Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Red River Shreveport fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.
We’re waking up to beautiful conditions today. Weather is clear, temperatures are heading for a high around 78 degrees, and we’ve got a comfortable light wind out of the east at 5 to 8 miles per hour. Sunrise was at 6:48 this morning and you’ll have good light until sunset at 7:49 tonight, so there’s plenty of prime time to wet a line out there.
The river’s sitting steady around 14 feet, stained just enough to keep those fish feeling secure and active. Recent days have seen some fantastic action across the board. Bass anglers are having a banner run, with good numbers and size, lots of catches in the 3 to 5 pound range. Texas-rigged worms and Carolina rigs are producing best in that 8 to 14 foot depth, particularly off ledges, around old timber, and creek mouths. I’d stick with natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon right now as the water’s got a little color to it.
White bass are schooling up strong in the main river and deeper side cuts. Small inline spinners and jigging spoons are working wonders, especially during the early morning and late afternoon feeds. If you’re after fast action, keep your eyes peeled for surface activity and get a spoon in there quick.
Crappie bite remains steady as they transition from the spawn. A lot of folks are finding them suspended 4 to 12 feet down around trees or near brush piles. Minnows under a cork have been the ticket, but jigs in shad or chartreuse are catching plenty too, especially mid-morning as things warm up a touch.
Catfish are always reliable on the Red. With the stained water, chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait along deeper holes and channel swings will put fish in the box. Some nice eating-size blues and channels have been coming in steady, and you never know when you’ll tangle with a big flathead this time of year.
For hot spots, I’d start at the oxbows near Stoner Avenue and the timber edges by the Port of Shreveport. Those have both been real productive this week. Also, keep in mind the Red River South Marina area; plenty of cover, bait, and fish moving through.
Overall, fishing is red hot right now. Just keep safety in mind, stay hydrated, and enjoy this stretch of great weather. Good luck out there and tight lines from your buddy, Artificial Lure.
Bass: Texas-rigged worms, Carolina rigs, 8-14 feet, ledges/timber
White bass: Inline spinners, jigging spoons, main channel/deep cuts
Crappie: Minnows under cork, small jigs, 4-12 feet, brush/trees
Catfish: Chicken liver, cut shad, stink baits, deep holes
Hot spots: Oxbows at Stoner Ave, Port of Shreveport timber, Red River South Marina area
Catch ‘em up!