For those heading out to the Red River in Shreveport today, December 21, 2024, here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Daylight
Today marks the winter solstice, with sunrise at 7:12 AM and sunset at 5:13 PM, giving you about 10 hours of daylight. The weather is expected to be cool, typical for this time of year.

### Water Conditions
As of December 20, the Red River at Shreveport is at 14.47 feet, which is below the flood stage of 30 feet. The water level has risen by 0.62 feet over the last 24 hours, and the flow is at 9,625 cubic feet per second[2].

### Fish Activity
The Red River is known for its bass fishing, particularly in the five pools along the river. Yesterday saw decent activity for bass, with several catches in the 3-to-8-pound range. Catfish and crappie were also active, especially in the backwater lakes and near submerged structures.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, use crankbaits with shad and chartreuse colors, and plastic worms in purple or black. These lures tend to work well in the cooler winter waters. For catfish, nightcrawlers and stink baits are effective, while crappie can be caught using small jigs and minnows[4].

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots is around the public boat launches, such as those in Vivian, Bossier City, and Coushatta. The Red River South Marina area is also a hotspot, with plenty of bass and other species. Look for areas with submerged logs, stumps, and woody structures near channel drop-offs.

### Additional Tips
Given the river's flow and water releases from the locks, focus on areas where the current is not too strong. The backwater lakes and tributaries tend to have more stable conditions, making them ideal for fishing.

Enjoy your day on the Red River, and good luck with your catch