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Saltwater & Coast

Lake Pontchartrain Fishing Guide

Louisiana

A brackish lake by New Orleans with speckled trout around the bridges and trestles.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Lake Pontchartrain for redfish and speckled trout. The best months overall are Mar to May, Sep to Dec. In October, redfish and speckled trout are in season, and Walking Topwater, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Weedless Gold Spoon are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Marsh & Bayou Outfitters in Mandeville, 14 mi away. Mississippi Sound is 61 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to May, Sep to Dec

In October

Redfish, Speckled Trout

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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O
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D

What You'll Catch

Lake Pontchartrain Species

Redfish

Prime Now
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F
M
A
M
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J
A
S
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N
D

Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Speckled Trout

Prime Now
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F
M
A
M
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J
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Best: Mar to May, Oct to Dec

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

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

  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Speckled Trout, Redfish · Big trout at dawn.

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  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Speckled Trout, Redfish

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  • Popping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader

    Lure

    Rig · Speckled Trout, Redfish

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  • Weedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Redfish

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  • Live Shrimp 2 to 4 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Speckled Trout, Redfish

  • Sand Fleas Small

    Bait

    Live Bait · Redfish · Surf.

  • Cut Mullet Chunk or strip

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Redfish · Surf and passes.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Redfish

Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Speckled Trout

Fly 9 ft 7 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, 15 lb leader, Clousers and shrimp flies.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Lake Pontchartrain

Floats & Rigs

Cajun Thunder Popping Cork

The clacking cork that calls trout and reds to shrimp or a soft plastic.

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Sunglasses

Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

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

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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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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Line

Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon

Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.

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Topwater

Heddon Zara Spook

The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Lake Pontchartrain

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · Mississippi · 61 mi

Mississippi Sound

The waters off Gulfport and Biloxi with barrier islands, marsh, and speckled trout.

Speckled Trout · Redfish · Flounder

Saltwater & Coast · Louisiana · 64 mi

Grand Isle

Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, a speckled trout destination with surf and marsh fishing.

Speckled Trout · Redfish

Saltwater & Coast · Louisiana · 75 mi

Venice

The end of the road at the mouth of the Mississippi, with marsh redfish and access to offshore fishing.

Redfish · Speckled Trout