiana's lush marshlands are brimming with incredible opportunities for shallow water fly fishing all year round. It is no wonder that this destination has earned a global reputation as one of the best places to saltwater fly fish! Every season makes it possible to enjoy an extraordinary experience out on the waters, and over time Louisiana has become known for its top-notch fly fishing adventures.
The best fly fishing in Louisiana can be found at destinations like:
- Golden Meadow
- Grand Isle
- Houma
- Grand Isle (Barataria Pass)
- Lake Charles
- Lake Pontchartrain
- Little Lake
- Venice and more
Looking to add some excitement to your fly fishing game? Head to Louisiana! This state is full of unique fishing spots perfect for all skill levels. Keep reading for our top 15 picks of Louisiana's best places to fly fish.
Best Fly Fishing locations in Louisiana
Across the state, numerous rivers, streams, lakes, and marshes offer bountiful opportunities for anglers to catch bass, black drum, sheepshead, and much more. The warm, humid nature of the state lends itself to a vibrant array of fish life, with plenty of places to explore.
1. Buras
Nestled along the southern coast of Louisiana, Buras is a quaint town that sits on Highway 23 - a ribbon of road cutting through its islands and peninsulas. This scenic stretch offers some of the finest fishing spots in all of the Gulf Coast, making it an ideal destination for any angler.
Buras offers unrivaled opportunities to cast into the depths of its various inlets, bayous, and channels. Here, anglers can hook striped bass, redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum, and more.
2. Calcasieu River Saltwater Barrier
Just over an hour west of Lafayette, Louisiana, the Calcasieu River Saltwater Barrier is a remarkable structure designed to prevent saltwater from entering Southwestern Louisiana's Calcasieu river without interrupting commercial navigation. This barrier consists of three components: an advanced navigational structure, a floodway control system, and a dam that blocks any potential gaps in the defensive framework.
The barrier creates a unique opportunity for anglers when it comes to fly fishing. Thousands of speckled trout flock to the area every year to feed off the invertebrate populations accumulating in the barrier's protected waters.
The temperature is perfect for fishing, and the salinity levels are high during summer and early fall, which presents anglers with an abundance of speckled trout. There's plenty of structure on both sides and a surplus of bait fish. However, when shrimp come into season, the saltwater side really shines.
3. Cocodrie
Located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, the unincorporated fishing village of Cocodrie is renowned for its proximity to some of the most severe landfall locations. Ten miles south of Chauvin and due south of Houma lies this small community that has faced Hurricanes Matthew (2004), Gustav (2008), and Zeta (2020). As part of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux Metropolitan Statistical Area, Cocodrie continues to be a hub for shrimping and crabbing activities.
It is a waterfront town located due west of Grand Isle, on an inlet of another bay blocked by several barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico. Due north, Cocodrie is connected to Houma by Louisiana State Highway 56. Home to some of the largest Redfish, Black Drum, and Sheepshead, the area is a top spot for fly fishing.
From the picturesque barrier island beaches to the calm shallow waterways, Cocodrie is an ideal destination for any aspiring angler. The vast marshlands are teeming with baitfish and other prey species such as Mullet, Pinfish, and Shrimp.
4. Delacroix (Four Horse Lake)
Delacroix, Louisiana, is a great place to fly fish for redfish, trout, and flounder. The area is known for its abundance of fish, as well as its beautiful scenery. Weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast before heading out is always a good idea.
Delacroix is situated in the southeast of Louisiana, where it lines the Mississippi River Delta. This tranquil community rests atop a strip of sandy meander belt deposits from Plaquemines and Balize delta lobes that have been formed over centuries.
Although many refer to the community as "Delacroix Island," it is not an island at all. Delacroix can be found southeast of Lake Lery, touching Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs, which divides St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish. Additionally, Bayou Lery merges with Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs from the northwest side while running through Delacroix itself.
Tides can also influence success, so it's worth timing your fishing around them. Some areas are only accessible by boat. There are a number of charter companies that can take you out, or you can rent a boat from one of the local marinas. Either way, you’ll find yourself with plenty of access to species like red drum, spotted seatrout, black drum, and black seabass
5. Golden Meadow
Just around an hour and a half outside New Orleans, tucked away in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, lies the scenic town of Golden Meadow. Encompassed by Bayou Lafourche and being a part of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux metropolitan statistical area makes this place an ideal getaway for vacationers.
