I like the natural way because I like finding where they might actually spawn, Wozniak said. Experienced offshore . Public boat launches provide access to the river itself and dozens of productive backwater lakes. The law mentions several means of taking fish out of the water in Louisiana but in particular mentions how catfish can be harvested by individuals (in addition to fishing poles and the like). Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. It will come back, but I believe it will take several years for this area to return to what it is capable of producing.". Additionally, Louisiana is home to smaller species of Catfish such as the Brown Bullhead. Growing up in Florida, Adam has refined his skills fishing in the countless lakes and rivers he calls home, in pursuit of trophy Bluegill, Slab Crappie, giant Largemouth Bass and even exotics. Read More . From the large reservoirs in the northern part of the state to the blackwater bayous in the south, theres a unique fishing habitat for every angler. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Use a 1/2- to 3/4-ounce egg sinker to keep the bait firmly planted on the bottom. appearances, production, and more. "In addition to the Pool One area of the Red River near Marksville, the other big river in my district creates lots of attention when it comes to catfish," said David. What are forum guidelines? Plenty of Louisiana anglers think smaller, channel catfish are plenty of fun. You have to also watch out for the snakes, and that is also where another person comes in handy to be a snake watcher. And what goes well with this sun-kissed vibe? These changes came about when the last of five locks and dams were completed in December 1994, creating five pools between Shreveport and Marksville, south of Alexandria. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Amid the recent trail camera documentation of at least one cougar prowling Louisiana's woodlands, it's easy to lose focus on our state's most popular -- and most populous -- wild "cats.". The law mentions several means of taking fish out of the water in Louisiana but in particular mentions how catfish can be harvested by individuals (in addition to fishing poles and the like). Since catching catfish does not require a license, it is considered . Then, the male catfish watches over the eggs. There is no closed season. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Then its likely you already know about the awesome Louisiana Catfish that are available there year-round. For more information on Red River catfish, contact the LDWF District One office in Minden at (318) 371-3050. The abundant catfish found in the basin are the best baits to use for these bayou catfish. We come from the upper Midwest so we had no idea how to approach the Chauvin area in terms of fishing. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. One that's smoked first. Noodling is the art of fishing bare handed for flathead catfish that are monstrous. The Red River slices across this part of the state, with catfishing success rivaling that of northwest Louisiana. High water can push fish out of the main river systems and back into the woodlands and surrounding swamps. An ancient oxbow of the Mississippi River, Lake Providence northeast Louisianas prime fishing destination. One reason for the basin's fantastic a. ction is the topography of the area. Guided Channel Cat Fishing On The Red River of the North Welcome to Brad Durick Outdoors LLC, home of the finest channel catfishing experience in America. Lake Cataouatche is another option just south of New Orleans. We have been noodling for several generations, perfecting techniques that enable us to catch fish that are just swimming or lying on the bottom of rivers and the creeks, or in brush piles. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The limit of four is an aggregate total that would include all catfish species. We usually go to the creeks at the beginning of may searching for the big blue cats that spawn early on before the flathead. Heres a list of four good places to catch catfish in north Louisiana: Toledo Bend, Ouachita River, Lake Claiborne and Black Bayou Lake. In addition, don't forget the sunscreen protection. Use a 1/2- to 3/4-ounce egg sinker to keep the bait firmly planted on the bottom. Catfish love to move out onto newly flooded areas both to spawn and to feed. Focus on sandy bottom areas for big Blue Cats, and use live bait in the backwater feeder creeks for Flatheads. Catfish Fishing in Louisiana, LA - FishingBooker "I think we're taking another look at this because it has become so popular. A resident basic fishing license is $17, plus an additional $5 hook-and-line permit. You can launch from Pete's Landing Boat Launch and the Port Manchac boat ramp off Highway 15 excellent Catfish fishing awaits in these 5,800 acres of water. Rep. McFarland actually was taught how to noodle a few years ago bya friend a couple of years ago. Catfish farms are dotted all over Louisiana, and Channel Catfish are the most popular species in the aquaculture industry. What a state we live in. I may be a few days late on this one but apparently one of the many laws that went into effect in Louisiana on August 1 was the legalization of catfish noodling. Once the rod tip dipped and pulsed, and the hook was set, it was anybody's guess as to what was on the end of the line. "Noodling" bill now heads to the Governor's desk Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Catfish are extremely powerful fish, so be sure you dont underestimate their strength, Einck said. Freshwater Fishing - Louisiana Fishing | eRegulations A special boyhood memory of mine from decades ago is of catching catfish along the Red River near Campti. If it's in December make sure you're dressed for it if your going out in the morning. A full-time Lake . or at least give advise. 