Northshore Flats (Mandeville / Madisonville access)on Lake Pontchartrain
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.
What to tie on at Northshore Flats (Mandeville / Madisonville access)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
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 AmazonEP Shrimp
Shrimp are a consistent and abundant food source year-round in the brackish waters of Lake Pontchartrain, making this an essential pattern for all target species.
Buy at AmazonMerkin Crab
Crabs are a primary forage item in the shallow flats and estuaries of Lake Pontchartrain, effectively targeting tailing Redfish, Sheepshead, and Tripletail.
Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)
A versatile baitfish imitation, the Clouser Minnow is effective year-round in Lake Pontchartrain for all predatory species, from Redfish to Bass, mimicking abundant minnows.
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 AmazonRedfish Fly (Weedless)
Designed for shallow salt marshes, this weedless pattern is ideal for targeting tailing Redfish, Sheepshead, Catfish, and Tripletail in Lake Pontchartrain's grassy areas.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
An essential streamer for targeting aggressive Bass and Catfish, mimicking leeches and baitfish that are active in the warming spring waters.
Louisiana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.