There are many different types of terrain to fish in around Golden Meadow – from open marshes to bayous lined with cypress trees. This diversity provides anglers of all skill levels with opportunities to land a big one. Golden Meadow provides anglers with multiple fishing opportunities, including trout, redfish, flounder, and Jack Crevalle, making it an ideal destination for almost anyone.
6. Grand Isle
Grand Isle, Louisiana, is situated on a thin barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and is renowned for its picturesque beaches. Grand Isle State Park offers miles of trails to explore, campsites to enjoy, and fishing piers to cast off from - all against a backdrop of pristine white-sand coastline.
With some of Louisiana's top-tier fly fishing spots, it's no surprise that fly fishing enthusiasts flock to this spot. From redfish and speckled trout among the waves of the Gulf of Mexico to bass in nearby canals, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers looking for a challenge.
When angling offshore, you can often catch Yellowfin Tuna with the possibility of snaring Blackfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Swordfish, Wahoo, and White or Blue Marlin. Conversely, on an inshore fishing trip, you might find Flounder or Black Drum along with Sheepshead, Bluefish, and Pompano.
7. Grand Isle (Barataria Pass)
Situated in southeastern Louisiana, Barataria Bay is a magnificent body of water that stretches over 15 miles long and 12 miles wide. Nestled between Grand Isle and Grand Terre lies the dazzling bay, both serving as barrier islands to keep it safe from the Gulf of Mexico's expanse. The bay is indented and marshy, with many islands.
Not only do Barataria anglers catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, but they are also likely to land sheepshead, black drum, croakers, and white trout.
8. Hopedale (Biloxi Marsh)
The Biloxi Marsh project lies along a 7-mile span of the southeastern shoreline of Lake Borgne and the Biloxi Wildlife Management Area in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Hopedale, or La Chinche, is an Isleño fishing village located by Bayou La Loutre in St. Bernard Parish.
The saltwater marshes of this area are home to some of the best fly-fishing in the state. The redfish and speckled trout populations provide an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch a wide range of fish in great numbers.
Anglers can take advantage of the marsh's bounty, finding many inshore species such as flounder, croaker, white trout, and even largemouth bass!
9. Houma
Houma is a city in and the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, United States. The largest city in the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux Metropolitan Statistical Area is the primary city of Houma.
The city was named after the historic Native American tribe of Houma people, one of the historical tribes from whom most of the local inhabitants are descended. There are several inland fishing hotspots in Houma, including Pointe-Aux-Chenes, Cut Off, and Dulac.
Anglers in Louisiana recognize Pointe Aux Chenes, meaning "Oak Point" in French, as a haven for redfish due to the many fishing camps and charter boat companies available. The tiny fishing village provides ample marshland opportunities with first-class angling experiences that will be rewarding.
Cut Off draws its name from a short canal designed to bridge Bayou Lafourche and New Orleans that would permit business vessels to transport goods between the remote settlement and Louisiana's largest city. This place is historically noteworthy and provides ideal conditions for any sports fishing enthusiast - with perch and rainbow trout in abundance at Bayou Pierce, Bayou de la Gauche, and Bayou Des Amoreux!
Dulac is a fishing community along the bayou composed of shrimpers and offshore anglers. The waters surrounding Dulac provide an ideal habitat for redfish, grouper, speckled trout, flounder, and more! This makes it one of the top fishing spots in Louisiana, with exceptional backcountry angling opportunities.
10. Lake Charles
Set in picturesque Calcasieu Parish, the flourishing city of Lake Charles lies on the shores of three sparkling bodies of water: Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the majestic Calcasieu River. An integral part of Louisiana's life since its founding in 1861, this vibrant metropolis is renowned for being both a cultural hub and an industrial powerhouse in Southwest America.
Fly fishing on Lake Charles has been a passion of local anglers for generations, with great catches of largemouth bass, bream, and crappie providing thrilling excitement on the water.
For those seeking more riverside action, the nearby Calcasieu River is also one of the best places to fly fish in Oklahoma. This meandering waterway offers some of the most stunning scenery in the state, with cypress trees and lush wetlands providing a spectacular backdrop to your angling pursuits.
The river is packed full of bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill – casting out into deeper waters can result in some monster catches.
