--- title: "New Orleans Fishing" url: https://www.hereneworleans.com/fishing-new-orleans-la/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-05:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-05:00 author: "" site: "HERE New Orleans" attribution: "HERE New Orleans" --- # New Orleans Fishing *Source: [HERE New Orleans](https://www.hereneworleans.com/fishing-new-orleans-la/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE New Orleans # New Orleans LA Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, LDWF regulations, and community fishing coverage for Orleans Parish lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 2 Waters Profiled **2** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ” Waxing Gibbous Illumination: 90% Air Temp 68Β°F Est. Water 65Β°F Wind 7 mph Pressure 1022 as of 8:20 AM ET Fair β€” bright nights mean fish feed overnight. Try early morning before they drop deep. 90 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Orleans Parish β€’ Greater New Orleans LA Your Local *Fishing Resource* New Orleans anglers fish the freshwater lagoons of Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans East and Lake Pontchartrain, which Louisiana treats as saltwater. LDWF sets the limits; see below. Current Conditions β€’ New Orleans Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Orleans Parish waters. Always verify LDWF regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 68F Clear Feels like 68Β°F as of 8:20 AM ET Wind 7 mph N Humidity 68% Pressure 1022 hPa Est. Water Temp 65Β°F Moon Waxing Gibbous Sunrise / Sunset 7:05 am / 6:23 pm Location New Orleans, LA On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 68Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 7 mph Light Breeze Barometric Pressure 1022 hPa Stable β€” Active Moon Phase πŸŒ” Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TODAY Sunny 79Β° / 60Β° 5 mph wind GOOD FRI Sunny 79Β° / 63Β° 5 mph wind GOOD SAT Sunny 76Β° / 61Β° 10 mph wind GOOD SUN Sunny 75Β° / 61Β° 13 mph wind GOOD MON Mostly Sunny 75Β° / 59Β° 10 mph wind GOOD Lakes & Rivers Water Body *Profiles* 2 fishing waters within Orleans Parish β€” with species, access, tips, and restrictions. Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge Marsh / Lagoons New Orleans East Largemouth Bass Crappie Bluegill Catfish Freshwater lagoons, bayous and ponds inside New Orleans city limits, home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and crawfish (USFWS). Rod-and-reel fishing year-round inside the hurricane levee. Outside the levee, fishing is closed until noon from Nov 1 to Jan 31 and during the state teal season. Angler Tip Fish inside the levee during waterfowl season. Louisiana fishing license plus refuge rules. [Field Guide](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban/visit-us/activities/fishing) Lake Pontchartrain Brackish lake New Orleans Β· north shore of the city Lake Pontchartrain is legally saltwater under Louisiana's boundary rules. Public shoreline and launches around the lake. Angler Tip Carry both licenses on the lake. Basic plus saltwater fishing license required (LDWF). [Field Guide](https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/boundaries) Did We Miss a Spot? Know a New Orleans-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know. [Report a Fishing Spot](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-fishing-spot) Local Experts Field *Guides* No New Orleans-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Orleans Parish and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in New Orleans Reach all the Fishing traffic in New Orleans β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local New Orleans anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a New Orleans-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge Lake Pontchartrain Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from New Orleans anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” New Orleans and Greater New Orleans LouisianaOfficialNew Orleans fishingNo new New Orleans-area fishing stories this week. Check current Louisiana fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All New Orleans Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.hereneworleans.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for New Orleans and Greater New Orleans LA [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the New Orleans angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Greater New Orleans LA waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=hereneworleans-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Greater New Orleans LA Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereneworleans-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereneworleans-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=hereneworleans-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=hereneworleans-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=hereneworleans-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=hereneworleans-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereneworleans-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereneworleans-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereneworleans-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereneworleans-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereneworleans-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereneworleans-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) LDWF LDWF *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Orleans Parish waters. Always verify current regulations at wlf.louisiana.gov. LA Fishing Licenses Licenses, current fees, age requirements, and any free fishing days are set by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. [Buy or check a license at wlf.louisiana.gov](https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/). Bag & Size Limits β€” New Orleans Waters Statewide and water-specific creel and size limits are published by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. [See current LDWF limits](https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/). Regulations shown are for general reference. Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at **wlf.louisiana.gov** before keeping fish. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Year-Round Black Bass (largemouth and spotted) 10 per day, no size limit, in most state waters (exceptions listed by LDWF). Louisiana freshwater Year-Round Crappie (black and white) 50 per day; 100 in possession, in most state waters. Louisiana freshwater Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Orleans Parish water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. LDWF trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the New Orleans area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in New Orleans LA? Yes. Anglers need a Louisiana fishing license to fish public waters. See LDWF at wlf.louisiana.gov for current license ages, fees and any free fishing days. - What are the best fishing lakes near New Orleans LA? Orleans Parish has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult LDWF for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in New Orleans? The best crappie fishing in Orleans Parish is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Orleans Parish lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for New Orleans lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult LDWF for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near New Orleans typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult LDWF for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do New Orleans lakes get trout stocked? LDWF stocks select Orleans Parish waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the LDWF website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/ β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current LDWF schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near New Orleans. ITS ALL HERE! Fishing News Near You![THE HERE CITY NETWORK](https://www.herecity.com)[Starkville, MS](https://www.herestarkville.com/fishing/) [Shreveport, LA](https://www.hereshreveport.com/fishing/) [Oxford, MS](https://www.hereoxford.com/fishing/) [Birmingham, AL](https://www.herebirmingham.com/fishing/) [Houston, TX](https://www.herehoustontx.com/fishing/) [Tallahassee, FL](https://www.heretallahassee.com/fishing/) [Memphis, TN](https://www.herememphis.com/fishing/) [College Station, TX](https://www.herecollegestation.com/fishing/) [Huntsville, AL](https://www.herehuntsville.com/fishing/) [Atlanta, GA](https://www.hereatlanta.com/fishing/)