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Port guide / Louisiana / Louisiana
New Orleans fishing guide
New Orleans fishes Lake Pontchartrain, a big brackish lake crossed by the Causeway, the I-10 Twin Spans, the Highway 11 bridge and an old railroad trestle, where trout and reds hang on the pilings. To the east the Rigolets and Chef Menteur passes connect the lake to Lake Borgne, where bull reds push in from the Gulf in late summer and fall. It is big water close to a big city, and bridge fishing with a jig is the local style.
10 ft, conditions now
Conditions now
Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.
Today’s bite
A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.
Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.
Tides
- Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.
On the water now
- Water
- Checking
- Wind
- Checking
Marine forecast
Loading the National Weather Service forecast.
7 day forecast
National Weather Service, for New Orleans. Updates through the day.
- Loading the 7 day forecast.
NOAA tides, New Canal Station, LA (opens in a new tab) NWS 7 day forecast (opens in a new tab) NWS marine forecast, Lake Pontchartrain (opens in a new tab)
12 ft, the chart
Chart and depths
The official NOAA chart, centered on New Orleans. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.
The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.
13 ft, the radar
Rain on the radar
Live NWS radar centered on New Orleans. The last 50 minutes on a loop, so you can see which way the rain is moving before you launch.
The radar loads when you scroll here.
15 ft, fishing reports
Fishing reports
What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.
Latest reports
From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.
- Checking the latest reports.
Report sources: Great Days Outdoors Louisiana Delta Fishing Report (opens in a new tab) Louisiana Sportsman (opens in a new tab)
Straight from the dock
Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.
Checking for reports.
20 ft, what is biting
What is biting, month by month
When each fish is at its best around New Orleans. This month is marked.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speckled trout | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Redfish | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Slow |
| Sheepshead | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Peak | Slow | Slow |
| Black drum | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Peak | Slow | Slow |
| Southern flounder | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Peak | Slow | Slow |
| Blue catfish | Good | Good | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good |
| Tripletail | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Slow | Slow |
Speckled trout
Peak: October, November
Trout stack on the bridge pilings, and locals work a jig with a soft plastic tight to the pilings with the Pontchartrain Pop, fishing deeper, 6 to 10 feet, as the water cools.
Redfish
Peak: September, October, November
Bull reds come in from the Gulf through Lake Borgne and the passes in late summer and fall, and in November diving birds show you the schools.
Sheepshead
Peak: October
Sheepshead live on the bridge and pass pilings and rate peak in October.
Black drum
Peak: October
Black drum are a regular bridge and pass fish that rate peak in October.
Southern flounder
Peak: October
Flounder rate peak in October, but Louisiana closes harvest October 15 through November 30.
Blue catfish
Blue cats move in under the bridges once the water drops below 50 degrees, and locals chum with shrimp heads or fish pieces and fish shrimp.
Tripletail
An occasional bonus fish around the bridges that rates good in October.
30 ft, seasons and rules
Seasons and rules
Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.
Red snapper, Louisiana private recreational and state charter
The 2026 season opened Friday, May 1, 2026, seven days a week, in state and federal waters for private recreational anglers and in state waters within 9 miles for state charter vessels, to run until landings reach the 2026 private recreational allocation of 882,439 pounds.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, Louisiana private recreational and state charter
After closing for the allocation, the season reopened August 27 to 30 and September 4 to 7, 2026. LDWF now lists the season as closed. This does not cover federally permitted charter boats.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, federal waters (federally permitted for-hire boats)
Closed January 1 to May 31. The 2026 for-hire season closed October 26, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Louisiana state waters
Open 12:01 a.m. September 1, 2026 to 11:59 p.m. September 30, 2026.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, federal waters
Closed January 1 to August 31. The 2026 season opened September 1 and closed October 1, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Greater amberjack, federal waters
The 2026 to 2027 season opened September 1 and closed October 14, 2026. The fixed closures are August 1 to 31 and November 1 to July 31.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gray triggerfish, federal waters
Closed January 1 to February 28 and June 1 to July 31 each year.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Shallow-water grouper, federal waters beyond 20 fathoms
Closed February 1 to March 31 seaward of the 20-fathom contour.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Southern flounder, Louisiana waters
Closed to recreational and commercial harvest October 15 through November 30 every year.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
40 ft, where to fish
Where to fish
- Bridge
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
About 24 miles of bridge and roughly 10,000 pilings to work for trout, reds and sheepshead.
