Now
30°C · Clear
Today
32° / 26°
Sun
06:41 – 19:14
Moon
Waning Crescent · solunar good
Fishing around New Orleans
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyFall Fishing in Greater New Orleans: Early September Patterns
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Shallow marsh edges, cypress swamps, and bayou structure in the Atchafalaya Basin and Lake Pontchartrain tributaries; look for submerged timber and emergent vegetation.
Early fall heat keeps bass active in low-light periods—fish dawn and dusk. Topwater plugs and soft plastics around structure produce best; 1–2 m (3–6 ft) depths are prime.
Caution: Check current regulations with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries for size and bag limits.
Spotted Seatrout
Where: Shallow bays and grass flats of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta; concentrate near shell reefs and channel drop-offs.
September heat drives trout to deeper channels by midday; early morning and late afternoon on flats yield best results. Small shrimp patterns and mullet-imitating lures work well in 0.5–1.5 m (2–5 ft) water.
Caution: Seatrout are regulated; verify current slot limits and seasons before fishing.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Where: Marsh ponds, shallow bays, and tidal creeks throughout the coastal zone; most abundant in areas with oyster shell and cordgrass.
Fall cooling begins to concentrate reds in deeper holes and channels; live mullet or shrimp fished on the bottom near structure is reliable. Fish slack tide for best results.
Caution: Redfish have strict regulations; consult Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries for current limits and any seasonal restrictions.
Catfish (Channel and Flathead)
Where: Main river channels, bayou holes, and oxbow lakes throughout the region; Bayou Lafourche and the lower Mississippi tributaries hold good populations.
September heat keeps catfish active; fish dawn, dusk, or night with cut mullet, chicken liver, or live bluegill in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) holes. Flatheads prefer live bait.
Caution: No special caution, but confirm any size or bag limits with the regulator.
Sheepshead
Where: Pilings, jetties, and shell reefs in Lake Pontchartrain and coastal bays; concentrate around bridge supports and old dock structures.
Sheepshead are structure-bound and crush crustaceans; use fiddler crabs or live shrimp on small hooks (size 1–2) with light tackle. Patience and precision casting are essential.
Caution: Sheepshead regulations vary; check Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries for current season dates and limits before targeting.
Best times
Early morning (05:00–07:00) and late afternoon (17:00–19:30) are prime; avoid midday heat when possible. Slack tide and low-light conditions favour most species. The waning crescent (low light) this week favours feeding activity at dawn and dusk.
Waters to try
- Lake Pontchartrain (especially the north shore shallows and Rigolets Pass), Atchafalaya Basin (Bayou Sorrel and surrounding marsh), Bayou Lafourche, Mississippi River delta tributaries, Breton Sound, and coastal bays near Grand Isle.
Regulations
Louisiana has specific size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures for all gamefish and many panfish species. Regulations change annually and vary by water body. Before fishing, consult the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fishing) for current rules, licensing requirements, and any emergency closures related to water quality or marine life events.
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries ↗The fishing note for New Orleans, every week
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