8 of the BEST Fishing Spots In & Around the Shreveport - Bossier Area

Mark your calendars because free fishing days are back. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announces its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9.

Free fishing weekend provides an opportunity for anglers to fish without a fishing license on any of the state’s public waters.

Just remember, while the license is waived, all fishing regulations still apply.

As part of the fun, LDWF has stocked adult-sized catfish in 17 ponds across the state through the Get Out and Fish! Program.

“Each year we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our states most beloved pastimes,” explained LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones, and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

For an added bonus, LDWF has stocked adult-sized catfish at 17 ponds across the state as part of the Get Out and Fish! Program.

No boat? No problem! Go to their website or Facebook page to find locations of ponds, date of stocking, and tips on how to catch and cook your catfish.

In addition, a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during Free Fishing weekend when possessing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish.

When registering for an ROLP, anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option for the license type.

Anglers can skip the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field. A Free Fishing Weekend ROLP will be valid Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9 only.

To register for an ROLP, please go to https://ldwf.wlf.la.gov/rolp/login.

LDWF reminds the public that, at any time outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license to fish in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.

By purchasing a fishing license, you also help provide funding for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs and education, and fisheries management through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

Taking the family fishing is a great way to bond with your children and learn about nature.

Wait! Don't stop reading: I know what you're thinking. The thought of taking your kids to a body of water and letting them throw a hook around?

Well, sure, it could be stressful. But if you temper your expectations and plan ahead, you can make it a fun outing they'll remember ... and want to do again and again!

Here are 10 tips to catch some fun while fishing with your kids:

1. Don't worry about casting perfection

It’s very likely — pretty much guaranteed — that a child new to fishing will snag the weeds, a bush, or even a tree... or maybe not even get their fishing lure in the water. The point is that you’re having quality family time together, so don’t take it too seriously — but do make sure to let them know to be careful with hooks!

2. Plan for water safety

Have each child wear a life jacket, even if they are good swimmers and you're on shore. You will likely be distracted helping with rods and bait and might turn your attention away from a child curious about the water.

3. Research first

Do a little research before you choose your fishing hole so you know what’s biting. A good place to ask? Your local bait shop! Also, make sure you find out what type of requirements the area has for fishing licenses.

4. Go early in the day ... or in the early evening

Typically, fish bite more first thing in the morning or when the weather has cooled in the evening.

5. Dress appropriately

Be sure to check the weather! And don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray!

6. Pack snacks and drinks

This is pretty much a given for any trip with kids. Pro mama tip: Always pack more than you think you'll need.

7. Plan a short trip

The first few times you go, plan to stay only a short amount of time — especially if your kids are younger. The kids will remember that they had fun with you — catching a fish is just a bonus!

8. Use a pole made for a child

While you might think that you’ll be the one baiting and casting, you will also be handing the rod over to your child. Find a simple rod that isn't too big and isn't complicated so they feel like they have full control.

9. Use simple bait

A basic nightcrawler and bobber should do the trick! Use a big enough bobber that it's easy for the kids to keep an eye on it so they know when they have a pull on their line!

10. Take your camera

If they catch a fish, you’re sure to want to catch that grin!.

RESOURCES

Licenses and Permits

Barron's Landing & Marina

They offer a full service marina - boat stall rentals, jon boat rentals, gasoline, convenience store, live bait and fishing tackle, public restrooms.

Earl G. Williamson Park (Caddo Parish Park)

This Oil City area park offers boat ramp, covered picnic sites, fishing pier and more.

Ford Park
This area features a boat launch, tennis court, park and more.

Melvin's Landing
They offer boat slips rental, store, ballroom and more.

Municipal Pier & Boat Launch

Fishing, boat launch & pier.

Richard Fleming Park
Here, you will find a boat ramp, fishing pier, dock, and more.

BEST FISHING SPOTS

Toledo Bend

This mammoth body of water is the 2nd largest man made reservoir in the U.S. covering 185,000 acres on the Texas/Louisiana border. Twice named the #1 Best Bass Fishing Lake in America by Bassmaster

Caddo Lake

American Indian folklore claims this Louisiana/Texas bordering lake was created by an earthquake hundreds of years ago. Boasting incredible scenery of cypress trees, bald eagles and waterfowl, this lake has produced its share of huge double digit sized bass.

Lake O' The Pines

According to Wkipedia, Lake O’ the Pines (formerly known as "Ferrell's Bridge Reservoir") was created by the construction of the Ferrells Bridge Dam on the Big Cypress Bayou. The reservoir was created as part of the overall plan for flood control in the Red River Basin below Denison Dam in Oklahoma.

Lake Bistineau

According to stateparks.com, Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou,creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. Scattered with vast expanses of cypress trees, this is one of several lakes in the area to have hosted a BASS Professional bass angler's tournament.

Lake Murvaul

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Lake Murvaul, just outside of Carthage, Texas, impounded in 1958, has a surface area just under 3,400 acres. With fantastic aquatic vegetation, visiting anglers have the chance to boat one of the largest bass of their life, with scores of fish in the 10+ pound range

Grand Bayou

One of the newest bodies of water in the area, having filled up in 1996, Grand Bayou in Red River Parish has quickly become a favorite to scores of local bass anglers, Relatively a small body of water, at 2,700 acres, the lake features some of the deepest water in the area, so bass anglers very versed in electronics fare much better than others more inclined to fish the banks.

Cross Lake

From shreveport-bossier.org, we learn: Cross Lake is an 8575-acre man-made lake built in 1926 that is around 13.4 square miles. The lake is the primary water source for the City of Shreveport. This body of water several years ago, might have been ranked as high as #3 in the area, and even though it still boasts an incredible amount of bass, they've become harder to catch for the novice angler.

Lake Claiborne

Known more in the area for it's water sports like skiing and jet ski riding, Lake Claiborne is still one heck of a fishery. Arguably one of the top 3 crappie fishing lakes in the area, Claiborne, just outside of Homer, LA, comes in at #8 on our list for bass fishing.