- Bridge
I-10 Twin Spans
Good summer fishing in the shade under the spans.
- Bridge
Highway 11 bridge
The old Five Mile Bridge, now the Watson-Williams Pontchartrain Bridge, between New Orleans East and Slidell.
- Bridge
Railroad trestle
The trestle that first crossed the lake in 1884, now concrete near Highway 11, and a long time trout spot.
- Pass
The Rigolets
The main pass between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne, with the old railroad bridge and the US 90 bridge to fish.
- Pass
Chef Menteur Pass
The second pass to Lake Borgne, where bull reds run through in late summer and fall.
- Bay
Lake Borgne and the Middle Grounds
Bull reds come in through Lake Borgne in late summer and fall, and in November you find them under diving birds.
- Reef
Shell pads and reef balls off Metairie
Jefferson Parish lists shell pads north of the Bonnabel launch and an artificial reef ball site north of the Pontchartrain Beach Causeway Bridge, plus the Causeway itself, as fishing sites off its two lake launches.
50 ft, launch and piers
Ramps and piers
Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.
| Name | Type | Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnabel Boat Launch (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | Bonnabel Blvd at Lake Pontchartrain, Metairie |
| Williams Boat Launch (Laketown, Kenner) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | Williams Blvd at Lake Pontchartrain, Kenner |
| Laketown fishing pier (opens in a new tab) | Pier | Check | Williams Blvd at Lake Pontchartrain, Kenner |
60 ft, bait, tackle and charters
Bait, tackle and charters
Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.
Bait and tackle (6)
Showing all 6 shops
- MarinaLive bait
Rigolets Marina (Rigolets Tackle and Marina)
Bait: live bait
52250 Highway 90, Slidell, LA 70461
Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. fall through spring, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer, closed Christmas Day
On US 90 at the Rigolets with a large variety of live bait per the St. Tammany tourism listing, plus a fish cleaning station and fresh seafood market; several charter captains launch here, and there is no fishing from the docks.
- MarinaLive bait
Hopedale Marina
Bait: live bait
7600 Hopedale Hwy, Hopedale, LA 70085
The state tourism listing advertises live bait, a boat ramp and fishing charters, open year round; it is in lower St. Bernard Parish on the way to Lake Borgne and Breton Sound.
- Bait and tackleLive bait
Serigne Boat Launch
Bait: live bait, fresh market bait
5933 Delacroix Highway, St. Bernard, LA 70085
The state tourism listing says they offer live bait, fresh market bait, fishing and boating supplies, snacks, drinks, ice and fuel at the Delacroix launch.
- MarinaLive bait
Blackie Campo's Marina and Bait
Bait: live shrimp, dead shrimp
1301 Yscloskey Highway, St. Bernard, LA 70085
Shell Beach landmark with a boat launch; a January 2023 Louisiana Sportsman story says it sells live and dead shrimp, and St. Bernard tourism still lists Campo's Marina at this phone number. Google reviews mention live shrimp.
Source (opens in a new tab) Live bait source (opens in a new tab)
- Bait shopLive bait
BAIT INC
Bait: live shrimp
2001 Paris Rd, New Orleans, LA 70129
Google reviews mention live shrimp.
- Bait shop
Fisherman's Friend Bait Shop
Bait: live bait
314 Marina Road, Chalmette, LA
At the Gulf Outlet Marina behind the Marina Motel on Paris Road; a January 2023 Louisiana Sportsman story says the owners trawl their own live bait, so call to confirm it is still running.
Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.
