Best Time to Fish Lake Pontchartrain

Best Time to Fish Lake Pontchartrain: A Seasonal Guide for Anglers

Lake Pontchartrain, the vast brackish estuary in southeastern Louisiana, is a renowned fishing destination offering year-round opportunities for anglers. With its mix of saltwater and freshwater influences, the lake hosts a wide variety of fish species such as speckled trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, catfish, and bass. While fishing is possible throughout the year, certain times offer better conditions, stronger bites, and access to specific species.

Understanding seasonal patterns, tidal movements, weather conditions, and fish behavior is key to maximizing success. This detailed guide breaks down the best times to fish Lake Pontchartrain by season, species, and environmental factors.

1. Spring (March – May): A Season of Transition and Abundance

Spring is one of the most productive fishing seasons in Lake Pontchartrain. As water temperatures rise, fish become more active, moving out of deep winter holes and spreading across the lake and nearby bayous.

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, black drum, largemouth bass

Best Areas: Causeway Bridge, The Trestles, Bayou Lacombe, Rigolets, Seabrook, Chef Pass

Key Conditions: Warming water, rising tides, baitfish activity

Sheepshead and black drum are especially abundant in early spring, congregating around pilings, docks, and rocks during their spawning periods. Speckled trout begin to return to bridges like the Causeway and Trestles in large numbers by April. Redfish can be caught year-round, but their shallow-water activity increases in spring.

2. Summer (June – August): Early and Late Are Key

Summer brings high heat and stronger salinity levels as evaporation intensifies and saltwater pushes further into the lake. While the fishing remains good, anglers need to adjust their timing and tactics to avoid the midday heat and lethargic fish.

Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, catfish, largemouth bass

Best Areas: Early mornings at Seabrook, Irish Bayou, The Trestles, Rigolets; deeper waters near the Causeway

Key Conditions: Fish early or late, look for tidal movement, avoid slack tides

Trout are best targeted during early morning hours, especially with topwater lures. Redfish remain active near marshy shorelines and bridge pilings. Flounder, which prefer slightly cooler and deeper water, begin to move into passes like Chef Menteur and The Rigolets.

3. Fall (September – November): Peak Fishing Season

Fall is widely considered the best time to fish Lake Pontchartrain. As temperatures cool and baitfish migrate, predatory species like speckled trout and redfish go on aggressive feeding binges in preparation for winter. This season is known for trophy catches and fast action.

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

Best Areas: The Trestles, Seabrook, Rigolets, Causeway, Chef Pass

Key Conditions: Dropping temperatures, moving tides, baitfish presence (especially mullet and shrimp)

Speckled trout are often stacked up along the bridges in large schools, making for excellent jigging conditions. Redfish tail in shallow marshes, and flounder are abundant around current breaks. Fall is also prime time for night fishing, especially under lights near bridges and docks.

4. Winter (December – February): Cold, Clear, and Calm

Winter fishing on Lake Pontchartrain can be challenging but rewarding. As water temperatures drop, fish behavior slows down, and many species retreat to deeper or warmer pockets. However, trout and redfish are still catchable, especially during warming trends or after cold fronts.

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

Best Areas: Deep holes near The Trestles and Seabrook, warm-water discharges, residential canals in Eden Isles and Irish Bayou

Key Conditions: Sunny afternoons after cold fronts, slower presentations, clear water

Fishing in winter requires patience. Use slower retrieves, focus on deeper water, and consider fishing later in the day when the sun has warmed the shallows. Speckled trout often school tightly in canals and deep channels, making them easier to target if you locate them.

Tides and Time of Day: The Deciding Factors

Regardless of the season, two critical factors always influence fishing success in Lake Pontchartrain:

1. Tidal Movement

• The best fishing occurs during moving tides—either rising or falling.
• Slack tides (when water is not moving) generally produce slower action.
• Use tide charts to plan trips during incoming or outgoing tides.

2. Time of Day

• Early morning and late evening are usually best, especially in warmer months.
• Midday fishing can be productive during winter or overcast days.
• Night fishing is excellent under bridges and lights, particularly in fall.

Ideal Fishing Conditions at a Glance

Season	Best Time of Day	Top Species	Best Conditions
Spring	Morning & Late Day	Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead	Warming water, moving tides
Summer	Early Morning	Trout, Flounder, Redfish	Rising salinity, calm mornings
Fall	All Day, esp. Morning	Trout, Redfish, Flounder	Cooling water, baitfish runs
Winter	Midday	Trout, Redfish, Drum	Warm days after cold fronts

Conclusion

While Lake Pontchartrain offers year-round fishing opportunities, the fall months—especially October and November—stand out as the best time to fish due to abundant species, ideal temperatures, and peak fish activity. Spring is a close second, offering excellent action and variety. Summer requires careful planning around heat and tide, while winter rewards patient anglers with quality fish in select spots.

Understanding seasonal behavior, paying attention to tides, and adapting to changing weather will help you make the most of every trip. Whether you're casting under bridges, exploring bayous, or jigging from a kayak, Lake Pontchartrain offers a dynamic and exciting fishing experience in every season.