Bienville Parish, LA: Fishing at The Top of Louisiana

Bienville Parish is in the northwestern portion of Louisiana, with more than 12,950 recorded residents. In 1848 Bienville Parish was founded and was named in honor of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, known for being the founder of New Orleans city. The Parish seat is Arcadia, the integrated municipality with the highest state elevation, 384 above sea level. 

Bienville Parish is home to many natural landscapes, such as Mt. Driskill, the highest natural point in Louisiana with 536 feet of elevation. Individuals could go camping in some parts of Mt. Driskill and hunt during the open season. A walking trail is open to the public in the lower parts of the mountain. 

Covered with flat land with crossing waters, Bienville Parish has 11 square miles of water and about 800 square miles of land. Streams include the Loggy Bayou, Lake Bistineau, and the Red River. Bienville Parish residents love fishing in these streams, especially in the Red River because it is one of the major rivers in the southern hemisphere of the United States.

Fishing in Bienville has been one of the parish's stable food sources. Aside from sustaining the residents, Bienville Parish LA fishing is essential to the state’s economy and commercial industry. About 20 million pounds of seafood and fish are from Bienville fishing, and many merchants sell this huge catch to nearby cities in Louisiana.

Bienville Parish Fishing

Fishing at the highest point in Louisiana offers anglers excitement that they have never experienced before. Bienville Parish provides excellent hunting and fishing in various ponds and lakes. It has about 11 square miles of water, most of which is fishable. Make sure you have your Louisiana fishing license, and you are good to go. Aside from that, there are wooded areas that are recreational activities.

Lake Bistineau is one of the many lakes in Bienville Parish to visit for fishing. It is well-known as a bass angler's paradise. A log jam created the original Lake Bistineau on the Red River in Louisiana; however, it drained when dredged. The government decided to construct a permanent dam, which formed Lake Bistineau. 

The lake's 14-mile length is perfect for water skiers and anglers who want to cast for a trout and bass record in the coves and fingers. It boasts over 50 miles of shoreline lined with cypress trees and tupelo bushes. Catfish, sunfish, and yellow bass also thrive here, providing plenty of fishing action.

Two marinas and half a dozen boat launch ramps offer easy boat access, and supplies are available near the lake for those who prefer boating to catch fish. Camping and lodging and several dining opportunities are available nearby.

Another lake brimming with fishing opportunities is Kepler Lake. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries claims that in 1957, Kepler Lake formed when Kepler Creek had a dam constructed beside it. The resulting water spread over the creek's surrounding lowlands, creating a cypress-studded, stump-infested lake of 2,000 acres.

The lake is shallow in some areas, especially on the north end. It has an abundance of aquatic vegetation, such as coon-tail and lily pads, which provide cover for fish. Periodic drawdowns are necessary to keep the vegetation under control.

Kepler lake is also a bass fishing paradise. Different bass varieties, such as black bass, white bass, largemouth bass, and more, flock here. Trout varieties are abundant here too. You’ll get to snag rainbow and lake trout when fishing here. 

Bienville Parish is like a bass factory. It is renowned as one of America’s premier bass fishing destinations. Anglers from all over the country wouldn’t miss snagging this fish when they visit the parish and utilize different fishing methods like baitcasting and heavy tackle. 

Almost all bass varieties are especially in love with live baits. The best live bait for trophy largemouth bass is wild-caught shiners or shad. The golden shiner is the most productive and popular method to catch trophy-sized bass, which is standard information from anglers who enjoy landing some of the biggest bass in their lives. Similarly, you can use domestic shiners to catch a broader range of freshwater species, including peacock bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, etc.

If you want to target trophy-sized bass, heavy tackle is what you can rely on. Heavy tackle is not a unique fishing technique but uses a heavy-duty gear to catch large fish. While light tackle fishing emphasizes bringing your catch in as quickly and efficiently as possible, heavy tackle gives you the power to go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest fish in the ocean. Furthermore, it prevents you from over-exhausting your catch since you're less likely to break your line, making it easier on the fish.

Top 10 Fish Species In Bienville Parish, LA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Bienville Parish, LA, are largemouth bass, black rockfish, white bass, yellow bass, blue catfish, lake trout, redear sunfish, crappie, bluegill,  and smallmouth bass.

Seasonal Fishing

Bienville Parish fishing is an activity that you may enjoy throughout the year. Its bass fishing opportunities never weaken despite the season, although you may need to change your strategy accordingly. 

For example, many anglers give up during summer bass fishing because they experience a hard time locating the fish. They switch to night fishing or give up entirely. However, a few anglers understand that the heat can help find bass positions and predictability. The hotter it gets, the easier it is to catch bass. Looking down an entire bank of shallow cover, you can instantly see where the largest fish will sit. You can catch fish with just a few reliable baits by removing the guesswork.

Similarly, winter bass fishing has its perks and downsides. Bass anglers widely believe you can't catch fish in cold weather. The notion stems from the fish's cold-blooded nature that their metabolism slows down when temperatures drop. While food digesting slower than usual reduces bass’ need to feed regularly, this does not mean they do not eat in the winter months. So yes, although cold weather makes it a little tougher to pull in a catch, there are still fish that will grab a bait, even in frigid temperatures.

Get to The Top of Louisiana in Bienville Parish

When you are not fishing in Bienville Parish, you should explore one of the highest points of the state of Louisiana. The parish's viewpoints are something you should not miss out on! Get a lovely view of the state while doing these fun activities in the parish. 

1. Camp Out in Lake Bistineau State Park 

The State Park has recreational facilities that will help you enjoy nature with your loved ones, and its location in Lake Bistineau offers a scenic view. Lake Bistineau formed over 200 years ago when the Red River overflowed. 

Camping is one of the most popular activities in Lake Bistineau State Park. Rates start at $33 for an overnight stay. You can venture into the park’s trail system, rest at your campsite, and spend the night in your tents. 

2. Visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum 

Infamous couple Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed and killed near Bienville Parish, and not long after, a museum of their exploits was created in the parish. You may browse through the exhibition halls and learn more about the history of one of America’s notorious gangster duos. 

3. Join the Jonquil Jubilee Festival at Gibsland

The Jonquil Jubilee Festival is celebrated annually by Gibsland residents. Gibsland is known in Bienville Parish as the connecting point of railroads and its vibrant daffodils. This festival lets you take a break from the busy city life and enjoy the scene of different jonquils or daffodils.