Red River Fishing Guide
Why fish here?
Fish a huge Louisiana river system with bass, catfish, crappie and bream opportunities, numerous public recreation sites and a nationally recognized tournament history.
The Red River is one of Louisiana's defining waterways and a fishing destination that spans Northern, Central and Southern Louisiana. The navigable J. Bennett Johnston Waterway extends about 236 miles from the Old/Red River confluence upstream to Shreveport-Bossier City. Five locks and dams create a series of navigation pools, while backwaters, oxbows, rock structures, current breaks, woody cover and tributary mouths provide varied fishing habitat. The river also carries commercial barge traffic, so anglers share the water with working vessels.
🏆 Bassmaster Tournament History
Major B.A.S.S. moments on this Louisiana fisheryTwo Bassmaster Classics on the Red River
Shreveport-Bossier and the Red River hosted the Bassmaster Classic in 2009 and 2012, giving this fishery a permanent place in professional bass-fishing history.
The field weighed 1,578 lb 14 oz, a Classic total-field-weight record at the time.
Official Bassmaster Coverage →Lane captured his first Classic championship on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier.
Official Bassmaster Coverage →Local Knowledge
Best Areas to Fish
Current breaks, rock dikes and revetments, tributary mouths, backwaters, oxbows, woody cover and transitions between the navigation channel and slower water can all hold fish. Productive water changes with river stage, current and season, so anglers should adjust to current conditions rather than treating the river like a stable reservoir.
Best for Beginners
Choose one navigation pool and one developed public launch rather than trying to cover the entire river. Learn the marked navigation channel, stay alert for barges and towboats, and explore protected backwaters and current breaks at safe speeds.
Visitor Tips
The Red River is not a single small fishing destination. Plan your trip around a specific pool or city such as Shreveport-Bossier, Natchitoches or Alexandria, then choose nearby public access. River stage and current can change conditions quickly, so check current water and weather conditions before launching.
Fishing Access and Amenities
Public AccessPublic access is available at numerous Red River Waterway Commission recreation areas from the Shreveport-Bossier area through Central Louisiana. Facilities vary by site and include concrete boat ramps, docks, parking, bank-fishing areas and picnic facilities. Check the Red River Waterway Commission's current recreation information before travel.
Bank FishingYes — designated bank-fishing opportunities exist at several public recreation areas, including lock-and-dam recreation sites and other developed facilities
Boat AccessExcellent — numerous public boat launches serve the navigation pools and connected backwaters
Kayak AccessPossible from appropriate public access, but current, commercial traffic, large open reaches and lock-and-dam operations make route selection and conditions especially important
Fishing PierAvailable at selected developed recreation sites; facilities vary by location
Launch or Access FeeVaries by recreation site; verify current fees and access rules before travel
HoursAccess hours vary by recreation facility
ParkingDeveloped parking is available at many Red River Waterway recreation sites
RestroomsAvailable at selected developed recreation areas; facilities vary by site
CampingCamping is available at selected Red River Waterway Commission recreation areas; verify current facilities before travel
🚤 Featured Red River Access
Launch, stay and fish near Shreveport-BossierRed River South Marina & Resort
Explore a developed Red River access point with public boat ramps, covered boat-stall rentals, cabins, RV sites, public restrooms and on-site laundry. No tent camping.
Explore Red River South →Plan Your Fishing Trip
Boat Launches
The Red River Waterway Commission maintains numerous recreation sites with river access. Examples include North Caddo-Bossier, Red Oak Lake near Coushatta and Red Bayou near Cloutierville, along with additional launch facilities throughout the five-pool waterway. Lock-and-dam recreation areas may offer bank fishing and day-use amenities, but the Corps notes that public boat launches are not located at the lock structures themselves. Always verify the specific facility you plan to use.
Fishing License Information
A Louisiana fishing license is required when applicable. Follow current LDWF freshwater size and bag limits. Because the Red River spans a long distance and includes refuge, WMA and other managed lands, additional site-specific rules may apply at particular access areas.