Cross Lake is a 8,000-acre reservoir built for flood control and power generation, sitting about 15 miles east of Shreveport
Cross Lake stretches across Red River Parish with depths reaching 40 feet in the main channel and shallower flats along the edges. The lake formed in 1924 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed Caddo Creek, creating a stable fishery that holds largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill year-round. Water levels stay relatively consistent because the lake serves as a cooling reservoir for a power plant, which means you won't face the dramatic drawdowns that plague other regional impoundments.
The lake's character changes depending on where you fish. The upper end near the dam holds clearer water and rocky structure. The middle sections feature fallen timber and submerged brush piles. The lower end widens into open water with scattered islands and shallow bays. Most anglers fish from the bank or launch boats at one of three public ramps, and the lake is close enough to Shreveport that you can fish it as a day trip or combine it with other waters in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Cross Lake holds largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, with stable water levels year-round because it serves as a power plant cooling reservoir.
- Three public boat ramps provide access: Cross Lake Park, Caddo National Grasslands ramp, and the lower lake ramp near the dam.
- Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, though winter crappie fishing can be excellent if you locate brush piles and timber.
- The upper lake near the dam offers clearer water and rocky structure, while the lower lake has wider flats and shallow bays better for sight-fishing.
- A Louisiana fishing license is required, and you should check current regulations for bag limits and seasonal restrictions before you go.
Where to Launch and How to Access the Water
Cross Lake Park is the main public access point on the north shore, operated by the City of Shreveport. It has a concrete boat ramp, parking for trailers, and a small pavilion. From Shreveport, take I-49 north to Exit 206, then follow signs east. The ramp is free and open during daylight hours, though the parking lot can fill on weekends.
The Caddo National Grasslands ramp sits on the west side of the lake and offers a quieter alternative with fewer crowds. It's a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking, but it's well-maintained and rarely crowded. Bank fishing is also possible along the Grasslands property if you don't have a boat.
A third ramp exists near the dam on the lower lake, though it's less developed and primarily used by locals. All three ramps are free. If you don't have a boat, bank fishing works best at Cross Lake Park and along the Grasslands shoreline, where you can reach deeper water without wading far.
Bass Fishing Patterns Through the Seasons
Spring (March through May) brings the most predictable bass bite. Fish move shallow to spawn, and you'll find them around fallen timber, brush piles, and the edges of shallow bays. Throw crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and overcast days often outfish sunny ones.
Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and slower. Fish the main channel drop-offs, deeper brush piles, and shaded timber. Early morning is critical—most daytime activity stops by 10 a.m. Soft plastics rigged Texas-style and deep-diving crankbaits work better than topwater. The upper lake near the dam stays slightly cooler and clearer, so it often fishes better than the lower lake during peak heat.
Fall (September through November) reactivates the shallows as water cools. Bass return to flats and timber in 6 to 12 feet of water. This is often the second-best season after spring. Crankbaits and jerkbaits produce well, and you can fish longer into the day than you can in summer.
Winter (December through February) is tougher for bass but not impossible. Fish move to the deepest structure—the main channel, deep brush piles, and the dam area. Slow presentations like drop-shot rigs and small jigs work better than fast-moving lures. Many anglers switch to crappie during winter because the bite is more consistent.
Crappie and Catfish: The Reliable Alternatives
Crappie fishing at Cross Lake is often better than bass fishing, especially in winter and early spring. Both black and white crappie live here, and they school around submerged timber and brush piles. If you can locate a good brush pile in 15 to 25 feet of water, you can catch dozens of crappie in a few hours. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or fished plain work best. Live minnows under a bobber also produce, particularly in spring.
Catfish are abundant and available year-round. Channel catfish and flatheads both inhabit Cross Lake, and they're less picky than bass or crappie. Fish cut bait (shad or bluegill), chicken liver, or stink baits on the bottom in deeper holes, especially near the dam and in the main channel. Night fishing often produces better than daytime, and you can catch catfish consistently even when bass and crappie are slow.