6 Hours of fun for the whole family, friends or group. Others look for natural nests that the catfish made themselves. Running through Louisiana are some prolific rivers, such as the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. In Toledo Bend State Park, theres a huge lake which covers a whopping 196,000 acres! | It's that simple. New Orleans Fishing at its Finest! Read Our New Orleans Fishing Charter Reports to stay up-to-date on the fishing in New Orleans, Louisiana. Noodlers fish for catfish by sticking their hands into man-made or natural catfish holes. Once again, the Red River, which ends its journey in south Louisiana, is mentioned as a prime catfishery in the southern reaches of the state, much as it is in central and northwest Louisiana. "Some really big flathead catfish can be caught by tying stout line to the tough cypress limbs along the deeper channels, securing a big hook and baiting with a live bream or goldfish," Sibley said. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Book your next fishing trip with Wicked Fishing Charters Mandeville and explore the beautiful coastal waters of Louisiana like never before! Fishing Trips in Louisiana, United States - BaitYourHook When you feel a tap-tap, set the hook, and reel in supper. "The channel catfish we stocked here when the lake was new have grown to impressive sizes, with some to 10 pounds and larger being caught fairly regularly on Poverty Point," said Daniel. Stick your hand in the hole. You can catch Catfish year-round in Louisiana, due to its moderate climate and low elevation. How to Catch Catfish: Noodling Tips | Bass Pro Shops Vince Wozniak holds two catfish he caught while noodling. Thats a trick question you dont have to choose! Subscriber Services. Use our media contact page! Frying catfish is simple, too. McFarland said hes excited for more Louisiana residents to try noodling. Channel Catfish and Bullhead Catfish are the primary species on this lake, but the occasional Flathead is not uncommon. And if youre brave enough to leave the tackle and traps at home, try your hand at noodling literally. Armed with rods and reels, we set up camp on the sandy banks of the "Big Red" (as we called it). It was recommended to go October thru January for speckled trout. Noodling was in a legal gray area. 2023 Louisiana Office of Tourism. You can also target Crappie, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Gar, and more here. This grain attracts the fish, and anglers can really have a ball fishing around this area. Does anyone know any contacts/companies/locals in the area that could take me out???? He and the Reagan family are the ones who taught me everything when I first started.. This style of fishing is an adrenaline junkies paradise. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. I already know what Cooter's going to tell me: The catfishing's good. The Ouachita River flows south out of Arkansas into northeast Louisiana. The two types of catfish that noodlers in Louisiana find are blue catfish and Opelousas catfish, Wozniak said. For this, anglers use hoop nets and Catfish traps to load up on these tasty critters. Hyon, LA. The fish topped the scales at 114 pounds and was caught near Lake Providence on the Mississippi River. There are a variety of techniques to catch them at multitude locations, making them a firm favorite down south. Wozniak said he learned from noodling with his family friends and Skipper Bivins, from the Animal Planet show Hillbilly Handfishing., Skipper Bivins is the one who taught me a lot on how to find natural catfish holes, he said. Louisiana Catfish North To South - Game & Fish - Game & Fish Opelousas catfish are generally a preferred catch because their meat tastes better, but blue catfish are more of a challenge. One of the more popular areas for targeting channels is the area known as "the flats" located near Bear Creek and Terral Island. ! . Skipper is a great teacher! Our job was to watch the rod tips for bites. Like when Iron Man restarted the jet turbine on the flying aircraft carrier. "Henderson was hard hit by Hurricane Gustav," said David. My weekly writing duties include contacting area lakes for up-to-date fishing reports that I include with my weekly columns. "Locals call them 'mirror carp,'" Plonsky said. These two south Louisiana lakes, while two distinct bodies of water, are connected by a bayou. Locals here use their fingers to entice a bite from a prospective Catfish and wrestle them out of their dens in 36 feet of water. The following size limits apply to state waters:*. But it can be done! "As a result, I'd recommend the upper and lower stretches of the river where catfish are not nearly as likely to have seen a bait.". Come experience the thrill of a lifetime! Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. package offer, etc.). A new law legalizing it goes into effect Aug. 1. Snagging is a legal method of taking catfish (no other species of fish may be taken by snagging) and usually takes place in the state's rivers around locks and dams. The Catfish action will be non-stop in those first eight weeks. Noodling is best done during the spawning season in spring and summer, when catfish are more likely to stay in their hole and protect their eggs (this is the male catfish's job). Louisiana has many rivers and lakes in each of its regions where catfishermen are likely to tangle with healthy populations of channels, flatheads or blues. Using a charter made all the difference. Catching fish in their domain with your bare hands and feet may seem impossible to some, but unto the Bivins family, it has become a family tradition and a passion. Noodling, which is when one catches catfish with their bare hands, is legal in Louisiana as of Monday. So, if youre still unsure where to go for your next vacation, consider fishing []. If you need advice, just ask at the local bait or tackle stores in these areas. "You can just about depend on being able to catch catfish on the river this time of year," Daniel said. This heavily wooded lake boasts healthy populations of Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish, as well as excellent Bass fishing. This muddy lake boasts heavy pockets of hydrilla, and the option to explore other nearby lakes with its many diversion canals. And extend your stay by enjoying the many activities at the Lake Claiborne State Park. "Look for good channel catfishing near the pumping station at Melville," Plonsky suggested. In the meantime, wed invite any of our readers in the know to help out with noodling suggestions if they can. Planning a fishing vacation to the Gulf of Mexico? This technique requires a lot of skill and experience, as well as a good understanding of catfish behavior. But, if you plan on fishing water classified as saltwater, youll need an additional $30 saltwater license. Towels, change of cloths, bathing suit, water shoes, gloves, sun screen, snacks, lunch(full day), zip lock bag for phone or camera. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Noodling - Wikipedia However, when the group took the electroshock samples that night in the same area, catfish came up everywhere. And thats due, in large part, to the mighty Mississippi River that flows along the eastern state line. Also Duck Hunting. We typically go one of these four lakes, Lake Norman, Lake Gaston, Badin Lake or High Rock Lake. Louisiana catfishermen employ a variety of techniques to bring catfish to the boat -- methods as widely divergent as noodling, snagging, slat-trapping, jug-fishing and trotlining -- in addition to the traditional rod and reel method. One of the most reliable spots for Catfish fishing is the Ouachita River. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Took off later in day and still caught a ton of fish." Instead of suspending his baited hooks, Dupree allows the entire trotline, from the staging line to the hooks, to rest in the mud on the lake bottom, with only a couple of floats on the surface giving away the location of the trotline. Finally, many states have laws against hand fishing without a license. It surely won't be a surprise to most anglers that some Louisiana's best areas for catching catfish lie along the state's most prominent rivers, specifically the Ouachita, the Atchafalaya and the Red. One that's smoked first. We lobbed earthworms impaled on stout hooks into the current, using heavy sinkers to keep the bait at rest; the rods were propped onto forked sticks. Austin is the proud home of some serious prolific fisheries. The state record was caught in 1977 and weighed 30 pounds. The largest he ever caught was 111 pounds. McFarland initially took some good ole fashioned ribbing by his fellow legislators, but the bill passed unopposed. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. People have been noodling catfish in Louisiana for generations, but now the method will be protected in the law. Catfish may be taken by means of snagging devices and hand-grabbing. Quite frankly, I was amazed. Different areas. Jeff Sibley is a fisheries biologist with the LDWF's District One office in Minden, and his area of responsibility covers most of northwest Louisiana. Try the large coves that meander back off the main lake. Many of the side creeks and lakes they flow into down south carry monster fish, too. This river often gets overlooked by the more famous Red and Mississippi Rivers. It's good in the morning and possibly evening but once it's hot they stop biting. We visited with professional fisheries biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to get a better handle on where the fish will be biting this year, no matter what method an angler chooses to pursue his quarry. "Both Pool Two and Pool Three feature some good catfishing. New Orleans, Lafitte, Grand Isle, Venice, Louisiana Fishing, Corporate Charter, Fishing Guide Service, Business Fishing Trips . "It's unusual to catch one over 5 pounds. Wayne's Striper Guide Service* ~ Kingston, Oklahoma - Lake Texoma. Will he get his arm back? Build your own catfish noodling hole DIY. Im talking about Catfish fishing in Louisiana. BIG FISH ADVENTURES, LLC - Big Fish Adventures "It's a reliable spot that fishermen have come to appreciate. Let's examine these more popular methods of putting catfish in the boat, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the best areas of the state this year for catching catfish. Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, Louisiana's Must See-It-To-Believe-It Festivals, Dont Miss the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, Louisiana State Parks Offer Cabin Getaways, Toledo Bend Lake Country/Sabine Parish Tourist and Rec. Venice is full of charters and has excellent fishing. So if youre looking for a premier Catfish destination, consider Louisiana. Youre using your body and your hands to pull a big catfish out of its territory.. We will definitely discuss all of this, but typically the Lake marina at around 8am. Make sure you find a good guide like captain Clinton who's eager to share generational fishing knowledge, clean and bag all the fish, and be ready to have a great time. Periodic electroshock sampling reveals that the numbers of catfish showing up in the samples has been impressive indeed. "Catfish are a lot like crappie -- they like to hang around places with lots of cover.". "They're hardy, and will live a long time on a hook. Have you ever tried fishing for Catfish in Louisiana? "You won't catch many over 5 pounds, but there are an awful lot of smaller channel catfish in this lake," he said. Enrique Serrano with a 60 lb (27 kg) catfish caught by noodling, on June 18, 2015. "The channel catfish we stocked here when the lake was new have grown to impressive sizes," he remarked, "with some up to 10 pounds and larger being caught fairly regularly.". Catfish noodling is a fishing technique where you stick your arm in a catfish's mouth when it hiding underwater, then drag the catfish out. These dont grow nearly as large as the other species, but theyre a local favorite when it comes to dinner. The lower the water levels, the better the fishing. "When there has been a period of high water and the river starts to fall, you'll see lots of people going out to try their hand at filling a cooler with catfish. Whether you fish the areas near the coast or the northernmost reaches near Shreveport and Monroe, cats are plentiful, and not at all hard to find or to catch. "With all the fallen logs and stumps in the lake, channel cats find ideal conditions for spawning.". 2023 FishingBooker.com. In fact, Louisiana is one of the few states where you can achieve a Catfish Grand Slam. Targeted Fish Species. Home concoctions can work well, or stock up on bait fish, cold worms, or nightcrawlers. Probing sunken logs, caverns beneath boat ramps and sunken barrels, the lifelong resident of the Bayou State frequently comes away with large catfish, some in excess of 50 pounds. Kinny Haddox is an avid outdoorsman and writer from West Monroe, Louisiana. And I think part of it initially was just that, man, I can't let my son show me up. Instead of a rapidly moving stream, there are now pools that more closely resemble lakes along the margin of the river. "There is a very high catfish population in the Red River, with all three popular species -- channels, blues and flatheads -- living there," said Sibley. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? "One of the most popular methods of fishing for channel catfish on the river is tightlining such baits as cut shad, night crawlers or stink bait," Daniel offered. Hardy souls with a taste for adventure and excitement -- tempered with a touch of insanity -- probe with their hands the murky interiors of hollow logs and stumps and holes beneath boat ramps until they feel a catfish lurking there. As spring rains fall and river levels rise, water spreads out over the low-lying swampland, inundating stumps, logs and other structure that catfish frequently use for spawning. But Louisiana is also home to a few other famous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Knew exactly where they were and how to get them on a hook. Now we dont have to worry about it.. But the whiskered creatures are just as prevalent in some of the state lakes as well, including D'Arbonne, Salvador, Poverty Point and Cataouatche. New law legalizing catfish 'noodling' takes effect in Louisiana Even with fluctuating water levels, due to the sheer length of the river, theres always somewhere appropriate for the local Catfish to call home. Season usually ends about the middle of August. I always say youre not a real noodler until youve been bit by a blue catfish, Wozniak said. This portion of Louisiana features the Red River, one of most productive catfishing waters in the state. "Catfishermen here employ all the standard methods of taking catfish, from trotlines to limb lines to rod and reel and snagging at the locks and dams during spring," said Moses.