Fishing Fun: 8 Louisiana State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Louisiana is a paradise for anglers, offering a broad range of fishing opportunities in its many state parks. Whether you’re looking to reel in largemouth bass, catfish or redfish, the Bayou State has something for every fishing enthusiast.

Here’s a look at some of the best state parks in Louisiana for an unforgettable fishing experience whether you’re looking for a freshwater lake, a bayou setting or the wide open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Chicot State Park

The 6,400-acre Chicot State Park, located near Ville Platte, is home to the largest state park lake in Louisiana. Covering 2,000 acres, Lake Chicot is well-stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and red-ear sunfish. The park offers boat rentals, fishing piers and a boat launch, making it a favorite destination for freshwater anglers to visit from private boat dock rentals or marinas.

Canoe and kayak enthusiasts will want to check out the Chicot Lake Water Trail, an eight-mile path through cypress swamps and other unique scenery. You may catch sight of alligators, otters, deer, raccoons, bald eagles and herons.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier, shore

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Situated in the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the U.S., Lake Fausse Pointe State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish and bream. With its cypress-lined waters, bayous, backwater lakes and abundant wildlife, this park is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing by boat or from the shore. There is a 10-mile trail designed for canoes, as well as boardwalk trails and hiking paths.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Catfish, bream, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park features several waterways — including the Calcasieu River, the Houston River and the Indian Bayou. Anglers can catch bass, catfish and perch. Located in southwest Louisiana near Lake Charles, the park’s serene setting, complete with boat ramps and fishing piers, makes it a prime fishing destination. Part of the Gulf Coast Birding Trail, the park is home to more than 200 species, including bald eagles, herons, egrets and owls. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Catfish, perch, bass
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, pier

Grand Isle State Park

For saltwater fishing, Grand Isle State Park is a must-visit from private boat slips for rent and marinas in Grand Isle, which is considered the Fishing Capital of Louisiana. As Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle provides access to the Gulf of Mexico and the stunning scenery of sand dunes, coastal marshland and maritime forests. Anglers can target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and even tarpon. It’s also popular for crabbing and shrimping. The park’s 400-foot-long fishing pier and surf fishing opportunities attract fishermen from all over the country.  

• Water: Salt
• Key Species: Tarpon, redfish, speckled trout, flounder
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier, shore 

Bogue Chitto State Park

A terrific fishing spot in Louisiana, Bogue Chitto State Park is ideal for those who enjoy river fishing. Situated along the Bogue Chitto River, anglers can catch bass, catfish and freshwater drum while enjoying the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests and river bluffs. Kayak and canoe fishing are popular options for exploring the tupelo and cypress swamps and waterways. There are 14 miles of hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails as well as tent and RV sites and waterfront cabins.

• Water: Fresh 
• Key Species: Bass, catfish, freshwater drum
• Fishing Type: Kayak, canoe, boat, shore, pier

North Toledo Bend State Park

North Toledo Bend State Park is a top destination for bass fishing in the Bayou State. Known for producing trophy-sized largemouth bass, Toledo Bend is one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in the country. Located along the Toledo Bend Reservoir, the park offers boat launches, fishing piers and rental cabins for a complete fishing getaway whether trailering or visiting from private boat lifts for rent and marinas.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

Fontainebleau State Park

Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities for speckled trout, redfish and drum. The park features a fishing pier that extends into the lake, allowing anglers to cast their lines in deeper waters. The park is part of the Louisiana Birding Trail and home to more than 400 species of wildlife, including deer, otters, foxes, alligators, egrets, herons and red-headed woodpeckers.

Originally part of an 1829 sugar plantation, ruins of the old sugar mill can be seen within the park. You can also enjoy a 31-mile hiking and biking trail, overwater cabins and kayaking trails through scenic Spanish moss-draped waterways. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Drum, redfish, speckled trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier

Bayou Segnette State Park

Bayou Segnette State Park, near New Orleans, provides access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The bayou and nearby estuaries are home to bass, catfish, redfish and speckled trout, offering a variety of fishing experiences in one location. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as alligators, turtles, nutria and a variety of birds. Bayous, canals and marshes make it a popular kayak and canoe spot. The park also has a wave pool for family-friendly summertime fun.

• Water: Fresh and salt
• Key Species: Bass, redfish, catfish, speckled trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore