Largemouth Bass

If you're chasing largemouth bass in Louisiana, the waters around Melville offer a unique experience. The Atchafalaya Basin, a sprawling network of bayous, swamps, and backwaters, is the heart of the action here. This isn't your typical lake fishing; expect to navigate flooded timber, cypress trees, and lily pads. Spring and fall are prime times, as bass move shallow to spawn or feed before winter. Look for pre-spawn staging areas near deeper channels in early spring. Summer can be tough, but fishing early and late in the day around heavy cover can still produce. A local tip: Pay attention to water levels. Rising water can flood new areas and trigger aggressive feeding, while falling water concentrates fish in deeper pockets. The public boat launch at the end of Hwy 105 offers good access to the Basin. Be prepared for stained water and consider using lures that create vibration and profile, such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Texas-rigged worms. Largemouth in this area are known for their aggressive strikes and ability to bury themselves in cover, so use stout tackle.