If you're heading out to the Red River in Shreveport today, October 8, 2024, here's what you need to know for a successful fishing trip. The weather is looking partly cloudy with a high of around 78 degrees and a low of 58 degrees, making it a pleasant day on the water. Sunrise was at 7:14 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.
The Red River, now a world-class largemouth bass fishery, is divided into five pools created by the locks and dams. These pools have stabilized water levels and minimal current in the backwaters, which is ideal for bass fishing. Normal water clarity in the flooded backwaters is about 1 foot, though this can change quickly with rainfall or wind.
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of largemouth bass in the 3-to-8-pound range. The fish were active, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. For today, the best lures to use would be crankbaits in shad and chartreuse colors, as well as plastic worms in purple or black. These lures mimic the natural baitfish and crawdads that bass are feeding on.
When it comes to specific spots, consider Pool 5 near Shreveport-Bossier, which is known for its abundant bass population. Another good spot is the area around Lock and Dam No. 3 at Natchitoches, where the transition from the main river to the backwaters often holds a lot of fish. Also, focus on the backsides of sandbars and rock jetties, especially close to runouts, bayous, and ditches. These areas tend to stack up with bass, especially when there is current.
Additionally, white bass are abundant on the river and can provide a bonus for bass fishermen, as they stack up similarly to largemouth bass and offer lots of action.
For those using depth finders, scanning the mouths of run-outs can be fruitful, as shad often ball up there, and where you find active shad, you'll likely find active fish.
Safe navigation is crucial on the Red River, so be sure to watch out for the channelized sections and the varying water colors that can indicate different depths and currents. With the right lures and a bit of local knowledge, you should be able to land some impressive bass today. Good luck on the water