Red River fishing around Shreveport is on fire this Friday, May 2. We had partly cloudy skies this morning, with temps starting around the low 60s and climbing quickly with some humidity. Expect highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Sunrise was right before 6:20 AM, and sunset will be just after 7:55 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight to wet a line.

There’s no major tidal swing to worry about on the Red, but water levels will fluctuate some due to lock and dam operations. If you notice a bit of extra flow, that can push bait and really turn the bite on, especially around structure and current breaks.

Largemouth bass are the main draw right now. We’re seeing strong activity with fish up shallow and around cover. Several folks pulling double-digit bass out, mostly working the edge of grass and submerged timber. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits have been the best producers, especially with a little flash in the stained water. If the bite slows, switch to soft plastics or a jig and work it slow near the bottom. Smallmouth bass are biting too, especially near rocky banks and riprap. For smallies, try a minnow or crayfish pattern crankbait.

Catfish are also biting real well. Blue and channel cats have been coming out in numbers lately, with fresh cut bait or nightcrawlers the ticket. Anchor up near deeper holes or the backside of sandbars and give it a little time.

If you want a mixed bag, there’s even been some striper action reported, especially early and late, near the tailraces below the locks. Swimbaits and live shad work best if you can get your hands on some.

For hot spots, hit the section just below the downtown Shreveport launch—there’s plenty of submerged cover and good current breaks. The oxbows near Coushatta and the backwaters around Red River South Marina are loaded up with fish right now.

To sum up: best bite is early and late, focus on moving baits for bass, fresh cut bait for catfish, and don’t be afraid to cover water until you find some active fish. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Red River Shreveport fishing report for Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The weather today is mild and cloudy, making it perfect for a day out on the water. Sunrise was at 6:32 AM and sunset will be at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to reel in some beauties.

The Red River is showing moderate flow rates today, which is actually better than the low levels we've been seeing in recent weeks. Water clarity has improved since our last rain, with a slight stain that's just right for triggering those bass to bite.

Speaking of bass, they've been quite active lately! Anglers have been reporting good success with largemouth bass in the 2-4 pound range, with some lucky folks landing a few 5-pounders. The bass are hanging around structure and moving into shallower water as the day progresses.

For your tackle box today, I'd recommend crankbaits in shad and chartreuse colors. Those have been consistently producing hits. If the bite slows down, switch to plastic worms in purple or black. With our current water temps, don't forget those slower-moving baits like finesse jigs in green pumpkin, finesse worms, or Ned rigs.

Catfish action has been steady, especially in the deeper pools. Nightcrawlers and stink baits are your friends here. Crappie fishing has picked up too, with small jigs and minnows being the ticket to success.

Hot spots to check out today include the river lakes area and the five pools of the Red River, which have been rich in bass activity. The area around Lock & Dam #5 has been particularly productive this week. Red River South Marina is another spot worth hitting, with several folks reporting nice stringers of bass and catfish there yesterday.

Don't forget about those public boat launches from Vivian to Bossier City, Coushatta, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Pineville, and Marksville. They're all providing good access to prime fishing waters.

One local tip: the cooler morning temperatures have fish holding a bit deeper than usual for this time of year, so be patient and work those deeper edges before moving shallow.

That's the word from the water today, folks. Remember to check your licenses and limits before heading out. This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines and good fishing to y'all!

Artificial Lure here with your Red River Shreveport fishing report for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

We are deep into prime spring fishing around Shreveport. The river is in great shape this week, with water levels steady and only a slight stain, giving the fish a sense of security and keeping them active. Water temps are holding right in the sweet spot for springtime fishing, running between 60 and 65 degrees. Sunrise was at 6:50 this morning and sunset will be at 7:47 tonight, so you have plenty of daylight to work every hole and backwater you fancy.

Weather-wise, we are enjoying a classic Louisiana spring day out here. Expect highs around 75 degrees, light winds, and mostly clear skies. Conditions could hardly be better for those wanting to fish either from shore or a boat.

The bite has really turned on! Largemouth bass are especially active as they finish up the spawn, and you’ll find them cruising around sandbars, rock jetties, and tucked into the backwaters near timber and grass lines. Folks are having good luck with Bandit 200 crankbaits in shad or chartreuse and with Texas-rigged creature baits in black and blue flake. Soft jerkbaits, especially in shad patterns, have also produced some solid fish when worked slow around the grass.

White bass are starting to school up in the main river and some of the deeper cuts. Small inline spinners and jigging spoons are putting fish in the boat. Crappie are still holding near brush piles but are beginning to pull toward slightly deeper water. Try minnows or small tubes in white and chartreuse to pick up a mess for the fryer.

