Addis, LA Fishing: A Small Railroad Town in the Pelican State

Addis is situated in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; it was founded in 1881 and was initially known as Baton Rouge Junction. The community was created as a division point for Texas and Pacific Railroad. Local citizens later on renamed the village to Addis to honor J. W. Addis, the official from the railroad company who had convinced the company to build infrastructures in the area in 1904.

Addis’ early settlers were young train crews that ground sugar cane. They stayed in Addis until it was time for the sugar canes to be harvested. While Addis continues to grow, sugar cane also grows along with the community. Aside from sightseeing sugar canes, tourists can visit Addis Historical Museum. The museum exhibits different memorabilia that displays Addis’ past. Local veterans have also donated military items to the museum. It also holds memorabilia that reminds Addis residents of the first-ever Mardi Gras Parade held in the area. The museum is located in the old Bank of Addis building.

Addis can be found along the west bank of the Mississippi River, one of the reasons for abundant fishing opportunities.

Addis Fishing

Louisiana is one of the top fishing harbors in the US. Anyone with or without fishing experience can visit Addis and try a thrilling fishing adventure. 

One of the most popular fishing spots in Addis is the Mississippi River. It is one of the longest rivers situated in North America. Anglers commonly caught channel catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike, common carp, walleye, blue catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish in the river. The side channels of the river are mostly the best spots for fishing. The wing dams in the main river channels are also excellent fishing locations. Otters, deers, beavers, coyotes, muskrats, and other mammals reside along the river's banks.

Catfish is probably the most recognized species in the Mississippi River. They are also the commonly caught species. A record-setting 130 lb catfish was caught in the river in 2010, while a 124 pounder was fished in 2005. Anglers find it challenging to fish in the fast currents of the Mississippi River. Charter boats and chartered captains are a huge help, especially for beginner anglers, who aim to face the challenges brought by the river. Fishing charters are found across Addis and bait and tackle shops.

Drift fishing is one of the most common fishing techniques anglers use on the Mississippi River. Anglers also often do fly fishing and jigging. Experienced anglers use the famous set-up known as the slip-sinker rig to catch bottom-dwellers fish such as catfish.

Anglers who prefer to fish in the Mississippi River can always choose the Port Allen Lock. It is a dam located just 1.5 miles from Port Allen and 17.7 miles away from Addis. It is connected to the Mississippi River. Catfish, redear sunfish, alligator gar, and freshwater drum are the fish species to catch in the dam. Baitcasting, spinning, and surf casting are the best fishing techniques to go after the fish available in the dam. Basic fishing gears needed for such fishing techniques are available at bait and tackle shops in Addis.

Anglers can always try bowfishing as an alternative fishing technique. Bowfishing is allowed in Louisiana, only if you are going after non-game fish. A valid fishing license is required for catching a fish using bows and arrows. In bowfishing, a line is attached to the arrows that can be pulled once a fish is caught. This fishing technique should be done in broad daylight. Professional anglers often go bowfishing at night, but with a light that will guide them while fishing. 

Fish are unpredictable, and the best bait must be chosen to lure and easily catch them. Most fish species, such as live baits, can be caught by studying the behavior of the fish you want to catch. Tackle shops across Addis offer bait suitable for the fish caught in the area. Anglers can still choose their preferred bait, whether live or artificial.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding anglers that they must obtain a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in the waters of Louisiana. There are also daily bag and possession limits to specific species of fish caught in the state. Anglers are reminded to possess all licenses and permits they need.

Top 10 Fish Species in Addis, LA

The top 10 fish species in Addis, Louisiana, are channel catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike, common carp, walleye, blue catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Addis is open all year. Catfish are available to catch all year round, but summer is the prime time to target channel catfish and flathead catfish. The spring season is the perfect time to score trophy blue catfish. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are ready to be caught any time of the year. Both the bass species spawn during the spring season. Late May and early June are the best months to target the northern pike. They usually breed during April. Common carp are available across Louisiana waters all year, but spring is the time for their spawning activity. The hot summer months of June and July are the best months for walleye fishing. 

Consulting your fishing plans with local anglers and the local government will help your fishing trip in Addis be successful. It is also important to check the weather update, hurricane forecasts, and fish sightings for efficiency. Be sure to plan your trip ahead of time, stock up valuable goods, and gear up for the season if you want to fish in Addis.

Uncover the Railroad Town of Addis, LA

Addis has abundant water for fishing and a prosperous history that reflects what it is today; it is the perfect place to stay when you are taking a break from the busy breeze of the city. With its railroads that made it unique, Addis is undoubtedly a must-visit place in Louisiana.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

People visiting and fishing in Addis for the first time can get help by booking fishing charters. Fishing charters will help anglers fish in the best fishing spots in Addis. Charters offer different services to anglers visiting the area. They usually provide the materials they need to fish offshore. They also give tips on which fishing technique is best used in catching a specific fish in the area and the bait suitable to lure them.

2. Explore Addis’ Rich History

Addis Historical Museum has been a silent witness to the history of Addis. The museum was built in 1920 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A collection of memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits of Addis' history as a railroad village are found in the museum. The museum also exhibits some of the weapons and relics used by local veterans who lived in the area. The remnants of the first-ever Mardi Gras Parade held in Addis were also placed in the museum. 

3. Relaxation at Public Parks

Anglers can relax as they visit My Hand Trailer Park and Joe Myhand Park after a long day of fishing. Those wishing to stay in Addis for a longer time can rent trailers and houses available in My Hand Trailer Park. Joe Myhand Park is an ideal spot for relaxing and having fun with active kids. Amenities such as a basketball court, tennis court, baseball grounds, and an outdoor fitness area are among the park's attractions.