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Rivers & Streams

Atchafalaya Basin Fishing Guide

Louisiana

The largest river swamp in the country, with cypress backwaters full of bass and sac-a-lait.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Atchafalaya Basin for largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. The best months overall are Jan to Mar, Nov. In October, largemouth bass is in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles; the closest is Academy Sports + Outdoors in Lafayette, 18 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out.

Best Months

Jan to Mar, Nov

In October

Largemouth Bass

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Atchafalaya Basin Species

Largemouth Bass

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Jan to Apr, Oct to Nov

Crappie

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Nov to Mar

Channel Catfish

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Sep

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Largemouth Bass

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  • Bass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Largemouth Bass

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  • Spinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.

    Shop This Lure

  • Squarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in

    Lure

    Crankbait · Largemouth Bass

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  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.

    Shop This Lure

  • Nightcrawlers Whole or half

    Bait

    Live Bait · Channel Catfish

  • Chicken Liver Chunk

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Channel Catfish

  • Cut Shad Chunk or fillet

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Channel Catfish

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Largemouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.

Crappie

Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.

Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.

Channel Catfish

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning or casting rod, 3000 to 4000 reel, 15 to 20 lb line, slip-sinker rig with a circle hook.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Atchafalaya Basin

Rod & Reel Combos

Lew's Mach Baitcasting Combo

A matched casting combo for bass fishing around cover.

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Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo

A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Atchafalaya Basin