Northern Louisiana • Bayou • Caddo Parish
Fish a local North Louisiana bayou with a brand-new developed public launch, convenient trailer parking and access to a natural river-and-bayou fishery close to Shreveport.
Twelve Mile Bayou is a Red River tributary in the Shreveport area and an important local fishing water. A new public boat launch at John Franks Wildlife Management Area greatly improves access for anglers and boaters who want to explore the bayou.
Target current breaks, bends, woody cover, deeper holes, tributary mouths and shoreline structure where safe and accessible.
The new John Franks WMA launch is the easiest developed starting point. Idle cautiously until familiar with the bayou and watch for changing water levels, current and submerged timber.
Primary featured access: the new Twelve Mile Bayou boat launch at John Franks WMA north of Shreveport, reached from U.S. Highway 71. The project includes a paved access road, two-lane concrete ramp and trailer parking. Soda Lake WMA also provides access to the upper bayou.
