Arnaudville, LA Fishing: Experience the Spice

Arnaudville sits in St Landry and St Martin Parish in Louisiana. The Lafayette metropolitan statistical area is in the portion of St Martin Parish, while the Opelousas-Eunice micropolitan statistical area is in St Landry, making the place the belly of Acadiana.

One of Louisiana's oldest and smallest places, the residents of Arnaudville would speak Cajun French in their homes. In fact, the Cajun fiddle is associated with this place. Arnaudville celebrates an annual festival and presents the art of four-string masters and their famous dish of spicy shellfish or chicken with rice.

In the 18th century, the place was initially called La Muriere, having a total area of 0.7 square miles without any water bodies around. It was later known as the junction or La Jonction in French. The place became Arnaudville in the 19th century, following the Brothers Arnaud. The Brothers Arnaud contributed a huge amount of land to become a church for blacks and whites.

Arnaudville is the perfect place for a swamp tour in the United States.

 It may be small, but many attractions can easily fill up your trip. Enjoy the wildlife in Cajun Customized Excursions as you spend a fun outdoor adventure while listening to first-hand stories of the English and French. Kayaking, canoeing, and driving are available in Bayou Teche Paddle. This is the first system in Louisiana to be part of the National Water Trails System. It provides access to waterways and fishing in this area. The top locations for angling are Toledo Bend Reservoir and Lake Ponchartrain, where redfish, largemouth bass, and spotted sea trout are caught. It also provides great fishing opportunities to perform wade, fly, and bow fishing.

Arnaudville Fishing

Arnaudville offers its bayous and backwaters packed with different fish species, making it an excellent fishing destination for avid anglers. Counting in the Mississippi River widens the variety of fish species caught near Arnaudville. The top fishing spots are the Lake Pontchartrain and Toledo Bend Reservoir; the surrounding bayous offers a different environment for anglers: the Carencro, Fusilier, Magenta, and Bourbeux bayou. Inshore fishing can be enjoyed in the Venice area. Moreover, this is a launch spot for those who prefer offshore fishing.

Lake Pontchartrain is connected directly to the Gulf of Mexico. Locals would state that it is not a lake but rather a broad estuary of the gulf. It is an exciting fishing destination for anglers and holds one of the longest water bridges in the world. Fishing is available all year round, and since the lake is considered saltwater fishing, anglers should have saltwater licenses.  The spillways are opened in the summer to remove the excess freshwater and direct it to the lake. Hence, affecting the fishing ecosystem. Lessening the salinity of the water influences the fish’s decision to stay in the area and would later show up in the fall and winter seasons. Due to its brackish waters, abundant fish species are longnose gar, smallmouth buffalo, largemouth bass, crappie, chain pickerel, red shiner, spotted trout, and freshwater drum. Other fish species are common carp, warmouth, longear sunfish, and rainbow trout.  

Spotted trout is a top catch in Lake Pontchartrain. At times, one can capture 5-12 pounds of spotted trout with the right timing. Look around shorelines and bridge pilings during a clear day with no one to ensure a catch. Consult the locals on the behavior of the spotted trout to have a fun-yielding fishing trip. Redfish swim to Lake Ponchartrain from the Gulf of Mexico; you can easily capture a stunning trophy-sized redfish. They travel in large schools and would be found at any water level. Try to spot feeding pelicans or diving seagulls around to locate redfish. It is better to catch upstream and wait for the redfish to bait. Flounders also make an appearance during the beginning of winter. These fish would stay in the deep waters and allow the current to bring them food. Target bridge pilings to find flounders. It is ideal for anglers to cast their lines on the current flow to catch flounders. 

A surprising 21.25 -pound giant sheepshead was caught in Lake Pontchartrain is noted as the world’s biggest sheepshead. Sheepshead would often stay in bridge pilings and fishing docks. It may look like a predator because of its mouth but they choose not to aggressively hunt or eat their prey. Be aware of the slightest disturbance of your fishing line if you are eyeing for a sheepshead because they would quietly nibble on the baits. Also known for mass bass fishing, Lake Pontchartrain holds an annual championship tournament in October. 

Bayou Lacombe is a recommended spot for anglers who prefer wade fishing. Here, one can capture largemouth bass and redfish. Beginner or not, it offers an assurance of capturing fish species. Bayou Teche offers recreational fishing during daylight hours. Here, largemouth bass and bream can be caught during the spring and fall. Using nets and traps is not allowed, and not attending to your cast lines.

Connected to the Sabine River, Toledo Bend Reservoir caters to various wildlife including alligators, birds, and fish. Leading fish species caught are largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. There is also the presence of striped bass, but because of the reservoir conditions, it is annually maintained through stocking. Many record fish are caught through baitcasting, fly fishing, and bow fishing.

Top 10 Fish Species in Arnaudville, LA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Arnaudville are redfish, largemouth bass, sheepshead, spotted trout, crappie, channel catfish, rainbow trout, warmouth, chain pickerel, and freshwater drum.

Seasonal Fishing

Warm weather activities are best enjoyed in Arnaudville during April and May or September to October. The average temperature falls between 74 to 90 degrees in the hot season. It experiences 43 to 61 degrees of temperature during the cool season from December to February. 

From May to September, excess freshwater is transferred to the lake, causing the fluctuation of fish presence. Spotted trout and redfish would appear during fall and winter, avoiding salinity imbalance in the water. It is best to catch sheepshead in the late winter because they are preparing for reproduction. Sheepshead would actively look for food and would be nearer on the surface. Anglers could also capture flounders between October through December because it is the spawning season. At any time of the year, it is best to plan ahead of time to have a fun, productive fishing trip.

Plan a Unique and Exciting Trip in Arnaudville

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Filled with swamps, Bayou Teche is a water body flowing through Arnaudville. Top fishing destinations are Lake Pontchartrain and Toledo Bend Reservoir. Offering a range of fish species such as redfish, largemouth bass, sheepshead, and spotted trout, Arnaudville provides a great fishing experience and opportunities for wade fishing, fly fishing, baitcasting, and bow fishing. Anglers can bring their boat to the launch sites to experience offshore fishing. 

2. Attend a Festival

Attracting with its unique culture, Arnaudville has fascinated artists from different places in the world. Le Feu el l’Eau Festival is celebrated in December, and it is known as the Fire and Water Rural Arts. In April, Etoufee Festival appreciates the local food and culture of Louisiana. The Bayou Blues Revival is a music festival accompanied by local food featuring various cajun recipes.

3. Join a Swamp Tour

Arnaudville offers several guided swamp tours due to the number of bayous present near the area. Have an adventurous experience of exploring swamps and be surprised at alligators, snakes, turtles, and various species of birds. Experience a change of green scenery and look at different plant life and unique trees that can only be seen in a swamp environment.