The Speckled Trout Isn’t Actually a Trout and Other Louisiana Fishing Surprises

Quick Take

• Louisiana's most popular inshore gamefish is actually an imposter. It doesn't belong to the family its name suggests, and that distinction changes how serious anglers target it. Discover the drum family →
• The best window to land a trophy largemouth bass in Louisiana is not summer but rather a counterintuitive stretch of the calendar that most visiting anglers overlook entirely. See the best bass season →
• One coveted Louisiana species can survive in both saltwater and freshwater, and knowing where it crosses over is the key to landing the biggest specimens of the year. Find the biggest redfish →
• Targeting red snapper in Louisiana requires a permit that most anglers don't realize exists, and missing it could shut down your trip before it starts. Check the ROLP permit →

Louisiana is a premier destination for world-class inshore, offshore, and freshwater fishing opportunities. The state has nearly 400 miles of coastline on the Gulf of America and over 7,700 miles of total shoreline, including the coastlines of islands, marsh inlets, bays, and other waterways. There is a wide variety of sport fish to target, but here are some of the best fish to catch in Louisiana and where to find them.

1. Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are prized by anglers for their fight, as well as their mild, firm, juicy flesh. In fact, these fish make up the majority of farm-raised catfish in the U.S. They are considered by many to be one of the best-tasting freshwater fish in North America. They have smooth, blue-grey to olive skin, a pale belly, four pairs of barbels around the mouth, and a deeply forked tail. In Louisiana, common catches range from 10 to 20 inches in length and weigh between 2 and 10 pounds.

The state’s mild climate means anglers can typically catch channel catfish year-round. However, the best time to fish for channel catfish in Louisiana is from early April through late July. The warmer water temperatures and longer days increase their feeding and spawning activity. Popular fishing locations include Lake D’Arbonne tailrace areas, Poverty Point and Toledo Bend Reservoirs, and the Red and Ouachita Rivers. Channel cats are also stocked in ponds at community parks throughout Louisiana.

2. Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are often said to be Louisiana’s premier freshwater gamefish. These bass are dark green with light green sides and white bellies. They have large upper jaws with slightly sloping mouths. Most average catches are between 1 and 3 pounds and measure 12-15 inches long. However, the state record fish reached a massive 15.97 pounds.

The best time to catch largemouth bass in Louisiana is from February through April. When winter begins to transition into spring, the fish move into shallow waters to feed and spawn. Nationally recognized waters like Toledo Bend and Caney Lake are known to produce trophy bass, especially during this transition window. Bussey Brake and D’Arbonne Lake are also popular locations for bass fishing.

3. Speckled Trout

The speckled trout, or spotted seatrout, belongs to the drum family, not the true trout family. These fish have dark grey to greenish backs with silvery bellies and black spots on their upper bodies. They also have sharp canine teeth on their upper jaws. The speckled trout ranks among Louisiana’s most sought-after inshore game fish because it is an aggressive striker and excellent table fare. Most average catches weigh between 1 and 3 pounds and measure 13-20 inches long due to the state’s size regulations.

Although speckled trout spawning season generally runs from April through September, many anglers consider the peak to be May through August. The state’s barrier islands, coastal marshes, and deep lakes are the best places to fish for speckled trout. Top locations include Hopedale, Grand Isle, Venice, Calcasieu Lake, and Lake Pontchartrain.

4. Redfish

The redfish, or red drum, has a reddish-copper back with a silvery-white belly and a black spot on its tail. Most inhabit coastal marine waters, but they can also survive in freshwater. These fish typically measure 20 to 30 inches long and weigh 5 to 30 pounds, but some individuals may grow larger. Anglers prize these fish for sight fishing, their hard fight, and their aggressive strike. Redfish also make good table fare.

Anglers can catch redfish in Louisiana all year, but September through November is considered the best time of the year. During the colder fall months, water temperatures drop, triggering aggressive feeding. Trophy-sized “bull reds” also move into shallow areas. Some of the top locations to fish for redfish are the Mississippi River Delta at Venice, Hopedale and Delacroix for sight fishing in the Biloxi Marsh, Vermillion Bay, and Grand Isle.

5. Red Snapper

The red snapper is a marine fish prized by Louisiana anglers. These almond-shaped fish have pinkish-red bodies, pointed snouts, and red eyes. Red snappers are a major target for both sportfishing and commercial fisheries. They have a sweet, mild flavor and a firm, flaky texture. Typical catches range from 16 to 24 inches and weigh about 2 to 6 pounds, but larger fish may be found further offshore.

Red snapper season in Louisiana typically starts May 1st each year. It runs seven days a week in both state and federal waters until the state’s catch quota is reached. Venice is generally considered to be the best place to fish for red snapper in Louisiana due to its access to Gulf waters. Grand Isle, Port Fourchon, and Cocodrie are also top destinations. To fish for red snapper in Louisiana, anglers need a valid basic fishing license, a saltwater recreational fishing license, and a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP).