A LOUISIANA FLY FISHING GUIDE: THE BEST BAYOUS, INLETS LAKES, MARSHES, RIVERS, AND SWAMPS TO FLY FISH
Louisiana is proudly known as a sportsman’s paradise for the state’s incredible fly fishing. Fly fishers are drawn to Louisiana because of the state’s vast array of waterways. The state’s waterways, including the coastal shoreline, scenic marshes, and pristine rivers, make Louisiana a top fly fishing destination.Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin
The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, offers a truly unique fly fishing experience. The swampy ecosystem is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, giving fly fishers excellent opportunities for freshwater fly fishing in one of Louisiana’s most iconic locations.
Recommended Flies:
● Poppers
● Woolly Buggers
● Clouser Minnows
● Leech Patterns
Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a serene fly fishing experience, supplying fly fishers with an abundance of largemouth bass and bluegill. Black Bayou Lake’s beautifully calm waters make it an ideal spot for a peaceful day of fly fishing on the water.
Recommended Flies:
● Woolly Buggers
● Poppers
● Streamers
● Nymphs
Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Calcasieu River Saltwater Barrier
The Calcasieu River Saltwater Barrier was designed to prevent saltwater from entering the Calcasieu River. The barrier, as a result, turned into a prime location for fly fishing various brackish water fish species, including speckled trout.
Recommended Flies:
● Clouser Minnows
● Crabs
● Shrimp Patterns
● Streamers
Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Off the coastal shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico, fly fishers will find some of the most invigorating saltwater fly fishing in Louisiana. The Gulf of Mexico’s fly fishing prizes include redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon.
Recommended Flies:
● Clouser Minnows
● Crabs
● Shrimp Patterns
● Spoon Flies
Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, also known as the Mighty Mississippi, tasks fly fishers with a true test of their skills. With the Mississippi River’s large size, fly fishers can look forward to catching catfish, and drum.
Recommended Flies:
● Woolly Buggers
● Clouser Minnows
● Streamers
● Nymphs
Louisiana Fly Fishing in Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain is another famous flyfishing waterway in Louisiana. The lake’s brackish water offers fly fishers black drum, channel catfish, flounder, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, red drum, sheepshead, and speckled trout.
Recommended Flies:
● Poppers
● Clouser Minnows
● Shrimp Patterns
● Streamers
● Crab Patterns
Louisiana Fly Fishing in the Red River
Located in North Louisiana, the Red River flies under the radar but is nonetheless a fantastic waterway for fly fishing. Among the scenic waterway stretches of the Red River is a bounty of fish perfect for fly fishing. Red River fly fishing favorites include bass, catfish, and crappie.
Recommended Flies:
● Woolly Buggers
● Clouser Minnows
● Poppers
● Nymphs
Louisiana Fly Fishing in Toledo Bend
Toledo Bend, a vast reservoir, has amazing bass fishing available for fly fishers. While the idyllic Toledo Bend is best known for its bass fishing, including largemouth bass, striped bass, and white bass, fly fishers can also catch catfish, crappie, and sunfish.
Recommended Flies:
● Woolly Buggers
● Poppers
● Clouser Minnows
● Streamers
Louisiana Fly Fishing in Vermillion Bay
Vermillion Bay is known for its excellent coastal fly fishing, offering fly fishers the chance to catch redfish, flounder, and speckled trout. Vermillion Bay’s wide variety of saltwater fish species makes it a favorite waterway among fly fishers.
Recommended Flies:
● Poppers
● Clouser Minnows
● Shrimp Patterns
● Seaducers