Go Catchin' In
Sportsman's Paradise

In Lafourche Parish, areas like the Port Fourchon, Barataria Bay, Leeville Marshes are home to many oyster reefs and sand flats that offer excellent inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, black drum, tarpon and flounder.

Nearby, Grand Isle also offers inshore fishing with diverse habitats, abundant fish populations, and easy access.

Port Fourchon and Grand Isle (Jefferson Parish) are the main access points to the Gulf of America. Full of rigs and reefs, this saltwater body provides offshore fishing for tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, red snapper and marlin.

Bayou Lafourche is teeming with freshwater species, including bluegill, bass, sunfish, and catfish.

This barrier island park features beaches, fishing piers and birding trails, and is a great spot for the famous Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo.

Learn about the region’s heritage, traditions and environment through exhibits at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center and the Bayou Country Children's Museum in Thibodaux or the Bayou Lafourche Folklife and Heritage Museum in Lockport.

Nature lovers can enjoy unique wildlife experiences in the region, like the Butterfly Dome in Grand Isle that features 139 native butterfly species or the Lockport Elevated Boardwalk that provides a peaceful trail through wetlands.

Lafourche Parish celebrates its Cajun roots with lively events like the Chackbay Gumbo Festival, Cajun Heritage Festival and La Fête Du Monde, known for music, dancing, and signature dishes.

Celebrates Grand Isle’s coastal heritage and ecosystem with events like the Blessing of the Fleet Festival, honoring local fishermen, and the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration.

Each year, this area enjoys competitive action with the Grand Isle Tarpon Swollfest Fishing Rodeo and the Golden Meadow Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo—two standout tournaments that attract anglers from across the region.

The Atchafalaya bay (near Morgan City) and the bayous of the Dulac area are abundant with redfish, speckled trout and black drum in the shallows, and larger fish like cobia, king mackerel and grouper further out.

Other great inshore fishing locations include the very popular shorelines of the Boudreaux and Robinson canals, Cocodrie and Pointe Aux Chenes.

Cocodrie offers access to the Gulf of America and offshore fishing trips, which target tuna, snapper, grouper, amberjack, wahoo, marlin, shark, etc.

In the southern segment of St. Martin Parish, the Atchafalaya River Delta is a mix of fresh and brackish water supporting freshwater fishing for bass and catfish.

Located in Cocodrie, the marina has a bar, grill, pool and camp rentals near the water—the perfect way to recharge after a day outdoors.

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans multiple parishes and invites visitors to explore its swamps through boating, birdwatching, and nature trails, while the Cajun Coast Scenic Byway in St. Mary Parish provides a picturesque drive past bayous and historic landmarks.

From the spooky folklore of Houma’s Rougarou Festival and the bayou pride of the Pirates & Boots Festival, to the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City and Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival in Franklin, these events showcase everything from Cajun cuisine and live music to local wildlife and heritage.

In Houma, the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge Trail provides a peaceful walk through coastal marshes, while the Regional Military Museum showcases local military history. In St. Mary Parish, visitors can explore the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge trails or dive into regional heritage at the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum.

Southwest Louisiana offers prime inshore fishing opportunities across its coastal lakes. Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) near Lake Charles is a top spot for catching speckled trout, redfish, and flounder in saltwater conditions. Nearby, Prien Lake provides similar action in a brackish environment, while Sabine Lake, near Johnson Bayou, offers abundant inshore fishing for the same sought-after species.

Accessed from Cameron Parish, this Gulf of America area supports offshore fishing for snapper, grouper, amberjack and tuna.

Located near Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, Black Lake offers fishing for bass, catfish and crappie

Test your luck or see a concert at one of the many luxurious casinos in this area, including L'Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Lake Charles.

Visit Holly Beach, the "Cajun Riviera," for beachcombing and crabbing or North Beach, featuring the state’s only white sand beach.

Explore one-of-a-kind events like the Louisiana Pirate Festival, Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival or Holly Beach Crab Festival.

Golfing is a year-round attraction in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana with six public courses.

The Creole Nature Trail offers a 180-mile scenic journey highlighting the region's diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike and birdwatch among ancient pines at Sam Houston Jones State Park or explore the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

Indulge in diverse and delicious cuisine, from authentic Cajun dishes to the restaurant of celebrity chef, Aarón Sánchez. And don’t miss grabbing the famous Darrell’s Special po-boy at Darrell’s for a Lake Charles classic.

Flanking both sides of the Mississippi River, Plaquemines Parish is bountiful in bayous and marshes running all the way down to the coast. The waters are teeming with redfish and speckled trout. Anglers can also expect to encounter a large number of other species, such as flounder, sheepshead, and black drum.

Common ports include Venice, Port Sulphur, Empire, Buras and Pointe à la Hache.

Known as the "Fishing Capital of the World," Venice is the closest spot in the Gulf to the Continental Shelf, which shortens travel time to deep water. Anglers can catch a wide variety of fish, including tuna, marlin, swordfish, wahoo, red snapper, and more.

