Anacoco, LA Fishing: Legendary Fishing in Louisiana’s Legend Country

Anacoco is a small village in Central Louisiana. It took its name from Bayou Anacoco, a body of water that empties into the Sabine River on the borders of Texas and Louisiana. There are different stories behind the origin of the village’s name. One version is that it comes from “Lan’Acoco,” a Caddo Indian term that roughly translates to “muddy sands,” referring to the muddy sands of Anacoco Bayou. Another story claims that it comes from the Spanish “Lianaucucu” or “Llano Cuco,” which have different meanings such as “rain crow prairie,” “nutgrass prairie,” and “cuckoo prairie.” The current version of the name is derived from French, who heard either version of the name, dropped the "L" sound at the beginning, and designated the location Anacoco.

Anacoco became listed as a village in 1878 following the opening of its post office in 1875. It then merged with a nearby post office called Orange in 1911 and used Anacoco for the unified post offices. However, people often referred to the area as Orange, presumably in honor of the Royal Dutch Family’s House of Orange.

This quaint village is deep in the heart of Vernon Parish, a region of Louisiana that was once referred to as the state’s Wild West or No Man’s Land. Anacoco and the rest of the parish still retain the ruggedness you expect from land once run by heroes, bandits, and outlaws. It is filled with hills, prairies, pinelands, and bayous that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Western. Anglers would find this region a worthwhile place to add to their fishing itinerary. It boasts plenty of scenic freshwater fishing spots that put Louisiana on the map of the best states for fishing. 

Anacoco Fishing

Louisiana is considered The Sportsman’s Paradise, and fishing in Anacoco and Vernon Parish will make you understand why. It’s hard to find a spot in the area without a stream or bayou flowing through it, and many of these water bodies offer excellent fishing.

One such waterbody that puts Louisiana at the top of every freshwater angler’s list can be accessed from Anacoco. The Toledo Bend Reservoir, a part of the Sabine River on the border of Louisiana and Texas, anglers can fish in this mighty reservoir at South Toledo Bend State Park. Toledo Bend is considered one of the best freshwater fishing spots in Louisiana and the United States. It is consistently ranked one of the top bass waters in the country, commonly yielding 10-pound largemouth bass every year. Apart from its legendary largemouth bass, it holds trophy-sized striped bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, white perch, and yellow bass. Anglers can target these fish in the park’s two-lane boat ramp from the piers and the shorelines of various inlets.

Anacoco Lake, located west of the parish seat of Leesville, is a great fishing spot that’s relatively calmer than the popular Toledo Bend. It has more than 20 miles of shoreline filled with brush and flooded trees, making it attractive to crappie, sunfish, and largemouth bass. The lake also holds a healthy population of channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. There are plenty of public access spots where you can fish in the lake. But if you want to get on a boat and target crappie in the deep holes, then make your way to Methodist Landing Recreational Park and the Anacoco Lake Spillway Store and RV Park, both of which have boat launch ramps.

The northeast shore of Vernon Lake is easily accessible from the village of Anacoco. This peaceful fishing spot is often overlooked, so it experiences less fishing pressure. It has varying depths, from deep channels and open waters to shallow areas. Like Toledo Bend Reservoir, it offers great bass fishing, especially at the upper side of the lake. It also yields plenty of bluegill and catfish during summer. Anglers can explore the varying depths of the water via the lake’s boat lanes. The lake is one of the rare ones in the state that accommodates different types of boats, from kayaks and canoes to powerboats. Boat launches can be found in the Vernon Lake Road spillway, Hickory Ridge Road, Vernon Park Road, Bivens Landing, and Lakeview Landing.

For a range of options in one vast park, you can head straight to Kisatchie National Forest, the state’s lone national forest. This 604,000-acre property lies within seven parishes in Louisiana. Within the Vernon Unit of the forest, anglers can fly fish at the Blue Hole Pond and Fullerton Lake. The other districts within the forest offer even more fishing opportunities. The Dugdemona River and Saline Bayou are two of the most popular water bodies in the forest. The Dugdemona, in particular, is a well-known wade fishing spot. Local anglers like to baitcast while wade fishing in the river, especially from July to September when the waters are cool and fish are actively feeding. In the Caney Ranger District, anglers can fish at the Beaver Dam Campground, located on the north Caney Lake shores. The lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, sand bass, and crappie. In the Catahoula District, anglers will enjoy fly and spin fishing for rainbow trout at Lost Creek, the Salmon River, and the Clackamas River. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Anacoco, LA

The top 10 fish species in Anacoco are largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, sand bass, bluegill, striped bass, white perch, and rainbow trout.

Seasonal Fishing

The best fishing months in Anacoco, LA, and the rest of Vernon Parish are from April to October when the largemouth bass are actively feeding. The cold climate around February is perfect for crappie when the fish are on their way to their staging areas for the upcoming spawning season. These staging areas are typically around drop-offs and deep holes near-vertical structures such as trees. Redfish, bluegill, and catfish are the most active during April, while speckled trout can be seen around structures around April and May. 

Enjoy a Restful Getaway in Anacoco

Anacoco was once part of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land, but that is no longer the case. The village and its parish offer a variety of exciting sights and activities, from historic landmarks to a scenic state park.

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Get the expert guidance of a local angler if you want to make the most of your time in Louisiana’s Legend Country. 

2. Spot Local History

Holly Grove Methodist Church on Holly Grove Road is the oldest Protestant Church still in operation to this day; the Old Mitchell Graveyard on Highway 111 East, on the other hand, is the first cemetery ever built in the parish. Spot these two historic landmarks in Anacoco for a quick local history lesson.

3. Be One With Nature at South Toledo Bend State Park

Apart from its legendary bass fishing, South Toledo Bend State Park offers many more facilities for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors. There are several nature trails, boat ramps, RV camping areas, and ATV tracks. You can even dine on your freshly caught fare at the picnic areas around the park. If you want a whole new camping experience, you can go glamping and rent one of the 11 glamping tents offered by Tentrr. Birdwatchers will love this park, known as a nesting ground for the legendary bald eagle.