Catfish anglers are also reporting steady action, especially on cut shad and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom near the main channel edges and deeper holes. Both blues and channels are biting, with some flatheads mixed in for those patient enough to soak bigger live baits.

As for hot spots, two places stand out right now. First, the stretch between the Texaco Country Club ramp and the downtown bridges is producing steady mixed bags. Second, the backwater sloughs near Hamel’s Park are giving up good numbers of both bass and cats. Both spots offer easy access and something for every angler.

If you are heading out today, bring along your bandit crankbaits and a pack of soft plastics in dark colors. A couple dozen fresh shiners or some cut bait for the cats will round out your tackle box just right.

That’s the latest from the banks of the Red. Tight lines and don’t forget to send me your bragging-rights photos!

This is Artificial Lure, your Red River Shreveport fishing expert, bringing you today’s April 21, 2025, fishing report.

We’re kicking off the week with classic spring weather in Shreveport. Temperatures are peaking right around 75 degrees and the skies are clear. Winds are light, making it ideal for both boaters and bank anglers. Sunrise was at 6:50 AM and sunset is at 7:47 PM, giving everyone plenty of daylight on the water. The river is sitting steady at about 14.37 feet. Water clarity is slightly stained and the temperature is steady in the 60-65 degree range, which is perfect for that strong spring spawn we’re seeing, especially with bass and crappie on the move.

Fish activity is high right now. The largemouth bass bite has been hot, especially along sandbars, rock jetties, and in those backwater sloughs. Anglers are having the most luck with Bandit 200 series crankbaits in shad or chartreuse patterns, as well as Texas-rigged creature baits in black and blue flake. Soft jerkbaits like Shadicks are also working when fished near grass lines and flooded timber. If you’re after numbers, focus your efforts around Pine Island and the area just south of the downtown boat ramps. These two spots have been giving up solid bags of bass lately.

Crappie are staging and hitting well too, especially in brush piles and submerged timber off the main channel. Minnows and black and chartreuse jigs will get the job done. Some slabs have come out of the shallow cuts off Caspiana and the backwaters near Hamel’s Park.

Catfish anglers are having luck on cut shad, chicken liver, and stink bait fished on bottom around river bends and deeper holes. The bite is steady, particularly north of the I-220 bridge and along the channel adjacent to the port area.

For bait, local standbys like live shad and nightcrawlers are sure bets, but don’t overlook artificial lures with a good bit of color because of the slightly stained water.

A couple of hot spots to try today are the Pine Island area for bass and Caspiana backwaters for crappie. Both locations are seeing good traffic and steady catches.

Remember to check river conditions before heading out, especially if we get more rain soon. Tight lines out there and happy fishing from Artificial Lure.

Artificial Lure here with your Red River Shreveport fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025. The spring bite is in full swing, and local anglers are seeing some of the best action of the year.

Weather today is classic springtime in northwest Louisiana. We’re looking at highs around 75 degrees, clear skies, and a light breeze—ideal conditions for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 6:50 AM, and sunset doesn’t hit until 7:47 PM, so you’ve got a long window for fishing action. Water levels are steady, running just over 14 feet, making ramps and backwaters accessible for boats and bank anglers alike. Water temps are sitting pretty at 60 to 65 degrees, just right for that spring spawn, especially for bass and crappie activity. The river is slightly stained, which is working in our favor by keeping fish active and more likely to hit artificial lures[2].

Largemouth bass are the main draw right now. With the river stabilizing, fish are stacking up along sandbars, rock jetties, and especially around current breaks. The best catches this week have come on Bandit 200 series crankbaits in shad or chartreuse, and if you’re into soft plastics, don’t skip a Texas-rigged creature bait in black and blue flake. Soft jerkbaits like Shadicks are another solid option—work them slow near grass lines or timber, and hold on tight[1][2].

Crappie are moving up shallow for their spawn and have been hitting on both jigs and live minnows, especially around brush and laydowns in the backwaters. Early mornings and the hour before sunset have been best. Catfish are starting to get more active too, taking cut shad and chicken livers along the deeper bends and below the locks.

This week’s reports include several solid stringers of largemouth bass, plenty of chunky crappie, and a few nice channel cats. No monster stripers reported but a couple of white bass schools popped up in faster water above downtown.

For hotspots, check out the pocket cuts and jetties just north of the Shreveport boat launch, and don’t overlook the old river channel edges near Stoner Avenue for both bass and crappie. The oxbows near Hamel’s Park are also holding good numbers, especially in the warm afternoons.

Best baits in your tackle box today: Bandit 200 crankbaits in chartreuse and shad, black and blue Texas-rigged plastics, natural soft jerkbaits, and live minnows for crappie. For catfish, fresh-cut shad is your best bet.