11. Lake Pontchartrain
Infamously renowned, Lake Pontchartrain is an estuary that connects to the Gulf of Mexico through a narrow channel - locally known as “the Rigolets” - and Chef Menteur Pass into Lake Borgne, another extensive lagoon. This beautiful body of water sees slight tidal shifts due to its freshwater sources from several rivers, including:
- Tangipahoa
- Tchefuncte
- Tickfaw
- Amite Bogue Falaya Rivers; as well as
- Bayou Lacombe and
- Chinchuba
Spanning more than 125,000 acres of wetlands along the Gulf Coast in North America, this vast wetland habitat is renowned for its dynamic mix of bottomland hardwoods and cypress swamps. Despite being diminished by past logging activities, these areas are still teaming with life - including a wide array of herbaceous wetlands such as brackish marshlands, fresh bogs, and intermediate marshes.
Whether it's largemouth bass, redfish, speckled trout, or flounder, you seek, Lake Pontchartrain offers over 100 species of fish for your fishing excursions. Considered a haven for wading birds such as herons, egrets, and ibises too - this basin is alive with beauty and nature!
12. Little Lake
In Louisiana, Little Lake is an angler's paradise! This small, shallow lake is in Lafourche Parish on the northwestern end of Lake Pontchartrain's basin - nestled between cypress swamps and reeds.
The entrance of Cloverly Canal is encircled by massive rocks, with a single cut that leads to Little Lake. This narrow gap has become an alluring habitat for redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder alike.
13. Venice
Venice, Louisiana, is an unincorporated yet bustling community in Plaquemines Parish. Just over 70 miles (124 km) south of New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Venice is a paradise for fly fishers looking to reel in a big one. From redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead, the waters of this region are teeming with fish.
The magnificent marshlands of Venice provide an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife up close while you cast your line. As a renowned starting point for numerous offshore anglers, Venice is celebrated among fishermen as an abundant source of seafood.
From here, they can easily adventure to nearby Port Eads or Grand Isle- the latter being its main competitor in terms of offshore fishing opportunities.
14. Vermillion Bay
Vermilion Bay in southern Louisiana is a scenic bay connected to the Gulf of Mexico via Southwest Pass, which separates Marsh Island from the mainland. Vermilion Bay can be found in southwestern Iberia Parish and southeastern Vermilion Parish, while West Cote Blanche connects it directly to the East. Its tranquil waters make this an ideal place for vacationers who want to experience tranquility and beauty.
Anglers of all levels can explore the depths and test their skills with various fish, including walleye, northern pike, musky, smallmouth bass, and lake trout! With so many portage lakes to choose from and the potential for big catches, there is something here to satisfy everyone's angling ambitions.
15. Woodland Plantation and Port Sulphur
Woodland Plantation, a former plantation house located on Louisiana Highway 23 in West Pointe à la Hache, Plaquemines Parish, is a historical structure of remarkable significance. This two-story Greek Revival/Italianate style house was built in 1845 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Woodland Plantation sits on the Mississippi River adjacent to Port Sulphur. Boasting a booming economy, the once-renowned Freeport Sulphur Company helped found Port Sulphur - a Census-Designated Place situated on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. In the 1930s, its storage facilities, logistics operations, and refining capabilities were initiated in this town due to its nearness to Lake Grande Ecaille - known for having one of America's largest sulfur reserves at that time.
Fishing -wise, Port Sulphur is home to an immense variety of fish, such as largemouth bass, crappie, perch, black drum, sea trout, lake trout, red snapper, summer flounder, winter flounder, and carp.
But the real star here is Lake Grande Ecaille - a magnificent lake just off the banks of the Mississippi River that offers anglers some of the best freshwater fishing in all of Louisiana! Cast your line for bluegill, channel catfish, and sunfish - all teeming in the waters of this spectacular lake.
What Fly Patterns to Use in Louisiana
Best Redfish Fly Fishing Flies For Louisiana
- Louisiana Crab - Size 2/0
- Plantation Crab - - Size 1/0 or 2/0
- Chernobyl Crab in brown or white - Size 1/0
- Hopedale Crab - Size 1/0 or 2/0
- Sandbar Mullet - Size 1/0 or 2/0
- Clouser Minnow - Size 1/0.
- Deceiver Minnow - Size 2/0.
