Book Your Fishing Charter in Athens, LA

The rural life in the Claiborne Parish countryside has its unique charm. Athens, a small village located in the central south of the parish, is full of serene meadows and forests. This tranquil green wonderland is named after the ancient capital city of Greece. Athens is the perfect destination to get away from the hustles of the city by loosening up, unwinding, and discovering yourself while becoming closer to nature. Its small population of only a little more than a hundred households is community-driven and fun-loving. The village is accessible to other nearby rural cities, offering more recreational activities. Athens has a relaxing ambiance that makes it the best setting for a wonderful vacation, whether solo or with family and friends!

Athens Fishing: Freshwater All-Around

Go a little outside Athens, head northeast, and try fishing in Lake Claiborne. It is a rural lake made by Claiborne Lock and Dam in 1970, with an approximate size of  6,400 acres. The lake’s excellent water quality is home to various plant and aquatic life, while the flourishing woods are also home to many plants and different wildlife. It offers splendid nature trails and many recreational activities. Freshwater fishing is popular in the lake, and species to watch out for include largemouth bass, channel catfish, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill, striped bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, yellow bass, spotted bass, white crappie, flier sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, bowfin, spotted gar, and white perch. Lake Claiborne’s 40 miles of shoreline and several piers and docks offer good spots for fly fishing. Half a dozen boat ramps along the banks are available for launching access for drift fishing. When they come to Lake Claiborne for a fun family fishing day, quality time awaits anglers.

Head southwest outside Athens and see Lake Bistineau, a big lake with an approximate area of 15,500 acres. Initially, it was made due to a log jam on the Red River. It drained out, and in 1942, a permanent dam was constructed in its replacement. Lake Bistineau is known for many outdoor opportunities, and freshwater fishing is one. For anglers who are first-timers in the area, bring appropriate gear for games like largemouth bass, spotted bass, freshwater drum, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and yellow bass. There is plenty of trophy bass action in the lake, and crappie fishing is prevalent here. Crappie fishing is widely known in the lake that they even made a special Bistineau jig for the species. The jig has a pink head, purple body, and chartreuse hair. Tupelo and cypress trees are found lining the banks of the lake, making it perfect for anglers who like to be with nature when fishing.

Head Out to the Rural Side

1. Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area

This Wildlife Management Area is 6,381 acres, offering a huge nature area for different activities such as camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, and fishing in Loggy Bayou. Other trees flourish here, giving a beautiful backdrop to the bayou; head southwest and drop by this scenic park when you come to Athens!

2. Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve

Caroline Dormon is the first woman hired in the United States Forest Service. She is a renowned naturalist, author, and artist. Works by Dormon are featured, conserved, and cultivated in the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve. Preservation of wildflowers native to the south is just one of the notable acts by the nature preserve. They also educate people on how forest ecosystems work, providing awareness on protecting nature. Head south when you’re in Athens, and visit this exceptional botanical sanctuary.