That’s the bite for April 20. Tight lines from Artificial Lure. See y’all on the water[1][2][3].

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh fishing report for April 19, 2025, focused on the Red River around Shreveport.

We have had a nice stretch of spring weather lately with daytime highs in the low to mid 70s, mostly sunny skies, and light winds. Sunrise came at 6:36 AM, with sunset due at 7:45 PM, giving us plenty of daylight for a full day’s fishing. No tidal influence here on the Red, so you can focus on time of day and water clarity instead.

Fish activity has been strong this week, with plenty of reports on the bite picking up, especially for bass and crappie. Bass are turning on, particularly in the southern pools of the river. Look for them staging off main channel drops and around woody cover. The most consistent bass catches have been on soft plastics, especially watermelon or green pumpkin Senkos and creature baits. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white are also working well in muddier water or early and late in the day. Several anglers have reported nice bags with most keepers in the 2 to 4-pound range, and a few bigger fish just under 6 pounds being weighed in this week[2][4].

Crappie have been biting strong as well, especially in the oxbows and backwaters with less current. Jigs in bright colors, particularly chartreuse or pink, paired with a minnow have been the ticket. Folks have been limiting out in the coves near Stoner and Wallace Lake Road areas, with most crappie running 10 to 12 inches. Catfish action has picked up with cut shad and stink bait, especially in the deeper holes behind sandbars near the I-220 bridge and downstream from the dam[2].

If you’re fishing today, a couple of hot spots worth checking out include the stretch near Stoner Avenue for both crappie and bass, and the old river channel near the Red River South Marina, where a lot of fish are stacking up in 6 to 10 feet of water[4]. Also, the area just below the Shreveport-Bossier bridges seems to be holding fish on the current breaks.

For best results, focus on early morning and late evening bites, especially for bass, and stick to slower presentations as the fish are still a bit sluggish some days. If you’re after crappie or bream, drifting with jigs and live minnows around brush and submerged timber is your best bet.

Good luck out there, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your April 16, 2025, Red River fishing report right here in Shreveport. Sunrise rolled in at 7:09 am and sunset is set for 7:15 pm today, so there’s a nice long window to get lines wet. We’re seeing cloudy skies and temps staying comfortably around the upper 60s to low 70s, which has made for a pleasant stretch on the water. Winds are mild and river conditions are just right with flows steady and water levels dropping back from the early spring floods, clearing up a bit every day[2][5].

Today’s action has been consistent across several species. Largemouth bass are the headliners this week. As water levels recede and stabilize, fish are stacking up along sandbars, rock jetties, and current breaks—especially around the oxbows and in “the Jungle” area of Pool 4, which is fishing hot right now. Timing is key, and with bass cruising the shorelines and staging around structure, anglers have found success fan-casting crankbaits like the Bandit 200 or the KVD Series 4, especially in shad, bream, or chartreuse patterns. When the crankbait bite slows, switch it up and slow-roll a June bug or dark-colored 6- or 7-inch worm with a 1/4-ounce slip sinker along runouts and points[3][5].

Crappie are another highlight as they finish spawning and move into shallow brush. Minnows and chartreuse or natural jigs around submerged timber and docks are producing well, especially early and late. Big catfish—both blue and channel—are prowling deeper runs and eddies near Bossier City and just south of Shreveport. Cut bait and live shad worked near the bottom have put several hefty cats in the boat already this week[7][8].

If you’re looking for variety, white bass and spotted bass are grouped up in moving water near creek mouths. A white or chartreuse jig or a small spinner will do the trick. And don’t overlook the unique chance of tying into an alligator gar or even seeing a paddlefish in these waters—they’re out there, especially around the old bayous and backwaters[7][8].

Top lures this week: shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms for bass; jigs and minnows for crappie; and fresh-cut shad for catfish. If you want to fish where the bite is hottest, check the oxbow lakes near the Jungle in Pool 4, work the backsides of sandbars and rock jetties between downtown Shreveport and Red Bayou, and don’t miss the deeper holes by the Montgomery area on the south end[3][5][8].

The outlook is promising: steady conditions and active fish mean the bite should remain strong through the weekend, especially with another round of warming temps. Get out there and good luck—tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! If you’re casting out in the Red River around Shreveport today, April 14, 2025, you're in for a treat, as conditions are shaping up wonderfully for a productive day of fishing.

The sunrise was at 6:28 AM, and you’ll have ample daylight until sunset at 7:23 PM. The weather looks promising, with clear skies and temperatures climbing from a comfortable 70°F this morning to a high of around 79°F midday. Winds are light, which makes for easy boating and casting, and water levels on the Red River are stable with moderate clarity. These conditions are ideal for targeting a variety of species.

