A neighborhood park with fishing, trails, and sports facilities in north Baton Rouge

BREC's North Sherwood Forest Community Park sits on Sherwood Forest Boulevard in north Baton Rouge and offers fishing, walking trails, sports courts, and picnic areas. The park centers on a stocked pond where you can fish year-round without a state license if you stay within East Baton Rouge Parish boundaries — though you will need a Louisiana fishing license if you plan to fish anywhere else in the state. The pond holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, making it a solid option for a quick outing or teaching someone to fish without traveling far.

The park is free to enter and open during daylight hours. Parking is available near the main facilities, and the grounds are maintained by BREC (Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Commission). If you are new to the area or looking for a nearby spot to fish without driving into the swamps or reservoirs, this park gives you a contained, accessible alternative.

Key Takeaways

  • The pond is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, and you can fish without a state license as long as you stay within East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • The park is free and open during daylight hours, with parking, picnic areas, and walking trails alongside the fishing pond.
  • A Louisiana fishing license is required if you plan to fish outside the parish or in other state waters.
  • The park also has basketball courts, tennis courts, and open grass areas, so it works for families mixing fishing with other activities.

What fish are in the pond and what gear to bring

The pond holds largemouth bass year-round, with the best action typically from spring through fall when water temperatures climb. Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and bite consistently, making them a good choice if you want steady action or are fishing with children. Catfish are also present and tend to feed more actively at dawn and dusk.

Bring a medium-power spinning rod, 6- to 8-pound monofilament line, and a small tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, and live shiners or crickets. For bluegill, ultralight gear and small jigs or popping bugs work well. If you are targeting catfish, chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial stink baits cast near deeper sections of the pond will produce. The pond is shallow in most areas, so wading is possible in some spots, but the banks are generally accessible from shore.

When to fish and what the water conditions are like

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable times to fish. Water temperatures are moderate, and bass are actively feeding before and after the summer heat. Summer fishing is possible but slower during midday; early morning and evening trips are more productive. Winter can be slow, but catfish and some bass will still bite on the bottom.

The pond is relatively shallow and can become murky after heavy rain, which actually improves catfish fishing but makes sight-fishing for bass harder. Water levels fluctuate slightly with rainfall and maintenance, so the pond may be drawn down occasionally. Check with BREC or call ahead if you are planning a specific trip and want to know current conditions.

Parking, facilities, and what else is at the park

The park has a paved parking lot near the main entrance, restrooms, and picnic tables scattered around the grounds. There is no boat launch or dock, so fishing is from the bank only. The walking trail loops around the pond and connects to other paths through the park, making it easy to combine a fishing trip with a walk or to bring family members who want to do something other than fish.

Basketball courts, tennis courts, and open grass areas are available for other activities. The park is well-lit in the evening near the main facilities, though the pond area itself is not artificially lit, so plan to fish during daylight or bring a headlamp if you want to stay into dusk. Picnic grills are available, so you can make a full afternoon or evening of it.

How to get there and what to know before you go

North Sherwood Forest Community Park is located at 6501 Sherwood Forest Boulevard in Baton Rouge. From downtown, take I-12 East toward Denham Springs, exit onto Sherwood Forest Boulevard heading north, and follow signs to the park entrance. Parking is free, and there is no gate or entry fee.

The park is open during daylight hours year-round. Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent, especially during warm months when mosquitoes are active. If you plan to fish in other Louisiana waters later, purchase your fishing license before you arrive — you can get one online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or at most sporting goods stores in Baton Rouge. The parish-only exemption applies only to this pond and a few other BREC waters within East Baton Rouge Parish.

Fishing regulations specific to this pond

Because this is a BREC-managed pond within East Baton Rouge Parish, you do not need a state fishing license to fish here. However, all Louisiana fishing regulations regarding bag limits, size limits, and seasons still apply. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Bluegill and other panfish have no size limit but are subject to a 25-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily bag limit.

Catch-and-release fishing is always permitted and encouraged if you want to fish longer without hitting your limit. The pond is for fishing only — swimming, wading, and launching boats are not permitted. Respect posted signs and other anglers, and pack out any trash you bring in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish at North Sherwood Forest pond?

No, you do not need a state license to fish this BREC pond as long as you are a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish or visiting within the parish. If you plan to fish elsewhere in Louisiana, you will need to purchase a license through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially for bass. Bluegill bite throughout the day. Catfish feed more actively at dawn and dusk. Midday summer fishing is slower, so plan accordingly if you are targeting bass during warm months.

Can I bring my family if they do not want to fish?

Yes. The park has walking trails, picnic areas, sports courts, and open grass, so non-anglers can enjoy the grounds while you fish. It is a good spot for a mixed-activity outing.

Is there a boat launch or dock?

No. Fishing is from the bank only. There is no boat launch, dock, or wading access — you fish from shore using casting or spinning gear.

What should I bring besides fishing gear?

Bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a hat. If you plan to stay into dusk, bring a headlamp. The park has picnic tables and grills, so you can bring food and make a full afternoon of it.