Plaquemines Parish is littered with freshwater systems such as ponds, lakes, canals, and marsh. In virtually any of these waters, you can expect to catch a wide variety of freshwater species, including largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.

The Plaquemines Parish Orange Festival and Seafood Festival celebrate the region’s citrus and seafood industries with live music, local cuisine, and cultural festivities.

Fort Jackson, Fort St. Philip, Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site and Woodland Plantation are historic landmarks along the lower Mississippi River, offering insights into the waterways, 19th-century military and plantation life in Louisiana. 

The Venice Ponds and Mississippi River Delta offer premier birdwatching, attracting a wide range of migratory and resident species year-round.

St. Bernard Parish is rich with inshore fishing locations like Chandeleur Sound out of Hopedale and Biloxi Marsh, accessed by Shell Beach, where anglers can fish for redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead and black drum.

Delacroix Island offers prime fishing areas with its marshes, bayous, and lakes holding prolific fish populations.

Access to the Gulf of America from Shell Beach gives anglers the opportunity to get offshore and chase some pelagics like tuna, king mackerel, bonito, sharks, red snapper, and wahoo.

Many of the bayous and marshes in the area are fed by the Mississippi river and have brackish water, providing the ability to catch largemouth bass and blue catfish alongside saltwater species.

Explore rich historical and cultural sites including the Chalmette Battlefield, Docville Farm, Fort Proctor, and the Los Isleños Museum Complex, each highlighting unique aspects of the region’s past—from battles and agriculture to coastal forts and Canary Island heritage.

Enjoy some outdoor recreation at St. Bernard State Park and Sidney D. Torres Memorial Park, with trails, birdwatching, and fishing. Or, visit Shell Beach for a peaceful waterfront escape ideal for sunbathing, boating, and relaxation.

Experience festivals like the Isleños Fiesta, Louisiana Crawfish Festival and Tomato Festival, all featuring local food, live music, and cultural exhibits. And don’t miss Mardi Gras, a must-experience celebration featuring parades, elaborate costumes and vibrant street parties.

Visit the French Quarter with its vibrant culture and history, the Audubon Aquarium featuring Gulf Coast marine life, and City Park, a scenic urban oasis with museums, gardens, and outdoor activities.

From Orleans and St. Tammany Parish, anglers can fish Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne targeting speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, drum and flounder. 

This area also gives access to Biloxi Marsh, the redfish capital of the world.

With Lake Pontchartrain’s brackish water, anglers also have the ability to catch freshwater fish such as blue catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill.

Visit the French Quarter with its vibrant culture and history, the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo featuring Gulf Coast wildlife, and City Park, a scenic urban oasis with museums, gardens, and outdoor activities.

New Orleans is world-famous for its festivals, celebrating everything from music and food to culture and tradition. Highlights include Jazz Fest, French Quarter Festival and Essence Festival. And don’t miss Mardi Gras, a must-experience celebration featuring parades, elaborate costumes and vibrant street parties.

Explore nature in St. Tammany Parish with Bayou Adventure's kayak rentals and ecotours in Lacombe, a scenic journey along the Tammany Trace trail, and wildlife-packed boat tours through the Honey Island Swamp.

Experience unique brews and spirits at hot spots like Abita Brewery, Urban South Brewery and the Sazerac House. For a wild night, head to Bourbon or Frenchmen Street for live music and local flair.

New Orleans is a culinary hotspot for Cajun and Creole cuisine, with must-visit spots like Cafe Du Monde for beignets, Commander's Palace for upscale Creole dishes, and Coop's Place for hearty Cajun classics.

Near Westwego in Jefferson Parish, Bayou Segnette’s brackish waterway provides inshore fishing for redfish, bass and catfish.

In addition to the freshwater species that can be caught in Bayou Segnette, St. Charles Parish features Lac des Allemands lake which supports fishing for catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.

Visit Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, with swamp walks and boat tours of the Barataria wetlands, and LaFreniere Park in Metairie, featuring a lagoon, bird sanctuary, and family-friendly recreation.

Attend unique events such as the Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival and the Zurich Classic, which features world-class golfers. This area, known as the king cake capital of the world, offers a more family-friendly Mardi Gras experience.

For authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, visit restaurants like Restaurant Des Familles, nestled amongst centurial live oaks with a beautiful Louisiana scenic view.

Local flavor shines at the Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market in Jefferson Parish and the German Coast Farmers Market in Destrehan and Luling, both offering fresh seafood, regional produce, crafts, and live music.

Feed the need for speed at NOLA Motorsports Park, be an astronaut at the Space Center in Rivertown, or see a laser show at the Planetarium and Megadome Cinema in Kenner.

Lake D’Arbonne, located near Farmerville in Union Parish, and Lake Claiborne, near Homer in Claiborne Parish, offer fishing for crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and bream.

Northern Louisiana offers diverse outdoor fun with Lake Claiborne State Park’s camping, beach, and water rentals, scenic hikes along the Corney Creek Trails in Kisatchie National Forest, and wildlife viewing at the nearby D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge.