Fish activity is strong this time of year. Largemouth bass are particularly active as they feed in preparation for spawning, and recent catches have included bass up to 3 pounds, channel catfish, paddlefish, and crappie. Additionally, sightings of alligator gar and grass carp suggest the river’s diverse ecosystem is thriving.

For lures, Texas-rigged creature baits in black or blue flake are excelling for largemouth bass, especially around submerged structures like stumps and logs in shallower waters. If you’re after catfish, bottom fishing with chicken liver, stink bait, or live shad works wonders. Crappie hunters will do well with live minnows or small jigs worked near brush piles or submerged vegetation.

Some standout hotspots include the oxbow lakes like Shaw Lake in Pool 5, which is teeming with bass and crappie. Another key area is the backwaters near Caddo Lake, well-known for their dense fish populations. If you’re targeting bass, the pad stems in Pools 4 and 5 are excellent areas as the fish gather around vegetation and spawning beds.

In summary, the Red River offers exceptional opportunities today for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a lunker largemouth or filling a cooler with catfish and crappie, the conditions are just right. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Good morning anglers! Artificial Lure here with your latest fishing report for the Red River around Shreveport on this beautiful April 12, 2025. Let’s dive into the conditions, fish activity, and the best hotspots for a successful day on the water.

The Red River’s water levels near Shreveport are stable, with current gage height readings at manageable levels for boating and fishing. Sunrise today was at 7:01 AM, and sunset is set for 7:47 PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to reel in some big ones. Weather-wise, expect clear skies with a comfortable high of 74°F and light winds at 5-10 mph—perfect for casting lines.

Fish activity has been lively this spring. Largemouth bass are particularly active, with reports of anglers hooking 3 to 8-pounders regularly and even a few 10-pound lunkers in recent weeks. Crankbaits in shad or chartreuse colors and spinnerbaits have been working wonders for these hefty fighters, especially around submerged timber and rocky points. Purple and black plastic worms are another solid choice for backwater areas.

For those chasing striped bass, the action remains strong, particularly near Lock & Dam #5 and the deeper channels. Live shad is your best bet to lure these aggressive fighters, with some anglers reporting catches exceeding 20 pounds. Catfish, including blue and flathead varieties, are also biting well, with stink baits, cut bait, and live minnows being top choices. There’s even been some great crappie action in oxbow lakes off the main river; try minnows or small jigs to target them.

Hotspots to check out today include the area around Lock & Dam #5, which is always a productive stretch for bass, stripers, and catfish. The oxbow lakes, like the Bickham Dixon oxbow, are prime spots for crappie and largemouth bass, especially in shallower waters with plenty of cover. If you want to target larger stripers, try fishing deeper pools near submerged structures.

As always, safety comes first. The river can be tricky to navigate with submerged structures and varying clarity, so keep an eye out and ensure everyone on board has a life jacket.

Tight lines, and may today bring you a record-breaking catch!

Good morning, anglers. Today is April 11th, 2025, and it’s gearing up to be a fantastic day for fishing on the Red River around Shreveport, Louisiana. Let’s dive into the latest fishing conditions and tips.

The sunrise today was at 6:28 AM, and sunset will be at 7:23 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the water. The weather in Shreveport is pleasant, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low-80s. Winds are mild, making boat navigation manageable and casting lines a smooth affair.

Water levels on the Red River are stable, with consistent flow rates reported. Water clarity is moderate, and currents are slowing down in backwaters and oxbow lakes, which are ideal areas for targeting fish. The river is currently holding steady at a stage of 13.9 feet near Shreveport, with no significant changes expected.

The fish activity on the Red River is strong, especially with largemouth bass and catfish being the top targets. Recent catches include blue and channel catfish, largemouth bass up to 3 pounds, paddlefish, and crappie. Anglers have also reported spotting alligator gar and grass carp in the area.

For lures, the Texas-rigged creature bait (black or blue flake) remains a top choice for largemouth bass. These baits work well in both shallow pads and deeper water. Use the Texas rig near submerged structures, focusing on stumps, logs, or timber. For catfish, bottom fishing with chicken liver, stink baits, or cut bait has been effective. Live bait such as shad or worms will also increase your chances of a big haul.

Prime fishing spots today include the oxbow lakes like Shaw Lake (Pool 5) and areas near the Do Not Dredge site just outside Shreveport. Another hotspot is near the Caddo Lake backwaters, which are teeming with bass and crappie. Don’t overlook the areas with pad stems in Pools 4 and 5, as these are known to attract spawning bass around this time of year.

With mild weather, diverse fish species, and plenty of opportunities, the Red River continues to deliver excellent fishing experiences. Tight lines and good luck out there!