Largemouth Bass

Central Louisiana, including Ball, offers some excellent largemouth bass fishing, especially in the many oxbow lakes and backwater areas connected to the Red River. The key to success here is understanding the seasonal patterns. Spring is prime time, as the bass move shallow to spawn. Target grass beds, lily pads, and flooded timber with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Summer can be tougher, but fishing early and late in the day around deeper structure can produce. Fall sees another surge in activity as the bass feed up for winter. The Red River itself can be productive, but be mindful of the current. A local's secret: many of the smaller, unnamed lakes and bayous hold surprisingly large bass that see very little fishing pressure. Boat ramps are available at several points along the Red River and nearby lakes, but a smaller boat or kayak will allow you to access more secluded spots.