Best Fishing Spots in Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain, the massive brackish estuary in southeastern Louisiana, is a premier fishing destination known for its rich diversity of fish and unique blend of freshwater and saltwater environments. Covering over 630 square miles and bordered by urban New Orleans to the south and scenic bayous to the north, the lake offers a range of fishing spots for both amateur and experienced anglers.

Whether you're after speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, or bass, Lake Pontchartrain provides ideal fishing grounds year-round. Below is a detailed look at the best fishing spots in and around the lake, along with what makes each one special.

1. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Location: South-central part of the lake, connecting Metairie to Mandeville

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, flounder

Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall, early mornings, tidal shifts

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is one of the lake’s most popular fishing spots. The structure of the 24-mile bridge offers abundant cover and food sources for fish. The concrete pilings act like artificial reefs, attracting baitfish and larger predators. Anglers in boats often drift or anchor between pilings, casting soft plastics or live shrimp.

2. The Trestles (Old Highway 11 Bridge)

Location: Between Slidell and New Orleans East

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead

Best Time to Fish: Late fall through early spring

The Trestles is a favorite among local anglers for its reliability, especially for speckled trout. This long railroad bridge has decades of growth on its pilings, providing perfect ambush points for predatory fish. It's best fished from a boat, especially during cold months when trout school up along the structure.

3. The Rigolets

Location: Eastern outlet of Lake Pontchartrain, connecting to Lake Borgne

Target Species: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum

Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with peak action in spring and fall

The Rigolets (pronounced "RIG-oh-lees") is a deep, narrow strait that connects Lake Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico. This area has strong tidal flow and salinity changes, making it a magnet for saltwater species. Fish gather near bridges, deep holes, and along marsh edges. This spot is a must-visit during seasonal migrations.

4. Seabrook Bridge

Location: New Orleans, at the Industrial Canal entrance near Lakefront Airport

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, black drum, flounder

Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall, especially after cold fronts

Seabrook is easily accessible and productive, especially for urban anglers. The combination of moving water, nearby marshes, and underwater structure makes it ideal for both shore and boat fishing. Night fishing can be very productive under lights.

5. Bayou Lacombe

Location: North shore of Lake Pontchartrain, east of Mandeville

Target Species: Largemouth bass, bream, catfish, redfish (near mouth)

Best Time to Fish: Spring and summer for bass, fall for redfish

Bayou Lacombe provides a blend of freshwater and brackish fishing. Anglers can explore miles of cypress-lined waterways and marshes. Near the mouth, redfish and flounder are common, while upstream offers great bass fishing, especially around fallen trees and submerged grass.

6. Chef Menteur Pass

Location: Eastern Orleans Parish, connecting Lake Pontchartrain to Lake Borgne

Target Species: Redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead

Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall, especially on moving tides

Chef Pass is another vital connection to saltier waters, providing prime opportunities for anglers who want to catch a mix of inshore species. The pass includes several bridges and marshy banks, making it a productive spot to fish both from boat and shore.

7. Irish Bayou

Location: Near the eastern edge of New Orleans

Target Species: Bass, bream, redfish, trout

Best Time to Fish: Late spring through early fall

Irish Bayou is a tranquil, easy-to-access fishing spot that features a mix of canals, marshes, and open lake access. It’s particularly good for kayak anglers and offers opportunities for catching both freshwater and saltwater species, depending on water conditions.

8. Tchefuncte River

Location: North shore, flowing into Lake Pontchartrain near Madisonville

Target Species: Bass, catfish, bream, redfish near mouth

Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with spring best for bass

This scenic river offers excellent freshwater fishing upstream and brackish water fishing closer to the lake. Popular among kayak and boat anglers, the Tchefuncte provides good fishing along piers, cypress knees, and under docks. In cooler months, you may also catch a few trout venturing upriver.

9. Eden Isles Canals (Slidell Area)

Location: Near the northeastern shore of the lake

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder

Best Time to Fish: Winter and early spring

This network of canals and man-made shoreline structure attracts saltwater fish in colder months, especially speckled trout that move into deeper, warmer waters. Fishing from docks or small boats can be very effective.

10. Fountainbleau State Park

Location: Near Mandeville on the north shore

Target Species: Bream, catfish, bass, redfish near lake shore

Best Time to Fish: Spring and summer

This park offers easy shore access to Lake Pontchartrain, as well as pier and beach fishing options. The area is good for family-friendly fishing, and the nearby bayous and marshes also provide varied habitats for fish.

Tips for Successful Fishing on Lake Pontchartrain

Tides Matter: Moving water triggers feeding. Aim to fish during rising or falling tides.

Watch the Weather: Cold fronts push saltwater species into the lake. Wind direction and barometric pressure can greatly affect bite conditions.

Use Live Bait: Live shrimp, minnows, and crab pieces are excellent for many species.

Artificial Lures: Soft plastics, topwaters, and spoons work well, especially near bridges and reefs.

Stay Safe: Sudden storms and shallow areas can be dangerous—carry safety gear and check forecasts.

Conclusion

Lake Pontchartrain is a rich and varied fishing destination with something for every angler—from seasoned sport fishers chasing trophy reds along the Rigolets to weekenders casting for bream in the quiet bayous. Its interconnected waterways, piers, bridges, and open waters make it one of Louisiana's most accessible and rewarding places to fish. By understanding the lake’s geography, tides, and seasonal fish movements, you can greatly increase your chances of a memorable catch.