Cross Lake Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Enjoy one of Northwest Louisiana's most convenient major fishing lakes, with public boat launches, fishing piers and city parks only minutes from Shreveport.
Cross Lake sits along the western side of Shreveport and combines an urban setting with productive freshwater fishing. The reservoir is owned, operated and maintained by the City of Shreveport as a municipal water supply, while Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries manages the fishery. Shoreline docks, piers, vegetation, open-water areas and creek/channel structure give anglers several ways to fish the lake throughout the year.
Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Shoreline docks, piers, vegetation edges, points, creek/channel changes and open-water forage areas can all hold fish depending on season. Bass anglers often work shoreline cover and structure, while crappie anglers can focus on deeper cover and seasonal concentrations. Open-water areas can also hold schooling sportfish.
Best for Beginners
Municipal Pier & Boat Launch and Ford Park are convenient places to begin because they provide developed public access close to Shreveport. Start around visible shoreline cover and piers, then expand toward points and depth changes as you learn the lake.
Visitor Tips
Cross Lake is especially convenient for anglers staying in Shreveport. Before launching a boat, obtain the required Cross Lake permit and check current City of Shreveport notices for lake level, weather or temporary access restrictions.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessThe City of Shreveport provides developed public access around Cross Lake. Municipal Pier & Boat Launch at 2900 Municipal Pier Road includes a public launch and pier. Ford Park on South Lakeshore Drive also provides a boat launch and fishing pier. Additional public and private launch options are available around the lake; verify current hours, fees and conditions before travel.
Bank FishingYes — selected public shoreline and fishing-pier access is available, including Municipal Pier and Ford Park
Boat AccessExcellent — multiple public and private launch options around the lake
Kayak AccessGood in suitable weather; use caution around powerboat traffic and open water
Fishing PierYes — Municipal Pier and Ford Park provide public pier access
Launch or Access FeeMunicipal Pier & Boat Launch is a city public access point; other launches may charge fees. A City of Shreveport Cross Lake boat permit is required.
ParkingDeveloped parking is available at major city access points
RestroomsAvailable at selected developed public access areas; verify current facility status
🚤 BOAT / ACCESS PERMIT
Special Permit or Access Requirement
Boat permit required. The City of Shreveport requires a Cross Lake boat permit before operating a boat on Cross Lake. Permits are available through the Cross Lake Patrol Office at 2900 Municipal Pier Road. Verify current permit procedures and city lake rules before launching.
Check Official Permit Information →Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
Municipal Pier & Boat Launch, 2900 Municipal Pier Road, is a City of Shreveport facility with a boat launch and fishing pier and is open dawn to dusk according to SPAR. Ford Park, 5784 South Lakeshore Drive, also provides a boat launch and fishing pier. The city identifies additional launch options around Cross Lake, some of which may charge a small fee. Verify current access before towing a boat to a specific landing.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Cross Lake boat permits are also required by the City of Shreveport and are available through the Cross Lake Patrol Office at 2900 Municipal Pier Road. Cross Lake's former black-bass length restriction was removed in 2014; anglers should follow current Louisiana statewide and any current waterbody-specific regulations rather than relying on older slot-limit information.