Bayou Bartholomew Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish a distinctive northeast Louisiana bayou while exploring one of the state's most scenic cypress-and-hardwood waterways. Chemin-A-Haut State Park provides a convenient base for paddling, camping and family recreation.
Bayou Bartholomew is a long, natural waterway that begins in Arkansas and continues into northeast Louisiana. In Morehouse Parish it passes beside Chemin-A-Haut State Park and the Ben Lilly Wildlife Management Area. Louisiana recognizes Bayou Bartholomew as a Natural and Scenic River. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries documents fishing for largemouth and Kentucky bass, bluegill and catfish along the bayou. Its winding channel, hardwood bottomlands and cypress-lined stretches make it as much a scenic paddling destination as a fishing water.
Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Work wooded banks, cypress cover, bends, current breaks and other natural structure. Paddlers can quietly reach shoreline habitat that is difficult to approach from land. Water level and current can change the most productive areas.
Best for Beginners
Chemin-A-Haut State Park is the easiest place to begin. Start with the park's established paddling area, stay close to familiar access, and fish shoreline cover with simple bass, bream or catfish presentations.
For Experienced Anglers
Use current, outside bends, submerged wood and shade lines to narrow down feeding areas. A kayak or canoe can be especially useful for quietly working tighter stretches of the bayou.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume every bank along a long natural bayou is public access. Use established public areas, respect private property, and verify conditions before launching.
Visitor Tips
Chemin-A-Haut is known for the Castle Tree, a massive old cypress reached from the bayou. Combining fishing with a paddle through the park makes Bayou Bartholomew a particularly good destination for visitors who enjoy scenery as much as catching fish.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessChemin-A-Haut State Park overlooks Bayou Bartholomew and provides one of the clearest public recreation access points in Louisiana. LDWF also documents public use of the adjacent Ben Lilly WMA, reached through the State Park. Verify current park and WMA access conditions before travel.
Bank FishingLimited
Boat AccessLimited
Kayak AccessExcellent
Fishing PierUnknown
Launch or Access FeeState Park entrance or rental fees may apply; verify current Louisiana State Parks fees
HoursSubject to current Chemin-A-Haut State Park hours and WMA rules
ParkingDeveloped parking is available at Chemin-A-Haut State Park
RestroomsAvailable at Chemin-A-Haut State Park
CampingCabins and camping are available at Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
Chemin-A-Haut State Park is the primary public access point highlighted in state tourism information for paddling Bayou Bartholomew. The adjacent Ben Lilly WMA has also been developed for paddle access. Because facilities and conditions can change, confirm current launch access with the park or LDWF before towing or carrying in a boat.
Camping and Lodging
Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers cabins and camping near Bayou Bartholomew.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Follow current LDWF freshwater regulations, Natural and Scenic Rivers protections, State Park rules and any Ben Lilly WMA requirements that apply to your visit.