July 18, 2025

Exploring the Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Louisiana

News Summary

Northwest Louisiana, particularly around Shreveport, is emerging as a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. The Shreveport Times has highlighted five prime fishing locations, offering a variety of options for both novice and experienced anglers. From Cross Lake’s diverse ecosystem to the expansive Toledo Bend Reservoir, these spots present ample fishing opportunities amidst the natural beauty of Louisiana. As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time for locals and visitors to explore these fishing gems.

Shreveport – As summer approaches, Northwest Louisiana is emerging as an attractive destination for fishing enthusiasts, ideal for various skill levels. The Shreveport Times has identified five prime fishing locations around Shreveport that are worth exploring, promising ample opportunities for anglers to engage with nature while reeling in sizable catches.

Top Fishing Locations

Cross Lake

Cross Lake, located in the western part of Shreveport, spans over 8,000 acres with more than 50 miles of shoreline. This vast body of water is well-known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem, featuring species such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, flathead catfish, and various crappie types. Anglers can also catch bluegill, sunfish, and striped bass in these waters, making it a favored fishing spot for the local community.

Red River

Flowing from New Mexico down to northwest Baton Rouge, the Red River stretches across 1,290 miles and serves as the boundary between Shreveport and Bossier City. This major river hosts a variety of species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and both white crappie and bluegill. Despite facing some challenges in recent years, it remains a popular venue for fishing events.

Caddo Lake

Situated on the Texas-Louisiana border, near Mooringsport, Caddo Lake encompasses more than 26,000 acres. Approximately 60% of its area is covered with aquatic vegetation, creating a unique habitat that supports an extensive range of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, chain pickerel, and white bass. Caddo Lake is particularly renowned for producing significant bass catches, especially during the spring months.

Lake Bistineau

Lake Bistineau, located in northwest Louisiana, covers over 15,000 acres and features a swamp-like environment. It’s well-regarded for its abundance of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and white bass. The ecosystem, with its cypress trees, attracts both novice and seasoned anglers alike.

Toledo Bend Reservoir

Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border near Natchitoches, Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest fishing area on the list, encompassing 185,000 acres. This reservoir is recognized as one of America’s top fishing lakes, with Bassmaster ranking it #1 for its rich variety of fish species, including striped bass, bluegill, blue catfish, and redear sunfish, among others. Its expansive size and diverse aquatic life make it a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts.

Additional Noteworthy Locations

While the top five fishing spots present abundant prospects, additional locations are also notable for their fishing appeal. Black Lake, encompassing roughly 7,000 acres, is favored for its varying depths and ecological features. Grand Bayou offers unique experiences for trophy bass fishing, whereas Lake D’Arbonne spans 15,250 acres, known for producing quality catches. Cypress Black Bayou and other waterways such as Lake Bruin and Lake St. John are highlighted as promising alternatives for anglers looking to explore.

Conclusion

The criteria for selecting these top fisheries emphasized locations that are partly within Louisiana and situated north of Alexandria. With numerous fishing opportunities available, from tranquil lakes to bustling rivers, Northwest Louisiana continues to be a treasure trove for fishing adventures. As the summer season approaches, both locals and visitors are encouraged to explore these prime fishing spots and experience the natural beauty that Louisiana has to offer.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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