Biggest Fish in Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain, located in southeastern Louisiana, is a massive estuarine system covering over 630 square miles. Known for its unique blend of saltwater and freshwater influences, the lake supports a rich biodiversity—including some impressively large fish. Though many associate it with redfish and speckled trout, the lake is also home to several species capable of reaching remarkable sizes, drawing in trophy anglers from across the Gulf Coast.

This article explores the largest fish found in Lake Pontchartrain, including record catches, the species most likely to grow into giants, and where and how anglers might encounter them.

Biggest Species in Lake Pontchartrain at a Glance

Species	Max Size (Approx.)	Best Time to Catch	Common Location
Bull Redfish	40–50+ lbs	Late Summer–Fall	Causeway, Rigolets, Lake Borgne
Black Drum	50–60+ lbs	Spring–Early Summer	Seabrook, Trestles, oyster beds
Alligator Gar	100+ lbs	Summer–Fall	Bayou Lacombe, Pearl River areas
Blue Catfish	60+ lbs	Spring–Summer	Tributaries, deep channels
Sheepshead	10–12 lbs	Late Winter–Spring	Bridges, pilings, rocky areas
Tarpon (rare)	100+ lbs	Late Summer	Rigolets, Lake Borgne (inflows)

1. Bull Redfish (Red Drum) – The Iconic Giants

Redfish, especially large “bull” reds, are among the most prized and powerful fish in Lake Pontchartrain. These fish can grow over 40 inches in length and weigh more than 40 pounds. The term “bull red” typically refers to any redfish over 27 inches.

Habitat: Near the Rigolets, Chef Menteur Pass, Lake Borgne, and marshy areas around the lake.

Peak Season: Late summer and fall, especially during the spawning run.

Record Catches: Fish in the 40–50 lb range have been caught in and around the lake, especially near passes where deeper water and tidal flows congregate bait.

Bull reds are often caught near bridge structures and channels, where they feed on mullet, crabs, and shrimp. Anglers use cut bait or large artificial lures to attract these powerful fish.

2. Black Drum – Heavyweights of the Lake

Black drum are the true heavyweights of Lake Pontchartrain. These deep-bodied fish can reach weights of over 60 pounds, making them some of the largest commonly caught species in the lake.

Habitat: Bridges (like the Causeway and Trestles), rock piles, and areas with oyster beds.

Peak Season: Spring and early summer during their spawning season.

Notable Catches: Black drum exceeding 50 pounds are not uncommon, especially near the Seabrook Bridge and Lakefront area.

While younger black drum are good eating, the larger, older fish are often released due to tougher meat and their importance as breeders.

3. Alligator Gar – Ancient River Monsters

Though more often associated with rivers and bayous, alligator gar occasionally make their way into the waters of Lake Pontchartrain, particularly near tributaries and brackish marshes.

Maximum Size: Can exceed 6 feet in length and weigh more than 100 pounds.

Habitat: Near freshwater inflows like Bayou Lacombe, the Pearl River, and the West Pearl system.

Notable Features: Their prehistoric appearance, with long, armored bodies and double rows of teeth.

Alligator gar are apex predators and rarely targeted for food. However, they are a favorite among bowfishermen and trophy anglers due to their size and fighting power.

4. Catfish – Blue and Flathead Giants

Catfish in Lake Pontchartrain—especially blue catfish—can grow to enormous sizes, particularly in freshwater tributaries and nearby bayous.

Blue Catfish: Often exceed 40 pounds, with some caught over 60 pounds.

Flathead Catfish: Grow slower but can also reach 40+ pounds.

Habitat: Freshwater feeders into the lake, deep holes, and muddy bottoms.

Anglers often use cut bait, live bait, or even stink bait to target these bottom dwellers. Spring and early summer are great times to fish for catfish as they move to shallower areas to spawn.

5. Sheepshead and Drum – Bridge Beasts

While sheepshead typically don’t reach the same sizes as red or black drum, they can grow surprisingly large in Lake Pontchartrain.

Biggest Sheepshead: Often weigh up to 10–12 pounds.

Notable Locations: Around bridge pilings, especially during late winter and early spring spawning runs.

Distinguishing Traits: Vertical stripes and prominent teeth used to crush barnacles and crabs.

Though not record-breaking in size, sheepshead offer excellent fights on light tackle and are favored for their tasty fillets.

6. Tarpon – Occasional Visitors

While tarpon are not permanent residents of Lake Pontchartrain, they are sometimes spotted during late summer when Gulf species push inland with rising salinity.

Size Potential: Easily exceed 100 pounds.

Habitat: Eastern edges of the lake and near The Rigolets or Lake Borgne.

Rarity: Very rare but possible during high-salinity years and Gulf migrations.

These silver kings are acrobatic fighters and prized gamefish, though catching one in the lake is a rare trophy event.

Conclusion: A Lake Full of Giants

Lake Pontchartrain’s unique blend of brackish waters creates an ideal environment for a wide variety of large fish. From the massive bull redfish and heavyweight black drum to the occasional alligator gar and tarpon, the lake holds incredible potential for anglers chasing giants.

Lake Pontchartrain isn’t just a scenic body of water—it’s a place where serious anglers can test their skills against some of the biggest fish in the Gulf Coast region. Whether you’re targeting drum on heavy tackle or hoping for a surprise tarpon encounter, the lake delivers excitement and the promise of a legendary catch.