Bluegill and other panfish round out the options. They're easiest to catch in spring and early summer around shallow cover, and they're ideal if you're fishing with children or want a relaxing day without targeting specific species.
Tackle and Techniques That Work Here
For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod and a baitcasting rod. Crankbaits (shallow and deep-diving), soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), topwater lures, and jigs all produce depending on the season. The lake has enough timber and brush that you'll lose lures, so bring extras and don't be afraid to fish tight to cover.
For crappie, a light spinning rod with 6-pound test and small jigs is standard. A fish finder helps locate brush piles and timber, but you can also ask other anglers or look for birds working the water—they often mark crappie schools. Minnow traps or a small cast net let you catch live bait on-site, which saves money and often outfishes store-bought minnows.
For catfish, a medium-heavy rod and 15 to 20-pound test handle the larger fish and rough structure. A simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig works fine. You don't need expensive tackle—catfish aren't line-shy, and they hit hard enough that you'll feel the bite regardless of your setup.
What to Know Before You Go
A Louisiana fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, at sporting goods stores, or at some convenience stores near the lake. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're just visiting.
Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and change periodically. Check the current regulations on the LDWF website before you fish—ignorance of the rules won't protect you if you're checked by a game warden. Generally, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum, and crappie have a 10-inch minimum, but confirm these before you go.
Water quality is generally good, though the lake can turn murky after heavy rain. Visibility of 2 to 4 feet is normal; if it drops below that, switch to darker lures and fish slower. The lake is also subject to occasional algae blooms in summer, which can affect fishing and water clarity. Check local reports or call the Shreveport Parks and Recreation Department if you're concerned about conditions.
Boat traffic can be heavy on weekends, especially in spring and early summer. Weekday fishing is usually quieter and more productive. The lake is also popular with water skiers and jet skis, so stay alert and fish early morning if you want to avoid crowds.
Nearby Waters and How Cross Lake Compares
If you're exploring the Shreveport area, Cross Lake is one of several options. Caddo Lake, about 30 minutes northeast, is larger and holds more trophy bass, but it's also more crowded and harder to navigate. Bistineau Lake, 20 minutes north, is shallower and better for crappie and catfish. The Red River itself offers different habitat—current-driven fishing for catfish and occasional bass—but requires more specialized techniques.
Cross Lake sits in the middle: easier to fish than Caddo Lake, more consistent than the Red River, and closer to Shreveport than Bistineau. If you're new to the area or want a reliable day trip, Cross Lake is a solid choice. If you're chasing trophy bass or want a wilderness experience, Caddo Lake might be worth the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Cross Lake?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most consistent for bass. Winter is excellent for crappie if you can locate brush piles. Summer is slowest for bass but still productive early and late in the day. Catfish bite year-round regardless of season.
Do I need a boat to fish Cross Lake?
No. Bank fishing works at Cross Lake Park and along the Caddo National Grasslands shoreline. You won't reach as much water or as many fish as you would from a boat, but you can catch bass, catfish, and bluegill from shore, especially in spring and fall.
How deep does Cross Lake get?
The main channel reaches 40 feet, but most of the lake is 15 to 25 feet deep. Shallow flats and bays range from 2 to 8 feet. A fish finder helps you locate deeper structure, but you can catch fish in shallow water without one, especially in spring and early summer.
Are there any hazards I should know about?
Submerged timber and brush piles are common and will snag your lures and lines. Boat traffic is heavy on weekends. The lake can turn murky after rain, reducing visibility. Water skis and jet skis are permitted, so stay alert, especially in summer. Check water quality reports before you go if you're concerned about algae blooms.
Can I keep fish I catch at Cross Lake?
Yes, within the legal bag limits and size restrictions set by Louisiana. Check the current regulations on the LDWF website before you fish, as limits change. Generally, you can keep largemouth bass and crappie above minimum sizes, and catfish have no size restriction, but confirm the current rules before you go.