Athens, LA Fishing: The Rural Destination for Serene Angling

Athens is a small village located in the central south of Claiborne Parish; the area comprises vast forests with meadows and greens all over. Rural cities surround northwest Louisiana. Athens offers a serene and simple life to those who want to experience the countryside. With a small population of not more than three hundred inhabitants, the village certainly takes pride in its tight-knit community.

The village of Athens, named after the ancient capital city of Greece, became incorporated in 1902. In Louisiana, a parish is the counterpart of a county, and Athens was once the parish seat of Claiborne Parish in 1848. However, fire consumed the courthouse two years later, and the seat was passed on to Homer, where the courthouse was rebuilt. Athens sits directly south of Homer, making it easily accessible. The whole Claiborne Parish remains to be a quiet rural destination until today.

Huge lakes are scattered around the village of Athens, where people can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other fun recreational activities.

Athens Fishing

When in Athens, lakes are the primary water bodies for freshwater fishing. Northeast of the village is Lake Claiborne, a 6,400-acre rural lake made by Claiborne Lock and Dam in 1970. It is known for its excellent water quality and the wide variety of recreational fun. The lake sits around beautiful woods where plant life flourish and wildlife live. People enjoy its scenic nature trails alongside other outdoor adventures such as camping, waterskiing, boating, birding, swimming, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The lake has its way of making its visitors feel relaxed in whatever activity they choose to do. Freshwater fishing in the lake promises good bite from games like largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, striped bass, bream, chain pickerel, yellow bass, spotted bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, flier sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, bowfin, spotted gar, and white perch. With almost 40 miles of shoreline and several piers and docks, fly fishing is one of the most common ways to catch fish in the lake. Six spots along the lake’s banks are ready for boat launching to access the lake for drift fishing. Pontoons, sailboats, canoes, and kayaks are allowed here. When fishing in Lake Claiborne, it is recommended to bring shrimps, catalpa worms, crickets, and crayfish as a fish bite on these baits, especially catfish. It is also important to note that bream are mostly caught on the lake’s bed. Competitive anglers will be thrilled to catch some big bass here. These trophies bite on soft plastic lures or live minnows and can be found in their favorite spots under the covers of rocks. Lake Claiborne is a beautiful spot to take your family and friends for a day of fishing.

Southwest, a little outside of Athens, is Lake Bistineau, a vast lake with an approximate area of 15,500 acres. The lake was originally a product of a log jam on the Red River until it drained. In 1942, the government constructed a permanent dam, now Lake Bistineau. Fish species like largemouth bass, spotted bass, freshwater drum, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and yellow bass provide plenty of fishing action. Anglers come to Lake Bistineau for trophy bass and fat crappie. A nature-inspiring experience awaits shoreline fishers as tupelo and cypress trees line the banks of the lake and give shade to anglers. However, it might be a little tricky to get bait under tree structures. Because of this, anglers may cast underhand or flip the lures. For anglers that are boating enthusiasts, two marinas and six launch ramps are available here. For crappie hunters, the Bistineau jig is perfect. This jig is locally made and named after the lake. It has a slight pink head wrapped with purple or indigo thread for the body and chartreuse hair. 

Anglers are advised to frequently check on the state regulations for fishing to avoid unneeded violations. Louisiana makes an effort to conserve and preserve its natural resources for generations to come. Thus, anglers must keep in mind that it is not allowed to possess any of the following endangered, threatened, or prohibited species:

• Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser Oxyrinchus Desotoi)
• Louisiana Pearlshell Mussel (Margaritifera Hembeli)
• Pink Mucket Mussel (Lampsilis Abrupta)
• Rabbitsfoot Mussel (Quadrula Cylindrica Cylindrica)
• Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Albus)
• Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus)
• Inflated Heelsplitter Mussel (Potamilus Inflatus)
• Fat Pocketbook Mussel (Potamilus Capax)

The possession of any of the species mentioned above has corresponding penalties.

Top 10 Fish Species in Athens, LA

The top 10 fish species in Athens are largemouth bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, crappie, yellow bass, bluegill, spotted bass, redear sunfish, and striped bass.

Seasonal Fishing

February and March are good months to fish when in Athens. Head out to the nearest lakes because big fish will be ready to spawn. The water depth is a good indicator of where to look for fish. During spring, male fish tend to go to shallow areas, while female fish will lurk around the boundaries of sloughs and uneven lake beds. Crappie are also inclined to shallow areas when spawning during this season. During the spring, fish species have many hiding places, making it difficult for anglers.

In summer, the outer trees in Lake Bistineau are great places to cast a rod and wait for a bite. Big plastic baits work well for fish around this area. However, making your bait easily visible to fish species can be challenging due to thick weeds and other aquatic plant life. Another thing to look out for during summer is the crowd who comes for vacation during the hot season.

Fall and winter are very productive seasons for fishing in the rural lakes of Louisiana. However, anglers will most likely share the lake with seasonal duck hunters.

Reach Out to the Raw and Rural Athens

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Coming to the rural areas of Louisiana needs more than just preparing your gear. Book a local guide to help you make your fishing trip smoother! If you book a local guide today, know the best spots to fish from that fit your style.

2. Unlimited Activities at Lake Claiborne State Park

Lake Claiborne State Park is a known home to a diversity of wildlife. Wildlife viewing is popular here, but many other outdoor fun activities can be enjoyed in its vast area. Nature trails in the park overlook scenic natural beauty. People come to camp, swim, boat, fish, play, and hike in this splendid place where they can be closer to nature. Cabins among pine trees offer a great overnight camping experience with a splendid lake view. Come to Lake Claiborne State Park and appreciate nature in every corner!

3. Local History at Ford Museum

The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum houses a collection of important local history and culture in Claiborne Parish; the museum’s establishment was once the former Claiborne Hotel at South Main Street in Homer. The Homer Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters is located inside the two-story museum. Drop by to see Claiborne’s past at Ford Museum!