What Lake Pontchartrain offers and why it fishes differently than coastal salt water

Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary — part freshwater, part salt — and that mix changes everything about how you fish it. The salinity shifts with the seasons and with how much rain has fallen upstream. In summer and after heavy rains, the lake runs fresher and the fish move shallow. In winter and during dry spells, salt water pushes in from the Gulf through the Rigolets and Chef Menteur passes, and the fish respond by moving deeper and toward structure. This is not the Gulf of Mexico, and it is not the Mississippi River. It is its own system, and the fish that live here — redfish, spotted seatrout, largemouth bass, catfish, and sheepshead — behave according to the water conditions on the day you fish.

The lake is roughly 40 miles long and 24 miles wide, but most of it is shallow — average depth around 12 feet, with much of the eastern and central basin running 4 to 8 feet. That shallow water warms fast in spring and cools fast in fall, which concentrates the fish into predictable zones. The northern shore, from New Orleans east toward Slidell, holds structure: old pilings, rock jetties, and marsh edges. The southern shore is more open water and grass flats. Both hold fish, but they hold them for different reasons and at different times of year.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Pontchartrain is brackish water that shifts between fresh and salty depending on season and rainfall, and the fish respond by moving shallow in summer and deeper in winter.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets; both school heavily around structure like pilings, jetties, and marsh edges on the north shore.
  • The lake averages 12 feet deep with large areas of 4 to 8 feet, so shallow-draft boats and wade fishing are practical options across most of the lake.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent bites, especially during the warmer months when fish move into shallow water to feed.
  • The lake is accessible from multiple public launch points around New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, and Mandeville, with varying amenities and parking.

Where to launch and what boat type works best

Public boat launches ring the lake, and your choice depends on which part of the lake you want to fish and how far you are willing to drive from New Orleans. The closest launch to downtown is the Lakefront Airport launch near the Audubon Park area, which puts you on the water in minutes but gives you limited access to the best structure. The Bucktown launch, near the Seventeenth Street Canal, is more popular with locals and sits closer to productive pilings and marsh edges. Further east, the Slidell area has multiple launches — the Slidell Marina and the Pontchartrain Beach launch — that put you closer to the deeper, more open-water zones.

A shallow-draft boat is an advantage on Pontchartrain. Many anglers use 18- to 22-foot center consoles or bay boats with 2 to 3 feet of draft, which lets them run into the flats and around structure without running aground. Flats boats and skiffs work well too. If you do not own a boat, several charter captains operate out of Slidell and the north shore marinas, and they know the seasonal patterns and current structure locations. Wade fishing is also viable in many areas — the north shore flats and around the pilings hold fish in water shallow enough to walk, especially in summer and early fall.

Redfish and spotted seatrout: the primary targets

Redfish (red drum) school heavily around the pilings and jetties on the north shore, particularly from late spring through early fall. They feed on mullet, shrimp, and small crabs. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a standard approach; so is casting soft plastics — 3- to 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors — around structure. Redfish will also take topwater plugs early in the morning when they are feeding in shallow water. In winter, they move deeper and toward the passes, and the bite slows considerably.

Spotted seatrout (speckled trout) are present year-round but most abundant in spring and fall. They prefer slightly deeper water than redfish — 6 to 12 feet — and they relate to grass beds and subtle bottom changes. Small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches), live shrimp, and small mullet all work. Trout are more active in cooler water, so fall and early spring often produce better numbers than summer. They also respond well to early morning and late afternoon feeding windows, when they move into shallower water to hunt.

Seasonal patterns and when to fish

Spring (March through May) brings warming water and rising fish activity. Redfish move into the shallows to spawn, and both redfish and trout feed heavily to recover from winter. This is often the most productive season. Water clarity improves as the lake settles after winter runoff, and the bite is consistent from mid-morning through late afternoon.

Summer (June through August) is hot and the fish move deeper during midday, but early morning and late evening bites can be excellent. The lake runs fresher due to rainfall and Mississippi River discharge, which pushes saltwater fish deeper and concentrates them around structure. Largemouth bass become more active in the fresher zones, particularly in the western lake near the river outflows.

Fall (September through November) is often as good as spring. Water cools, fish feed aggressively, and both redfish and trout move back into the shallows. Clarity improves and the bite extends through more of the day. This is a good season for wade fishing and sight-casting.

Winter (December through February) slows the bite. Fish move deeper, toward the passes and the deeper basins. The lake can run saltier as freshwater input drops. Fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper structure and the passes. Many local anglers shift focus to other systems during winter.

Tackle, lures, and bait that work on Pontchartrain

A 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line is standard for redfish and trout. Fluorocarbon leader (20 to 30 pounds) helps in clearer water. Soft plastics are reliable: 3- to 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, mullet patterns), and 2- to 3-inch shrimp imitations. Topwater plugs work early and late, especially around pilings and shallow structure.

Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic Pontchartrain approach and often outproduces artificials, particularly for redfish. Live mullet works for larger fish and for trout. Shrimp and mullet are available at most tackle shops around the lake. If you are targeting catfish or sheepshead, heavier tackle and cut bait (mullet or mackerel) are more effective.

Navigation hazards and what to watch for

The lake has shallow areas, submerged pilings, and unmarked structure that can damage a boat. Run a GPS with updated charts and pay attention to water color — darker water usually means deeper water, and lighter water means shallows. The pilings on the north shore are marked on most charts, but new debris and storm damage can create hazards not yet on the map. Ask local anglers or charter captains about current conditions before you launch.

Weather can change fast. The lake is large enough to build rough water in a strong wind, and the shallow depth means waves can get choppy and confused. Check the forecast before you go and do not hesitate to head in if conditions deteriorate. The passes (Rigolets and Chef Menteur) can run strong currents and rough water, especially during tide changes; avoid them unless you are experienced with tidal current.

Regulations and what you need to know before you fish

Louisiana requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older fishing in brackish water. You can purchase a short-term license (3 days, 7 days, or annual) online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or at most tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and required even if you are fishing from a charter boat.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and change periodically. Redfish have a minimum size (typically 18 inches) and a daily bag limit (usually 3 fish). Spotted seatrout have a minimum size (typically 12 inches) and a daily bag limit (usually 25 fish). Check the current regulations on the Louisiana DWLF website or ask at a local tackle shop before you fish, because limits do change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Lake Pontchartrain?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (last two hours before sunset) are most productive. Fish feed during these cooler periods, especially in summer. On overcast days or during cooler seasons, the bite can extend through midday.

Can I wade fish Lake Pontchartrain?

Yes, particularly on the north shore flats and around the pilings. Summer and early fall are best for wade fishing. Wear a life jacket, watch for boat traffic, and be aware that the bottom can be soft mud in some areas. Start in shallow water and work your way out.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Pontchartrain?

No. Wade fishing and shore fishing from the marinas and public areas are viable options. However, a boat gives you access to more structure and deeper water where fish concentrate in winter and during midday heat.

What is the difference between the north and south shores?

The north shore has more structure — pilings, jetties, and marsh edges — and holds redfish and trout year-round. The south shore is more open water and grass flats, better for sight-casting and for finding trout in spring and fall. The north shore is generally more productive for consistent fishing.

How far is Lake Pontchartrain from downtown New Orleans?

The nearest launch (Lakefront Airport) is about 10 minutes from downtown. Bucktown is about 20 minutes. Slidell launches are 45 minutes to an hour. Most anglers fish the lake as a day trip from the city.