Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Louisiana

All about fishing for flathead, blue and channel catfish in LA.

It might be tough to find fishing waters in Louisiana that don't have one or more kinds of catfish. Ponds, lakes, rivers and backwaters are all potential catfish havens. The Mississippi River and many other rivers in LA have quality catfish fishing.

Major lakes in LA, including Anacoco Lake, Atchafalaya Basin, Black Bayou Lake, Caddo Lake, Caney Creek Reservoir, Cheniere Brake Lake, Cocodrie Lake, Cross Lake, Cypress Bayou Reservoir, Grand Lake, Lac des Allemands, Lake Bistineau, Lake Bruin, Lake Cataouatche, Lake Claiborne, Lake D’Arbonne, Lake Iatt, Lake Maurepas, Lake Palourde, Lake Rodemacher, Lake Salvador, Lake Verret, Saline Lake, Sibley Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Turkey Creek Lake, Vernon Lake, Wallace Lake and Wax Lake have healthy populations of catfish.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Louisiana?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Louisiana State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Minor's Canal.

The state record flathead catfish came from Wax Lake.

The state record blue catfish came out of the Mississippi River.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Louisiana. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Catfish Fishing Video

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Information for states with catfish.