Explore local heritage at the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville, stroll through Homer Historic Square with its courthouse, shops, and festivals, and visit other highlights like the Autrey House Museum in Dubach and the Edgewood Plantation near Farmerville for a deeper look into North Louisiana’s rich past.

Attend lively seasonal events like the Farmerville Jaycees' Big Buck Contest for hunters, the Union Parish Fishing Rodeo celebrating youth angling and local waters, and Haynesville’s Celebration of Butterflies Festival, which features crafts, nature activities, and educational exhibits each fall.

Freshwater fishing here abounds with hotspots like Bayou Bartholomew (the longest bayou in the world) for bream, bass, catfish; Chemin-A-Haut Bayou for bass, bream, crappie; and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge for massive bass and crappie catching.

From kayaking Bayou Bartholomew’s Paddling Trail to hiking and horseback riding through Chemin-A-Haut State Park, there are plenty of outdoor adventures waiting in Morehouse. In addition to fishing, families can enjoy camping and picnic spots with bluff views. 

Cultural heritage here is woven into every event and landmark. Explore local art and history at the Snyder Museum and Creative Arts Center in Bastrop, or take a guided tour of the Old City Cemetery to learn about the area's Civil War connections. 

The Morehouse Memorial Airport Fly-In Festival brings the community together with vintage aircraft and family fun, while events like the Morehouse Parish Fair & Livestock Show and Music on the Square celebrate the region’s agricultural roots and hometown spirit.

Northwest Louisiana is a haven for freshwater fishing with its many scenic lakes and rivers. Anglers can enjoy bass, crappie, and catfish fishing at iconic spots like Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, and Lake Bistineau. 

Local favorites like Cross Lake, Wallace Lake, and Ivan Lake provide quiet, accessible fishing near Shreveport and surrounding parishes. Meanwhile, the Red River delivers a strong catfish and bass bite, while hidden gems like Black Bayou Lake offer more niche catches like alligator gar. 

Cruise along the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway for picturesque views, wildlife sightings, and peaceful picnic spots. Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park adds fun with a lazy river, splash pad, mini golf, and water slides perfect for a family day out. At Logansport Riverfront Park, explore riverside trails and catch live events at the amphitheater.

For a closer look at the region’s natural and cultural heritage, explore detailed dioramas and historical artifacts at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport. 

Next, dive into hands-on learning at Sci-Port Discovery Center or enjoy marine life at the Shreveport Aquarium with its interactive exhibits. 

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Touchstone Wildlife & Art Museum in Haughton showcases exotic wildlife mounts and Native American artifacts, offering a unique window into global and local history.

In Shreveport, the Red River Revel Arts Festival draws thousands each fall to enjoy live music, visual arts, and food along the scenic downtown riverfront. 

Over in Webster Parish, the Springhill Lumberjack Festival highlights the town’s rich logging heritage with a mix of crafts, music, and local foods. 

Foodies can sample the area’s Spanish heritage through local favorites like Natchitoches meat pies and Zwolle tamales.

Vermilion Parish offers excellent freshwater fishing for anglers. Options here include Lake Peigneur, which is known for its deep waters and abundant catfish and bass, and Spanish Lake that provides a healthy population of bass and crappie. 

Flowing through Lafayette, Bayou Vermilion is another prime spot for catching bream, bass and catfish with light tackle. 

For sweeping natural landscapes, the Avery Island Marshes, Cypremort Point State Park and White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area provide serene freshwater access for catching a variety of species.

Located near Intracoastal City in Vermilion Parish, Vermilion Bay offers saltwater fishing for redfish, speckled trout and flounder.

Explore the natural beauty of Vermilion Parish with scenic destinations like the Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia, featuring acres of semitropical landscapes overlooking Lake Peigneur. 

For water enthusiasts, nearby Lake Martin provides kayaking action through postcard-worthy cypress swamps teeming with herons, egrets, and alligators.

Visitors can explore the famous TABASCO® Hot Sauce Factory on Avery Island, including its lush Jungle Gardens and bird sanctuary. Then hop over to Lafayette for the Vermilionville Living History Museum, which brings 18th-century Cajun and Creole life to life with costumed interpreters and restored buildings. 

Art lovers can enjoy performances and exhibits at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, while history buffs will appreciate a tour of Shadows-on-the-Teche, a preserved antebellum home in New Iberia.

The Delcambre Shrimp Festival is a coastal favorite, drawing crowds with shrimp cook-offs, boat tours and live music. Nearby Lafayette hosts the world-renowned Festival International de Louisiane, which is a springtime celebration of global music and culture. And of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing Mardi Gras—from lively parades in Lafayette to the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras in nearby Cajun communities.

Lafayette is the ultimate destination for Cajun and Creole cuisine, where you can enjoy local favorites like gumbo, boudin and crawfish étouffée. Take a guided food-tasting tour featuring some of the area’s best restaurants with Cajun Food Tours.