Fishing Cross Lake
AKA: Shreveport Lake
Popular Fish Species Cross Lake, LA
Crappie Fishing
If you like to load the boat with big slabs, you'll be delighted to know that both black and white crappie reside in Cross Lake. Crappie generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Cross Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Cross Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here, year round. Spotted bass also reside here in decent numbers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Cross Lake supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, hybrid striped bass, bowfin, longnose gar and spotted gar at Cross Lake in Louisiana.
Cross Lake Fishing Video
Located on the western outskirts of Shreveport, LA, Cross Lake is an easy getaway for fishing, boating and water recreation activities. This 8,800-acre lake has over 50 miles of shoreline and has four boat ramps available to the public.
Cross Lake is a prominent reservoir located in the northwest section of Louisiana, near the city of Shreveport. Covering approximately 8,575 acres, the lake is a popular destination for anglers and boaters alike.
Fishing on Cross Lake is abundant, attracting anglers with its diverse fish population. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are the stars of the show, drawing fishing enthusiasts from all around. The lake's structure, including submerged logs and vegetation, creates an ideal habitat for bass, making it a productive spot for catching these prized gamefish.
Another popular species found in Cross Lake is the channel catfish. These whiskered fish are sought after for their size and willingness to take various baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish are also present, providing anglers with a chance to target some of the larger catfish species.
Crappie fishing is also excellent on Cross Lake, with both black crappie and white crappie found in good numbers. Anglers can expect to have a productive day on the water when targeting these panfish, especially during the spawning season.
Bluegill and sunfish are plentiful in Cross Lake, making it an excellent destination for anglers looking for family-friendly fishing experiences. These feisty panfish can provide plenty of action and are easily caught using basic fishing tackle.
One of the unique features of Cross Lake is the presence of hybrid striped bass. These hard-fighting fish are a cross between white bass and striped bass, providing anglers with an exciting challenge when trying to land one.
Cross Lake in Louisiana is a fantastic destination for fishing and outdoor activities. With its diverse fish species, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, the lake provides an enjoyable experience for anglers and boaters of all levels. Whether you're seeking a thrilling bass fishing adventure or a relaxing day on the water, Cross Lake has something to offer for everyone.
Rent a boat or bring your family, pontoon or fishing boat and spend a day enjoying the views plus some excellent fishing opportunities. The lake provides fishing options for a variety of fish species including hybrid stripers, crappies, bass, and multiple species of sunfish. Gar and bowfin also reside in the lake. A great way to learn the secrets to fishing Cross Lake is to hire an experienced, local fishing guide. A fishing pier is free for public use and several areas around the lake are accessible for fishing from the bank. Kayaks and canoes are ideal for accessing much of the shallow-water fishing areas. Moss-covered cypress trees and aquatic vegetation provide the primary cover for bass, crappie, sunfish and baitfish. Two marinas on the lake serve the public boating needs.
Primary fish species residing in Cross Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Cross Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
For those who enjoy boating, Cross Lake offers ample opportunities to explore its scenic waters. Whether fishing from a boat or cruising along the lake's shoreline, boaters can enjoy the picturesque views and excellent fishing spots.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Barron's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off S Lakeshore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Cross Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off S Lakeshore Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Melvin's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Cross Lake Blvd, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Cross Lake
Russ McVey, Fishing Guide - bass, bream, crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Louisiana Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Cross Lake, offering anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. With various camping amenities, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Shreveport-Bossier City KOA Campground - 318 687-1010
TA RV Park - 318 938-6360
Southern Living RV Park - 318 938-1808
Cross Lake LA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Cross Lake Information
Richard Fleming Park
7919 West Lakeshore Dr.
Shreveport, LA 71107
318 929-2806
Fishing lakes in each state.
062824
Cross Lake in Louisiana.
LOUISIANA
Information about fishing lakes in Louisiana
Fishing for bass, hybrid stripers, crappies, bass, sunfish, gar and bowfin in northwest LA.