Charters and guides (34)
| Charter | Fishing | Targets | Leaves from | Call |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Frenchy (opens in a new tab)FishingBooker lists a 22 ft boat for up to 5 under New Orleans. | ||||
| Bayou Paradise Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)FishingBooker lists a 24 ft boat for up to 4 under New Orleans. | ||||
| Reel Cajun Fishing (opens in a new tab)FishingBooker lists a 25 ft boat for up to 4 under New Orleans. | ||||
| A Fishing Fool (Coastal Charter) (opens in a new tab)FishingBooker lists a 22 ft boat for up to 6 under New Orleans. | ||||
| Get'n Hooked Inshore Adventures (opens in a new tab)FishingBooker lists a 24 ft boat for up to 6 under New Orleans. | Inshore | |||
| Approach Angling Company (opens in a new tab)Technical poling skiff, 17 ft, for up to 2 anglers. | Inshore | |||
| Angling Adventures of Louisiana (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide service quoted on fishing the Lake Pontchartrain bridges in a 2022 Louisiana Sportsman story. | Inshore | speckled trout, redfish | ||
| Lake Pontchartrain Charters (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide quoted on fishing the Lake Pontchartrain bridges in a 2022 Louisiana Sportsman story, and listed by St. Tammany tourism. | Inshore | speckled trout, redfish | (985) 960-3068 | |
| Captain Dudley Vandenborre Fishing Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Slidell guide known for the Deadly Dudley lures, listed by St. Tammany tourism; the phone is from a 2022 Louisiana Sportsman story on the lake bridges. | Inshore | (985) 847-1924 | ||
| Wicked Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Mandeville guide quoted on fishing the Lake Pontchartrain bridges in a 2022 Louisiana Sportsman story. | Inshore | speckled trout, redfish | (985) 750-0670 | |
| DockSide LA Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Tammany tourism among the Lake Pontchartrain fishing guides. | ||||
| Fishunter Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Metairie based guide service on the Jefferson Parish tourism charter list. | (800) 887-1385 | |||
| Kris' Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed under Jefferson on the Jefferson Parish tourism charter list. | (504) 329-4882 | |||
| Hopedale Marina (opens in a new tab)Marina with live bait and a launch that also lists fishing charters. | 7600 Hopedale Hwy, Hopedale | (504) 676-3474 | ||
| Cajun Outcast Inshore Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | Inshore | (504) 710-7158 | ||
| Get-Away Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (985) 630-2923 | |||
| St. Bernard Fishing Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 913-0394 | |||
| Fishing with the King (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 887-4960 | |||
| The Fishing Magician (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 676-3317 | |||
| Escape Fishing Charter (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 512-2602 | |||
| Southern Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 512-7171 | |||
| Dudenhefer's Fishing Charter (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 813-3474 | |||
| Bayou Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 278-3474 | |||
| Jason's Saltwater Guide Services LLC (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (985) 507-7644 | |||
| Louisiana Fishing Expeditions (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (985) 630-2066 | |||
| Big Fish Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 244-3474 | |||
| Delacro Joes (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 458-9524 | |||
| Sweetwater Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 453-8382 | |||
| Cajun Expeditions (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 723-3229 | |||
| Louisiana Adventures Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 400-2466 | |||
| Speckle Trout Guide Service (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 884-6027 | |||
| Delacroix Lodge (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 427-9138 | |||
| The Big Outdoors Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (985) 259-1801 | |||
| Duvalle's Cajun Charters (opens in a new tab)Listed by St. Bernard Parish tourism, whose guides fish Lake Borgne and the Hopedale, Shell Beach and Delacroix marsh east of New Orleans. | (504) 957-4549 |
We are not paid to list anyone. Rates, boats and trips change, so confirm when you book.
70 ft, on the calendar
Tournaments and events
Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.
