Albany, LA Fishing: Louisiana's Heart of French Cajun Culture

Albany is in the eastern portion of Livingston Parish, Louisiana. It was incorporated in 1953 with Grady Stewart as its first mayor. Nowadays, it has more than a thousand inhabitants and 600 waterways, making your visit an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

This area takes pride in its French Cajun roots. One example that showcases this culture is the Albany Plantation, a 34-acre land that promotes the heritage of the French Cajun. It offers a fantastic southern get away from the busy city life. Aside from that, it is also a famous wedding venue for couples who want a retro theme. 

There is a theory that Albany's name came from the Choctaw word, "abani," which means "to cook over a fire." However, most of the old residents in the neighborhood believe that its name came from the Natalbany River. When the Illinois Central Railroad construction defined the line through the town, locals tried to name the area as Natalbany. But, there is already a community named exactly like the river, which is why the post office refused and called it Albany instead. 

Albany is known for its excellent and delicious cuisine, making the visitors want to come back here after their first visit. Yet, food is not the only thing this district is notable for; it also boasts several fish species that attract local and tourist anglers. 

Albany Fishing

As a city near the Natalbany River, there are sufficient fishing opportunities for anglers who want to explore more of the country's East Coast. With over 100 miles of waters open for fishing, the Natalbany River is one of the best fishing spots in the city. The river is home to blue catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, sea bass, and crappie. Stores set up around the river offer the best prices for fishing supplies to let you stock up and use good tackle for fishing. Charter services and fishing parties are organized regularly in this town to take visiting anglers like you to known fishing holes in the Natalbany River. Although they may charge you a hefty price for renting their services for a few hours, the knowledge and the guidance they provide are worth it. Renting a charter service that helps you fish in the Natalbany River increases your chances of getting delicious bottom-feeding fish like the sea bass. They will also provide you with a sea-worthy fishing vessel, so you do not have to worry about bringing your boat along. 

If you feel like the Natalbany River is too crowded for you, then try the Little Natalbany River to the east of the town. This connected river is home to bowfin, redfish, white sucker, common carp, and sea trout. The Little Natalbany river, with an average depth of 7 feet, is connected to Doe Branch and other streams and is an excellent fishing location. Migratory fish and native Louisiana fish are abundant in the Little Natalbany River. There is a high flooding risk in the Little Natalbany River during hurricane season or rainy weather. Consult with locals, and check weather forecasts before heading out with your boat to fish for a safe and enjoyable fishing experience. 

Fishing in Albany, LA, is an opportunity to learn a thing or two about fishing. Locals here are fond of kite fishing. Thanks to good weather, the winds in Albany are perfect for kites, and anglers have thought of an innovative way to fish using kites. If you want to try it out, you need a square kite designed for kite fishing, a revolving reel, a standard fishing rod, release clips, bait, and hooks. Your lure will be dropped to the water column by your kite, and when you start to feel a bite, you can reel in the kite, along with the fish. If you want to catch bigger fish, you need more giant kites, so choose your targets when using this technique.

Another technique famous among anglers from Albany is spearfishing. Similar to harpooning, spearfishing uses a pole spear to help you catch fish in shallow waters, for starters. You can wear your diving gear and do this technique in deeper waters as you get the hang of it. However, scout your fishing hole carefully before spearfishing because alligators probe the waters of Albany. Although they are monitored and controlled by the Department of Natural Resources in Louisiana, it pays to be careful when doing this technique. You do not want to only venture into alligator-infested waters equipped with spear poles. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Albany, LA 

The top 10 fish species to catch in Albany, LA are blue catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, sea bass, crappie, bowfin, redfish, white sucker, common carp, and sea trout.

Seasonal Fishing 

You can enjoy fishing opportunities all year round in Albany, LA, as long as they have a Florida Fishing License. If you are looking for the peak season, come here during the summer or from June through late September. Summer brings in warmer water temperatures and makes the water clearer. Fish hiding in reefs or underwater rocks are easy prey. The temperature in Albany, Louisiana, is temperate compared to other cities on the East Coast. However, the early morning breeze will send you shivering if you do not prepare your fishing outfit and gear. 

Fishing during the Winter season or from December to late February can be a fascinating experience for you or your family. There are no frozen lakes or rivers in Louisiana during the winter. Still, the water temperatures and the winter breeze will undoubtedly be cold. Prepare your winter fishing gear, and stock up on live bait or lures such as shrimp or even live fish. These lures have strong scents that will be carried down by the current to where schools of fish are residing. Fish will ignore the cold waters and will swim hungrily to your lures. 

Indulge in the French-Cajun environment of Albany

While you are not fishing in Albany, here are some activities that you and your family can do to have a wonderful time in the city. 

1. Pick Fresh Strawberries at Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Farm

Picking strawberries is not just an activity for farmers. It could be an excellent way to bond with your family too! You can take home the strawberries that you can collect from your basket or eat them while on the farm. Entrance to the strawberry farm would only cost about 7 dollars per head. Strawberries are not the only thing waiting for you and your family on the farm. A zipline ride, complete with protective gears and safety measures, will give you an excellent aerial view of the farm. 

If your children are scared of heights and do not want to go to the zipline, you can have them participate in tractor races. The races bring you entertainment and help plow the soil for the next strawberries planted there. Lastly, there is a painting room so that your kids can get creative and colorful. 

2. Taste the French-Cajun Cuisine at Roux & Brew Seafood and Steak House

Fishing trips in the city would not be complete without tasting the fine seafood from Albany. The Roux & Brew Seafood and Steak House is a known restaurant serving authentic Louisiana cuisine that combines French-Cajun flavors. Whether it is the iconic Po-boy sandwiches or surf and turf plates, the restaurant will have your bellies full.

All their recipes are from fresh ingredients, especially seafood. Most of the seafood is native to the waters of Albany. You can also taste the famous barley brews of the city from this restaurant. 

3. Visit Pumpkin Mobile Home Park

You can take your children to the Pumpkin Mobile Home Park if you visit Albany during Halloween. Decorated pumpkin lanterns are up for display. You can even buy customized pumpkins as a souvenir to take home with you.