Louisiana, the 'Sportsman's Paradise,' provides unparalleled fishing from the trophy bass reservoirs of the north to the prolific marshes and offshore oil rigs of the Gulf Coast. Anglers can experience year-round action for species like red drum and largemouth bass, while the seasonal red snapper and tuna runs draw visitors from across the globe.
Buy a Fishing License
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Red Drum (Redfish)
Open year-round; daily bag limit is 4 fish within an 18 to 27 inch total length slot.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)
Open year-round; daily bag limit is 15 fish within a 13 to 20 inch slot, with only two fish over 20 inches allowed.
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; statewide daily limit is 10 fish, though specific reservoirs like Toledo Bend have varying size restrictions.
Red Snapper
Seasonal opening typically beginning the Friday before Memorial Day; requires a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP).
Crappie (Sac-a-lait)
Open year-round; statewide limit is 25 fish, often peaking in spring (March-April) during the spawn.
Yellowfin Tuna
Available year-round offshore; peak fishing occurs during the summer months and late fall around deep-water rigs.
Catfish
Open year-round; combined daily limit of 100 fish for channel, blue, and flathead catfish with no size minimum.
Top Waters
Toledo Bend Reservoir
A massive border reservoir consistently ranked as a premier national destination for trophy largemouth bass.
Venice (Mississippi River Delta)
Known as the 'Fishing Capital of the World,' offering world-class access to both inshore redfish and offshore pelagics.
Calcasieu Lake
Commonly referred to as 'Big Lake,' it is famous for producing trophy-sized speckled trout and heavy redfish.
Lake Pontchartrain
Brackish water estuary famous for large speckled trout caught around the Trestle and Causeway bridges.
Atchafalaya Basin
The largest river swamp in the United States, providing excellent habitat for bass, crappie, and crawfish.
Caddo Lake
A hauntingly beautiful cypress-filled lake on the Texas border known for its massive largemouth bass.
Grand Isle
Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, serving as a hub for surf fishing and major offshore tournaments.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Louisiana's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Super Strike Charters
Charter/GuideVenice, LA
Offering premier offshore and inshore fishing trips targeting tuna, snapper, and redfish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Big Lake Guide Service
Charter/GuideLake Charles, LA
Specializing in light tackle saltwater fishing for speckled trout and redfish on Calcasieu Lake.
Hackberry Rod & Gun
Charter/GuideHackberry, LA
One of the oldest and most respected guide services in the state for trout and redfish on Big Lake.
Cajun Fishing Adventures
Charter/GuideBuras, LA
A premier lodge offering all-inclusive fishing packages for inshore and offshore trips.
Louisiana Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideDelacroix, LA
Guided inshore trips focusing on the prolific redfish and trout marshes of St. Bernard Parish.
Superior Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopBaton Rouge, LA
A comprehensive shop providing local anglers with live bait and high-quality tackle for fresh and salt water.
Puglia's Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle ShopMetairie, LA
A family-owned institution known for a massive inventory of high-end saltwater fishing tackle.
Bayou Adventure
Bait & Tackle ShopLacombe, LA
A unique bait shop offering tackle, kayak rentals, and localized fishing expertise near Lake Pontchartrain.
Spotted Dog Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle ShopColumbia, LA
A large-scale sporting goods store serving North Louisiana with a massive selection of tackle.
Venice Marina
MarinaVenice, LA
The quintessential jumping-off point for delta fishing, featuring fuel, slips, and a restaurant.
Cypress Cove Marina
MarinaVenice, LA
Offers full-service marina amenities including lodging, charters, and deep-water boat slips.
Bobby Lynn's Marina
MarinaGolden Meadow, LA
Providing fuel, bait, and lodging for anglers exploring the rich marshes of South Louisiana.
Toledo Bend Resort Marina
MarinaMany, LA
Located on the banks of Toledo Bend, providing full marina services and direct access to bass fishing.
Bridge Side Marina
MarinaGrand Isle, LA
A hub for Grand Isle fishing tournaments, offering fuel, live bait, and beachside amenities.
Uptown Angler
Fly ShopNew Orleans, LA
The destination for fly fishing enthusiasts in New Orleans, offering premium gear and expert advice.
Pack & Paddle
Fly ShopLafayette, LA
A hub for kayak fishing and fly fishing equipment with a focus on Louisiana's marshes and bayous.
The Backpacker
Fly ShopBaton Rouge, LA
Provides a dedicated fly fishing department with rods, reels, and tying materials for local species.
Bent Marine
Boat DealerMetairie, LA
A full-service marine dealership offering a wide selection of fishing boats and outboard motors.
Boat Stuf
Boat DealerSlidell, LA
Authorized dealer for Skeeter and Yamaha, serving the fishing community of the Northshore and beyond.
Mike's Marine Supply
Boat DealerBroussard, LA
A long-time Acadiana dealer offering aluminum fishing boats, bass boats, and outboard service.
Ascension Boat & Marine
Boat DealerGonzales, LA
Specializing in the sales and service of fishing boats, tailored to the needs of local tournament anglers.
G&F Boats
Boat DealerAlexandria, LA
Serving Central Louisiana with a range of fishing boats and a dedicated marine service department.
Swampland Rods
Rod BuilderHouma, LA
Specialists in custom fishing rod components and custom-built rods tailored to specific techniques.
Salty Dog Custom Rods
Rod BuilderDenham Springs, LA
Crafting high-performance custom rods for serious tournament anglers and recreational fishermen.
Marsh Masters
Rod BuilderSlidell, LA
Custom fishing rod shop focusing on durable, high-sensitivity builds for saltwater marsh fishing.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.