- Rodeo
AWS New Orleans Section Annual Fishing Rodeo (opens in a new tab)
spring
2026: Saturday, April 11 (25th annual)Sweetwater Marina, 6205 Delacroix Hwy., St. Bernard
- Rodeo
Fishing for Faith Rodeo (opens in a new tab)
October, benefiting St. Bernard Catholic Church
2026: Saturday, October 31 (postponed for weather), registration from 6 a.m., weigh-in noon to 3 p.m.Tee Wee's on the Bayou, 1309 Yscloskey Hwy., St. Bernard
- Series
Elite Redfish Series Solo Tour (Slidell stop) (opens in a new tab)
September; the last stop seen was September 12 to 14, 2025
1701 Bayou Ln, Slidell (Slidell Municipal Marina at Heritage Park)
80 ft, asked and answered
Fishing New Orleans, asked and answered
How do locals fish the Lake Pontchartrain bridges for speckled trout?
They cast a jig with a soft plastic trailer to the pilings, let it hit bottom and pop it two or three times, the Pontchartrain Pop. As the water cools in fall, trout slide deeper, about 6 to 10 feet.
When do bull reds show up around New Orleans?
Late summer and fall, when they come in from the Gulf through Lake Borgne and the Rigolets and Chef Menteur passes. In November, watch for birds diving on shrimp over the schools.
Can I catch fish under the bridges in winter?
Yes. Blue catfish pile in once the water drops below 50 degrees, and locals chum with shrimp heads or fish pieces and fish shrimp for them.
Can I keep flounder in the fall around New Orleans?
Not from October 15 through November 30. Louisiana closes southern flounder harvest for all anglers during that window every year.
Where can I launch on Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans?
On the south shore, Jefferson Parish has the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie and the Williams Boat Launch at Laketown in Kenner, which also has a fishing pier. Shell pads and a reef ball site sit just off the Bonnabel launch.
Which NOAA station gives tides for Lake Pontchartrain at New Orleans?
New Canal Station, 8761927, on the south shore of the lake. It has tide predictions and also reports water temperature and wind.
90 ft, the kit
What we would take to New Orleans
Sources for this guide (21), last checked 2026-10-30
- fishingbooker.com/destinations/location/us/LA/new-orleans (opens in a new tab)
- sections.aws.org/neworleans/2026/03/11/25th-annual-fishing-rodeo/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitjeffersonparish.com/outdoors/fishing/marinas/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitstbernard.com/event/fishing-for-faith-rodeo/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitstbernard.com/play/fishing/hire-guide/ (opens in a new tab)
- explorelouisiana.com/boating/hopedale-marina (opens in a new tab)
- explorelouisiana.com/boating/serigne-boat-launch (opens in a new tab)
- explorelouisiana.com/events/sporting-events/elite-redfish-solo-tour (opens in a new tab)
- fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing/2025-2026-and-2026-2027-gulf-america-rec (opens in a new tab)
- google.com/maps?cid=1087015011124730163 (opens in a new tab)
- louisianasportsman.com/fishing/inshore-fishing/fish-traffic-picks-up-under-lake-pontchartr (opens in a new tab)
- louisianasportsman.com/fishing/inshore-fishing/louisiana-outdoor-treasures-campos-and-fish (opens in a new tab)
- visitjeffersonparish.com/outdoors/fishing/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitjeffersonparish.com/outdoors/fishing/charter-boat-fishing/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitthenorthshore.com/listing/rigolets-marina/459/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitthenorthshore.com/things-to-do/water-recreation/fishing-charters-tours/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitthenorthshore.com/things-to-do/water-recreation/fishing/ (opens in a new tab)
- wlf.louisiana.gov/news/2026-state-gag-grouper-season-to-open-september-1-and-close-october (opens in a new tab)
- wlf.louisiana.gov/news/flounder-season-set-to-close-october-15-to-november-30-for-commerci (opens in a new tab)
- wlf.louisiana.gov/news/lwfc-sets-the-louisiana-private-recreational-and-state-charter-red- (opens in a new tab)
- wlf.louisiana.gov/news/rec-red-snapper-season-reopens-for-two-fourday-periods (opens in a new tab)
100 ft, the seabed
Gear up for New Orleans
UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.