- Electric Bunny Fly - Size 1/0 or 2/0
- Electric Slider Fly- Size 1/0 or 2/0
- Topwater Shrimp- Size 1/0 or 2/0
Best Speckled Trout Fly Fishing Flies For Louisiana
- Clouser Minnow - Size 1/0
- Shrimp Imitations - Size 6 or 4
- Peanut Bunker- Size 6 or 4
- Seaducers in hot pink or chartreuse - Size 6 or 4
- Crazy Charlie in hot pink or chartreuse- Size 6 or 4
- Gurgler - Size 1/0
- Deceiver - Size 2/0
- Woolhead Mullet in red-and-white 2/0 or 3/0
- Woolhead Mullet in Black 2/0 or 3/0
Best Bass Fly Fishing Flies for Louisiana
- Double Bunny - Size 4
- Coma Cocaho - Size
- Y2K - Size 12 & 14
- SR71 Seaducer - Size 2 thru 1/0
- Bass Bully - Size 4
- Dahlberg Diver - Size 6
- Boogle Bug in Carolina Blue - Size 6 & 8
- Peanut Envy - Size 6
What Gear do I need to Fly Fish in Louisiana?
When it comes to fly fishing gear, there are a few essential items that you will need to fish in Louisiana. First and foremost, you will need a fly rod and reel suited for the type of fish you plan on targeting.
The basic gear for fly fishing in Louisiana consists of a light fly rod, a reel, and a floating line. You'll also want to have some leaders and tippets on hand and an assortment of flies. Waders aren't necessary, but if you intend to wade in deeper waters, investing in a pair is best.
Fly fishing for redfish commonly calls for an eight-weight rod and reel. Nevertheless, in South Louisiana, due to the strong winds that usually occur out in open waters without any barrier from land, many fly fishers opt instead to use a nine or 10-weight rod as it helps them better manage the windy conditions.
You will also need a selection of flies that are effective in Louisiana waters. Some good choices include Clouser minnows, streamers, and crab patterns. Finally, you will need some basic tackle, such as tippet material, leader material, and split shot weights.
Additional Facts about Fly Fishing in Louisiana
Here are a few additional facts about fly fishing in Louisiana that anglers should know:
- There are several different species of fish that can be targeted with fly fishing gear, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and bass.
- Louisiana has a variety of different habitats that offer great opportunities for fly fishing, including marshes, swamps, bayous, and lakes.
- In order to be successful at fly fishing in Louisiana, it is important to choose the right tackle and flies for the conditions and fish you plan on targeting.
- There are a number of charter companies located in Louisiana that offer guided trips for anglers of all skill levels.
Where is the best Redfishing in Louisiana?
Louisiana is well known for its redfish, and there are a number of great places to target them in the state. One of the best places to fish for redfish is in the Atchafalaya Basin, which is located in south-central Louisiana. The basin is home to a variety of different habitats, including marshes, swamps, bayous, and lakes. A number of charter companies also offer guided trips into the basin.
The Atchafalaya Basin is a great place to fish for redfish because it is home to various habitats. Marshes, swamps, bayous, and lakes all offer different opportunities to target redfish. In addition, the basin is also home to a number of charter companies that can take you to where the fish are biting.
When fly fishing for redfish in Louisiana, choosing the right tackle and flies is important. A fly rod and reel that are appropriate for the type of fish you plan on targeting and a selection of flies that are effective in Louisiana waters. You will also need some basic tackle, such as tippet material, leader material, and split shot weights.
Where Can You Fish for Trout in Louisiana?
Speckled trout can be found throughout Louisiana, but the most popular trout fishing spots are in and around Lake Pontchartrain. Alternatively, fly fishers can venture to other coastal estuaries such as Pearl River, Lake Salvador, or Grand Bayou for some excellent speckled trout action!
Some of the best places to fish for trout in Louisiana include:
- Hopedale
- Venice
- Grand Isle
- Calcasieu River Saltwater Barrier
- Lake Pontchartrain, and
- Cocodrie
If you're looking to catch trout in Southern Louisiana, be sure to visit Toledo Bend Reservoir, located on the Sabine River near the Texas and Louisiana border. The reservoir is well-known for its great largemouth bass fishing but also offers plenty of opportunities for fly anglers to land rainbows and browns.
Louisiana is home to some amazing saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities. With over 9,174 square miles of water, there are endless spots to explore and an abundance of fish species to target.
Whether you’re looking for redfish, speckled trout, or largemouth bass - Louisiana has it all! From Lake Pontchartrain to Grand Bayou, from Toledo Bend Reservoir to Woodland Plantation, there are plenty of places for you to cast your line and reel in a great catch.
