Lake Pontchartrain
lake in Louisiana
Pontchartrain’s shoreline marshes, passes and connected bayous provide diverse sight-fishing opportunities for estuarine species close to the metro area.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Lake Pontchartrain
- 01Overcast conditions and mild temperatures are ideal for fall fishing.
- 02Increased activity among baitfish and crustaceans expected.
- 03Focus on structure like the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway pilings.
- 04Warmer, brackish marsh waters are productive for tailing Redfish and Sheepshead.
- 05Employ a slower, strip-pause retrieve with natural drift.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Redfish Fly (Weedless)
Specifically designed for Redfish and effective in shallow marsh environments, this weedless pattern is ideal for targeting tailing fish in the fall.
Buy at AmazonGurgler (Saltwater)
For aggressive topwater strikes, this popper mimics fleeing baitfish or injured prey, drawing attention from various predatory species on warmer fall days.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A classic and highly versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for a wide array of predatory fish in the lake.
Deceiver (Lefty's)
This versatile baitfish pattern imitates various smaller fish, which are a primary food source for the lake's predatory species during the fall season.
Buy at AmazonMerkin Crab
Crabs are a consistent food source in Lake Pontchartrain's brackish waters, making this pattern highly effective for tailing fish in the shallows during fall.
Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)
A universal baitfish imitation, the Clouser Minnow is effective year-round for nearly all predatory species in Lake Pontchartrain, especially when baitfish are active in the fall.
Buy at AmazonSnook Fly (Crystal Bugger)
This baitfish/shrimp imitation is a great all-around pattern for various species in brackish waters, especially snook, redfish, and bass feeding near structure.
EP Shrimp
Shrimp are a year-round staple in Lake Pontchartrain, and this versatile imitation is highly effective for a wide range of predatory species actively feeding in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Chef Menteur Pass
Connects Pontchartrain to the Gulf; currents and structure attract feeding trout and occasional reds.
Inner Harbor Navigation Canal / Adjacent Marsh
Marsh channels and cuts near the IHNC that hold juvenile trout and coastal species accessible from small boats.
Northshore Flats (Mandeville / Madisonville access)
Shallow shoreline flats and marsh cuts on the north shore that are ideal for sight and sight-fishing with flies.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Puglia's Sporting Goods
No Wake Outfitters
Laguna Madre Outfitters
Louisiana Flyfisher
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Louisiana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about Lake Pontchartrain.
What flies work best on Lake Pontchartrain?
Our top scored fly patterns for Lake Pontchartrain right now are Redfish Fly (Weedless) (80% confidence), EP Shrimp (80% confidence), Merkin Crab (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Lake Pontchartrain?
Lake Pontchartrain holds Redfish, Sheepshead, Catfish, Bass, Tripletail. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Lake Pontchartrain fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Lake Pontchartrain each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.