Grand Bayou Reservoir Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish a well-developed North Louisiana reservoir with strong bass and crappie opportunities, easy launch access and enough on-site amenities to make a full fishing weekend practical.
John K. Kelly–Grand Bayou Reservoir is a North Louisiana impoundment east of Coushatta in Red River Parish. The reservoir was developed as a quality sport-fishing lake and remains especially popular for largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Grand Bayou Resort provides the main developed public-access hub with a lighted launch, marina, large fishing pier, cabins, lodges and RV sites.
Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Standing and submerged timber, channel edges, points, creek arms, vegetation edges and other structural cover can hold fish throughout the year. LDWF also installed an artificial fish reef in roughly 15–17 feet of water, marked when deployed with a yellow buoy, to provide additional fish habitat.
Best for Beginners
Grand Bayou Resort is the easiest place to begin because the launch, pier, marina and other facilities are concentrated in one developed area. Start with visible shoreline cover and points, then work toward channel changes and deeper structure as you learn the lake.
Visitor Tips
Current lake-level notice (verified August 17, 2026): LDWF has scheduled a drawdown beginning September 8, 2026, with a target of four feet below normal pool. The gates are scheduled to close January 4, 2027. The reservoir is expected to remain accessible from Grand Bayou Resort, but boaters should expect shallow water and normally hidden obstructions. Check the latest LDWF notice before traveling.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessGrand Bayou Resort at 5286 Highway 784 in Coushatta provides the primary developed public access to the reservoir, including a lighted boat launch, marina and large fishing pier. Verify current resort hours, fees and lake-level conditions before travel.
Bank FishingGood — a large public fishing pier provides a practical no-boat option; shoreline access varies around the reservoir
Boat AccessExcellent — developed lighted launch and marina access at Grand Bayou Resort
Kayak AccessGood in suitable weather and water levels; watch for submerged timber, open-water conditions and powerboat traffic
Fishing PierYes — Grand Bayou Resort has a large partially covered concrete fishing pier
Launch or Access FeeFees may apply at Grand Bayou Resort; verify current rates before travel
HoursGrand Bayou Resort currently lists daily park hours; verify current hours before travel
ParkingDeveloped parking is available at Grand Bayou Resort
RestroomsAvailable at developed resort facilities
CampingYes — cabins, lodges and RV sites are available at Grand Bayou Resort
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
Grand Bayou Resort, 5286 Highway 784, Coushatta, is the primary developed launch area and advertises a lighted boat launch, marina and large fishing pier. During the LDWF drawdown scheduled to begin September 8, 2026, LDWF states that boaters may continue to access the reservoir from the resort on the southwest side of the Highway 784 bridge, although shallow water and obstructions are expected. Verify current ramp status before towing a boat to the lake.
Camping and Lodging
Grand Bayou Resort offers cabins, lodges and RV sites overlooking the reservoir, making it convenient for multi-day fishing trips.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Grand Bayou Reservoir has special black-bass regulations: a 14–17 inch protected slot, an eight-fish daily limit, and no more than four bass over 17 inches. Regulations can change, so confirm the current LDWF freshwater rules before fishing.