Black Lake (Campti) Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish a beautiful cypress lake with a strong local reputation for largemouth bass and crappie, plus several launch and camping options around the lake.
Black Lake near Campti is part of the Black-Clear Lake system in north-central Louisiana. Louisiana Highway 9 crosses the waterbody: the western portion is commonly called Black Lake, while the eastern portion is known as Clear Lake or Clear Lake Bayou. Cypress trees, shallow flats, old channels, woody cover and shoreline vegetation give the lake its classic Louisiana character.
Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Cypress trees, old river/channel edges, shoreline cover, docks and vegetation can all hold fish. Crappie are known to use deeper channel-related water during colder periods and move shallow around cypress cover during spring. Bass anglers commonly target cypress trees, docks and nearby deeper-water transitions.
Best for Beginners
Start around visible cypress cover and established access areas, but keep a map or GPS handy. The lake is shallow in many places and underwater obstructions can make unfamiliar shortcuts risky.
Visitor Tips
Do not confuse Black Lake near Campti with other Louisiana waters named Black Lake. When searching maps or reports, use 'Black Lake Campti' or 'Black-Clear Lake.' The Clear Lake side connects toward Saline Lake and nearby bayou systems.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessPublic and visitor access is available around Black Lake and Clear Lake. A newer public launch on Clear Lake is located on LA Highway 1226 about 4.1 miles north of U.S. Highway 84 East. Other long-used access points around the Black-Clear Lake system include Sandy Point, Westwind and Chandler's-area facilities; verify current operating status and fees before traveling.
Bank FishingAvailable in some developed shoreline, camp and launch areas; access varies by property
Boat AccessGood — multiple launch options around the Black-Clear Lake system
Kayak AccessGood in suitable conditions; shallow water and cypress habitat can be attractive for paddling
Launch or Access FeeVaries by facility; verify before travel
ParkingAvailable at developed launch and campground facilities
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
A developed public launch on Clear Lake is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Natchitoches on LA Highway 1226, 4.1 miles north of U.S. Highway 84 East. Local tourism information also identifies Sandy Point, Westwind and Dickson-area launches around Campti, while Black Lake campgrounds and private facilities may offer additional launch access. Confirm current public access, fees and hours before your trip.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana Basic Fishing License is required for most freshwater anglers age 18 and older. Review current LDWF freshwater limits before fishing. Black Lake and Clear Lake are also included in a Louisiana fish-consumption advisory, so anglers planning to keep fish should check the state's current advisory guidance.