What Wallace Lake Offers

Wallace Lake is a 640-acre impoundment about 20 miles south of Shreveport, built on Caddo Creek as a cooling reservoir for a power plant. The lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill in water that stays warm year-round because of the thermal discharge—a real advantage in winter when most Louisiana lakes cool down. The shoreline is a mix of wooded banks, some open water, and industrial infrastructure, so it does not have the resort feel of bigger lakes, but the fishing is consistent and the crowds are light.

The lake is open to the public through a day-use permit system managed by the power company. You can fish from the bank or launch a boat, though the ramp is basic and the parking lot fills only on weekends. Most anglers come for the bass bite in spring and fall, or for catfish year-round. The water clarity is moderate—you can see 2 to 3 feet down on a clear day—and the bottom is mostly mud and silt, typical of a reservoir built in flat terrain.

Key Takeaways

  • Wallace Lake is a 640-acre power-plant reservoir 20 miles south of Shreveport that holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill in consistently warm water.
  • Day-use permits are required and are issued by the power company; call ahead to confirm the lake is open and to learn the current permit fee.
  • Spring and fall produce the best largemouth bass fishing; catfish bite year-round and are the most reliable target in summer and winter.
  • The boat ramp is functional but basic, and bank fishing is productive along the wooded shoreline on the north and east sides.
  • Thermal discharge from the power plant keeps water temperature elevated, making winter fishing viable when other regional lakes are too cold.

How to Get a Day-Use Permit

You cannot fish Wallace Lake without a day-use permit. The lake is owned and operated by the power company, and permits are issued on-site at the entrance gate or by phone in advance. Call the lake office to confirm hours and current permit fees—these change and are not posted online. Most permits are valid for one day and cost between $3 and $5 per vehicle, though prices vary by season.

Arrive early on weekends, especially in spring, because the parking lot has limited space and the gate staff may turn you away once capacity is reached. Weekday fishing is rarely crowded. Bring your Louisiana fishing license and have it with you on the water; state game wardens patrol the lake and check licenses regularly. If you plan to fish multiple times, ask the gate staff whether a seasonal permit is available—some power plants offer them, though Wallace Lake's policy changes year to year.

Largemouth Bass: Spring and Fall Peak

Largemouth bass are the primary target for most visiting anglers. Spring (March through May) is the strongest season—water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and bass move into shallow water to spawn. Fish the wooded shoreline on the north and east sides of the lake, where fallen trees and brush provide cover. Throw crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in the early morning and late afternoon. The bite slows during midday but picks up again as the sun drops.

Fall (September through November) is nearly as good as spring. Bass move back to shallow water as temperatures drop from the summer heat, and they feed aggressively to build reserves for winter. Use the same lures and techniques as spring, but focus on deeper structure—points, drop-offs, and channel ledges—as the season progresses and water cools. Winter fishing is possible because of the thermal discharge, but the bite is slower and requires patience. Summer is the toughest season; bass retreat to deeper, cooler water, and you will need to fish structure and use live bait or slow-moving plastics to connect.

Catfish Year-Round

Channel catfish and blue catfish are abundant and bite consistently regardless of season. This makes catfish the best choice if you want a reliable outing in summer or winter. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges with live baitfish—shad, bluegill, or mullet—or prepared stink baits. The best catfish spots are along the dam and in the deeper basin on the south end of the lake, where water depth exceeds 20 feet.

Fish at dawn, dusk, or after dark for the most active bite. Catfish will bite during the day, but night fishing produces larger fish and more consistent action. Bring a headlamp, secure your rod in a holder, and be ready for a run—blue catfish in particular can pull hard and take line quickly. Most catfish at Wallace Lake run 2 to 5 pounds, though larger fish are caught occasionally. Keep your catch in a cooler with ice and plan to clean them the same day for best table quality.

Bank Fishing and Boat Access

Bank fishing is productive and requires no boat. Walk the north and east shorelines, where wooded banks and fallen timber hold bass and bluegill. The west side is more open and less productive. Wear waders or water shoes because the bank is muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening—the parking area is not well lit, and the path to the water can be hard to navigate in low light.

The boat ramp is located near the entrance and is open during permit office hours. The ramp is concrete and in fair condition, though it can be slick when wet. Launch early to avoid congestion on weekends. The lake is shallow in many areas—average depth is around 15 feet—so watch for stumps and submerged timber, especially near the shoreline. A depth finder is helpful but not essential. Most anglers use 16- to 20-foot bass boats or smaller aluminum rigs; jet skis and high-speed water sports are not permitted.

What to Bring and When to Go

Bring your Louisiana fishing license, a valid photo ID, and your day-use permit (or cash for the gate). Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—there is no shade on the water and the sun reflects hard off the surface. Bring a cooler for your catch and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. A depth finder and GPS are useful but not required; many anglers fish successfully with a simple rod and reel.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit. Water temperatures are comfortable, the bass bite is strong, and the weather is mild. Summer is hot and the fishing is slower, but catfish bite reliably and the lake is less crowded. Winter is viable because of the thermal discharge, but bring warm clothes and expect slower action. Avoid the lake during heavy rain or when the power plant is performing maintenance—call ahead if weather is uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Louisiana fishing license to fish Wallace Lake?

Yes. You must have a valid Louisiana fishing license in your possession while fishing, whether you are on the bank or in a boat. Licenses are sold online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, at sporting goods stores, and at many convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you plan to fish only once.

Can I fish at night?

Night fishing is allowed and is often the best time for catfish. Confirm with the gate staff that the lake remains open after dark and that you have permission to stay past the day-use permit hours. Bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going. The parking area is not staffed at night, so secure your vehicle and fish with a partner if possible.

What is the size and bag limit for bass and catfish?

Louisiana sets statewide limits: largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a daily bag limit of 8 fish. Catfish have no minimum size and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. Check the current Louisiana fishing regulations before you go, as limits can change. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries publishes an annual guide available online and at license vendors.

Is the boat ramp usable year-round?

The ramp is open during permit office hours, which are typically Monday through Friday and weekend mornings. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially in winter or after heavy rain. The ramp can be slick when wet, so launch slowly and use caution. If the ramp is closed or unsafe, bank fishing is still an option.

What if I catch a fish I do not recognize?

Wallace Lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluegill, and crappie. If you catch something unusual, take a photo and contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They can identify the species and advise whether it is safe to keep or release. Most fish in the lake are common warmwater species and are safe to eat if kept on ice and cleaned promptly.