What You'll Catch at Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain is a brackish estuary where fresh water from the Mississippi River meets the Gulf, creating a fishery that changes with the seasons and the tides. The lake holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round, but the species that dominate and the techniques that work shift depending on salinity, water temperature, and time of year. Understanding which fish are where and when will save you time and put more on your line.

Redfish are the most reliable target across the lake. They school in shallow flats and marsh edges, hunt in the early morning and late afternoon, and will take live shrimp, mullet, or artificial lures. Spotted seatrout prefer slightly deeper water and structure — docks, pilings, submerged timber — and respond well to small soft plastics and live bait. Flounder lie on the bottom in channels and deeper holes, especially where current flows past structure. All three species tolerate the lake's variable salinity, but their behavior and location shift as the water warms and cools through the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Redfish and spotted seatrout dominate the lake year-round, with redfish in shallow flats and seatrout around structure like docks and pilings.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temperatures favor feeding; summer heat pushes fish deeper and into early morning hours.
  • Live shrimp and mullet work across all seasons, but artificial soft plastics in natural colors match the lake's forage base.
  • The lake's salinity varies with Mississippi River flow and tidal exchange; higher salinity in the eastern basin favors Gulf species like tarpon and permit in summer.
  • Launch sites on the north shore near Slidell and Mandeville offer easier access than the south shore, which is more developed and crowded.

Spring and Fall: Peak Feeding Windows

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are when the lake fishes best. Water temperatures sit in the 65 to 75 degree range — warm enough to trigger aggressive feeding but cool enough that fish stay active all day. Redfish move into the shallowest flats to spawn in spring and hunt heavily in fall as they prepare for winter. Spotted seatrout congregate around deeper structure and respond to live shrimp and small mullet.

During these seasons, dawn and dusk are productive, but you can catch fish throughout the day if you focus on structure and current. Tidal movement matters more in spring and fall because the water is clearer and fish use tide changes to hunt. Fish the incoming tide along marsh edges and the outgoing tide in channels and deeper holes. Artificial lures — quarter-ounce jigs with soft plastic bodies in natural colors like pearl, chartreuse, and natural shad — work well when live bait is hard to find or when you want to cover water quickly.

Summer: Early Hours and Deeper Water

Summer (June through August) brings heat and lower dissolved oxygen in shallow water. Redfish and seatrout move deeper and become most active in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Midday fishing is slow unless you target deeper channels, submerged timber, and the edges of the main lake where cooler water holds more oxygen.

Live shrimp remains the most reliable bait in summer because it stays active in warm water and matches what the fish are eating. Focus on the deeper basins — the area between Slidell and the Causeway holds cooler water and concentrates fish. Flounder fishing actually improves in summer as they move into deeper channels to escape the heat. Early morning trips are shorter but more productive than fighting the midday lull.

Winter: Deeper Holes and Slower Presentations

Winter (December through February) slows the bite but does not shut it down. Water temperatures drop to the 50s, and fish move into the deepest holes and channels where they conserve energy. Redfish and seatrout are less aggressive but will still eat if the bait is presented slowly and directly to them. Live shrimp fished on a light jig head, drifted slowly through deep channels, is the most consistent approach.

Flounder fishing remains steady in winter because they are bottom feeders and less affected by temperature swings. The lake's deeper basins — especially the area south of the Causeway and around the Industrial Canal — hold the most fish. Midday fishing is often better than dawn because the sun warms the water slightly and triggers feeding. Dress warmly and expect shorter trips, but the fish you catch will be larger and fewer anglers will be on the water.

Launch Sites and Access on the North Shore

The north shore near Slidell and Mandeville offers the most accessible public launch sites. Slidell has several boat ramps: the Slidell Marina on the east end of town provides fuel, tackle, and a full-service facility; the Tammany Trace Park ramp is free and less crowded; and smaller community ramps dot the shoreline. All three put you close to productive shallow flats and marsh edges within 15 minutes of launch.

Mandeville's lakefront has fewer public ramps but offers access to deeper water and the main lake basin. The Mandeville Lakefront Park has a small ramp and is a good starting point if you want to fish the western basin or explore the Causeway area. Parking is limited at most north shore ramps during peak season, so arrive early on weekends. The south shore (New Orleans side) is more developed, more crowded, and offers fewer public launch options; most anglers use the north shore unless they are targeting specific structure near the city.

Tides, Salinity, and How They Affect the Bite

Lake Pontchartrain is not a true tidal system like the Gulf, but water level changes with barometric pressure, wind, and Mississippi River flow. These changes move fish and concentrate them in predictable places. An incoming tide pushes water into shallow flats and marsh edges, triggering feeding; an outgoing tide pulls fish into deeper channels and holes. Wind from the south raises water level and pushes saltier Gulf water into the lake; wind from the north lowers the level and increases freshwater influence.

Salinity varies across the lake. The eastern basin (near Slidell) is more saline because it is closer to the Gulf and the Rigolets pass. The western basin (near Mandeville and the Causeway) is fresher because of Mississippi River influence. In summer, higher salinity in the east can bring tarpon, permit, and large jacks into the shallows. In winter, freshwater dominance in the west concentrates redfish and seatrout in smaller areas. Check local conditions before you go — wind direction and river stage will tell you where the fish are most likely to be.

Tackle and Bait That Work Year-Round

A medium-light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15 to 20-pound braided line handles most Lake Pontchartrain situations. Redfish and seatrout do not require heavy gear, and lighter tackle lets you cast farther and feel the bottom better. A 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (12 to 15-pound test) prevents bite-offs from sharp gill plates and teeth without spooking fish in clear water.

Live shrimp is the universal bait — it works for redfish, seatrout, flounder, and catfish. Buy it fresh from a local tackle shop the morning you fish; frozen shrimp works but is less active. Mullet (3 to 4 inches) is excellent for redfish and larger seatrout. For artificial lures, quarter-ounce jigs with soft plastic bodies in pearl, chartreuse, and natural shad colors match the lake's forage. Topwater plugs work in early morning and late afternoon when fish are hunting in shallow water. Spoons (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) are effective for redfish in open water and around structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dawn and dusk are most productive, especially in spring, fall, and summer. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) is the single best window. In winter, midday can be better because the sun warms the water and triggers feeding. Avoid the middle of the day in summer unless you are fishing deep channels.

Do I need a saltwater license to fish Lake Pontchartrain?

Yes. Louisiana requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (3 days or 7 days) or an annual license through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or at any tackle shop. Redfish and seatrout have bag limits and size restrictions that change annually — check current regulations before you fish.

Can I fish Lake Pontchartrain from shore or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore at parks and public access points, but a boat gives you access to more productive flats and structure. Shore fishing works best at dawn and dusk along the Mandeville and Slidell waterfronts, especially during spring and fall. Most anglers use small boats (16 to 20 feet) or kayaks because the lake is shallow and protected.

What should I do if I hook a large tarpon or permit in summer?

Tarpon and permit move into Lake Pontchartrain in summer when salinity is high in the eastern basin. Use heavier tackle (20 to 30-pound test) and be prepared for a long fight. These fish are strong and can break lighter line. If you are not targeting them, use smaller baits and lighter tackle to avoid hooking them by accident.

How do I know if the lake is fishable on a given day?

Check wind direction and speed before you launch. Wind from the north or east keeps the water calm and clear. Wind from the south or west can make the lake rough and muddy. Call a local tackle shop (Slidell Marina or Mandeville bait shops) the morning you plan to fish — they know current conditions and where fish are biting.