Lake Pontchartrain

10 Fishing Charters

Top Lake Pontchartrain Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Lake Pontchartrain

Fishing in Lake Pontchartrain

If you’re looking for a well-known fishing spot nestled right next to bohemian New Orleans, then fishing on Lake Pontchartrain is something you should try. This estuary’s brackish waters are the playground of many different fish that are hungry all year.

Excellent Speckled Trout fishing is what put Lake Pontchartrain on the angling map, and for years, this species has reigned supreme in these waters. As the water conditions on the lake are changing, Trout fishing has taken a hit, but you can still find your share of lunkers if you know where to look.

Going after Redfish is another favorite pastime of local anglers, especially because you can hook a real trophy and catch your limit. Flounder, Black Drum, Catfish, and Sheepshead are also on the list of most common catches, along with Tripletail and Largemouth Bass.

If you’re going fishing with a local captain, you’ll find both half day and full day trips on offer. Half day excursions are excellent for fun family outings, while full day expeditions will allow you to cover more fishing spots in one go and possibly catch more fish.

Whether you’re coming from New Orleans, Slidell, or Saint Bernard, there’s plenty of fishing spots to explore on different sides of the lake. Artificial reefs, bridge pylons, and piers could all hold plenty of fish at different times of the year.

Rules & Regulations

Fishing with a local guide makes your life easier because you won’t have to worry about where to go and what to bring, but you’ll still need to buy a Louisiana fishing license. Every species has a daily limit that you can keep, and your guide will keep you in the loop of all the regulations you need to follow.

Fishing on Lake Pontchartrain is a relaxing and fun experience that will be a treat for anglers of all levels and appetites!

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Lake Pontchartrain Fishing Seasons

January

If you’re looking for a place under the sun in the cold winter months, Lake Pontchartrain should be your next destination. Redfish are biting in January, as are Sheepshead and Black Drum.

February

There’s a mixed bag you can target on the lake and surrounding marshes in February, with Speckled Trout, Flounder, Redfish, and Sheepshead particularly susceptible to live shrimp.

March

Whether you’re on the water to chase Flounder, Redfish, or Speckled Trout, you’ve got good chances of finding them at the end of your line in March. Sheepshead and Largemouth Bass are also known to make an appearance.

April

The bite is starting to stabilize, especially when it comes to Specks, and Redfish, Sheepshead, and Bass are following closely behind. Jigging is a foolproof way to get the fish’s attention, especially when you pair it with a slow retrieve.

May

It’s starting to get warm on the water, but that doesn’t mean that fishing is any less productive. It’s a good time to go after Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and of course, Redfish.

June

Get on the water early in the morning to avoid the heat, and enjoy excellent Tripletail and Sheepshead action. Redfish and Specks are also out there, you just have to be a bit patient.

July

Come July and its high temperatures, your best chance of finding fish is to hit deeper waters of the Rigolets in search of Trout and Redfish. Seasonal species like Jack Crevalle and Tripletail are also in the cards.

August

One thing is for sure – August in Louisiana is hot! Cast your lines in the cool deep waters of the Unknown Pass to entice anything from Trout and Redfish to Flounder and Black Drum.

September

As the fall approaches, head out to the shallow waters of Biloxi Marsh to look for Largemouth Bass and Redfish, and you can also go after Sheepshead, Flounder, and Black Drum.

October

Just about anything bites in October. This is a very productive time for Catfishing, especially when it comes to Blue Catfish that are more present in the lake during the fall and winter.

November

Spend your November on Lake Pontchartrain, going after all the local favorites like Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and the list goes on. Catfishing is still more than decent.

December

With New Year and colder weather just around the corner, December is still a good period to prowl the lake for Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is a good spot for targeting Redfish.