UTERLargemouth bass fishing in Louisiana freshwater
In Louisiana freshwater, largemouth bass peak February–May and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in March–April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Atchafalaya and Toledo Bend fish on the beds; Caney and Bistineau pockets in the cypress.
Delta and Atchafalaya bass feed on the falling water — fish the drains.
Largemouth bass in Louisiana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchSpawningAtchafalaya and Toledo Bend fish on the beds; Caney and Bistineau pockets in the cypress.
- AprilSpawning
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakDelta and Atchafalaya bass feed on the falling water — fish the drains.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish largemouth bass near Toledo Bend, Atchafalaya Basin, Caddo Lake
Cypress swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya, the big reservoirs on the Texas line, oxbow lakes, and the Red River — bass, crappie, catfish and alligator gar.
What to use for largemouth bass
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–92°F water, best at 62–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch largemouth bass in Louisiana freshwater?
Peak season is February–May and October–November, with fish spawning in March–April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Largemouth bass are here year-round. March: Atchafalaya and Toledo Bend fish on the beds; Caney and Bistineau pockets in the cypress.
Where do largemouth bass hold in Louisiana freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, pond / pit, river, creek / stream, dock / pilings — around Toledo Bend, Atchafalaya Basin, Caddo Lake, False River, Lake D'Arbonne, Red River.
What is the best bait for largemouth bass in Louisiana freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), nightcrawlers, crayfish. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for largemouth bass in Louisiana freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and change — read the current rule at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits.
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All about largemouth bass · Louisiana fresh water, the whole year