The Best Louisiana Freshwater Fish Species for Fly Fishing

The Best Louisiana Freshwater Fish Species for Fly Fishing

A LOUISIANA FLY FISHING GUIDE: THE BEST FRESHWATER CATCHES IN LOUISIANA, INCLUDING BLUEGILL, CARP, CRAPPIE, DRUM, AND LARGEMOUTH BASS

The first thing that comes to mind for most fly fishers why they think of Louisiana is saltwater fly fishing for redfish or speckled trout. However, Louisiana is home to an abundance of bayous, lakes, and rivers with incredible freshwater fish species perfect for fly fishing. Whether a fly fisher is seeking to land a bluegill or a largemouth bass, Louisiana presents excellent opportunities for freshwater fly fishing.

 

Freshwater Fly Fishing Bluegill in Louisiana

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) may be small, but they provide a thrilling experience for fly fishers of all skill levels. Their willingness to strike at a variety of fly patterns, combined with their tenacity when hooked, makes bluegill one of the most popular species to fly fish in Louisiana. Fly fishers can find bluegill in almost any freshwater lake, pond, or bayou across Louisiana. Black Bayou Lake, located in the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, offers a peaceful environment for fly fishing bluegill. During their long spawning season, from spring to fall, bluegills are particularly aggressive and will strike at almost anything that moves in the water, making them an ideal catch for those fly fishers looking to hone their fly fishing skills.

 

Freshwater Fly Fishing Carp in Louisiana

While carp (Cyprinus carpio) may not carry the same level of prestige as largemouth bass, they are nonetheless a worthy target for any fly fisher looking for a fly fishing challenge. Often referred to as the freshwater bonefish or the golden ghost, carp are large and powerful fish that require patience in order to catch on a fly rod. Carps are found in most of Louisiana’s lakes and rivers, particularly in areas with soft, muddy bottoms. These fish are known for their feeding behavior, as they root around in the sediment for food, which can make them difficult to spot. That said, fly fishers who are willing to put in the time can find success.

 

Freshwater Fly Fishing Crappie in Louisiana

Both black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) are abundant in Louisiana’s freshwater lakes and offer exciting fly fishing opportunities. Known for their schooling behavior, crappie can be targeted in large numbers during their spawning season, which begins in February in southern Louisiana and continues through April in the northern regions. D’Arbonne Lake, while famous for its bass fishing, is also known for its incredible crappie populations. Fly fishers often target crappie during the spawning season, focusing on shallow water near submerged structures or aquatic vegetation. Bussey Brake is another fantastic Louisiana freshwater fly fishing spot perfect for catching crappie.

Freshwater Fly Fishing Drum in Louisiana

Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), locally known as gaspergou, is another excellent freshwater fly fishing target for fly fishing trips in Louisiana. Known for their deep-bodied silver appearance and their strong fight when hooked, freshwater drums are often overlooked by fly fishers, but they offer a great challenge. Freshwater drums are found in many freshwater systems across Louisiana, from lakes to bayous, and are particularly abundant in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Fly fishers in Lake Pontchartrain and Black Bayou Lake can find healthy populations of drum, particularly during the warmer months when these fish are more active in shallow waters.

 

Freshwater Fly Fishing Largemouth Bass in Louisiana

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is undoubtedly one of the top targets for fly fishers in Louisiana. With its powerful strikes and aggressive fighting behavior, the largemouth bass is a freshwater species at the top of many fly fishers’ wish lists. Largemouth bass are particularly abundant in many of Louisiana’s freshwater lakes and reservoirs, including those highlighted by Bassmaster Magazine’s "Top 100 Lakes" list, such as Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caney Lake, Bussey Brake, and D’Arbonne Lake.

 

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