Book Your Fishing Charter in Bonita, LA

Check out Bonita, LA, where you can get the chance to fish in the world's longest bayou.

Book Your Fishing Charter in Bonita, LA
Book Your Fishing Charter in Bonita, LA
Team Guidesly

August 1, 2022, 3 min read

Updated on June 19, 2023

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You can find the quaint little village of Bonita near Louisiana’s northern border with Arkansas. It is one of the four villages of Morehouse Parish, housing part of the world’s longest bayou and other rich waterways filled with a variety of fish. Although the village is small in area and population, you can still find plenty of things to do when planning your next adventure here.

You can kick back and relax in Bonita as it offers its unique take on the Southern charm of a small town. This tight-knit community can give you access to plenty of fishing holes waiting for your next prized catch. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to launch your boat or set up near the shoreline, you’ll surely reel plenty of fish from local waters around Bonita.

Bonita Fishing: Abundant Bayou Fishing in Small-Town Louisiana

father and daughter fishing by the lake

Bonita is surrounded by a lot of bayous, lakes, and rivers that hold plenty of fish ready to bite your hooks. Onshore and offshore fishing are readily available in these local waters, so you don’t have to worry.

Within the village’s area, you’ll be able to fish from Bayou Bonne Idee. This narrow stream and dam can allow you to catch fish like largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and bigmouth buffalo. It’s a great spot for bank fishing because of its shoreline’s easy access, but certain areas are best navigated by boat. Here, you’ll find huge crappie and bream or sunfish species. There are also many catfish, but they’re on the smaller side. 

If you want to try out the lake fishing scene in Bonita, head to either of the Horseshoe Lakes found north and south of the village. Both lakes hold a vast array of species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow bass, white bass, striped bass, black crappie, flathead catfish, black bullhead, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, cisco, whitefish, muskellunge, northern pike, bluegill, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white perch, rough fish, round goby, ruffe, lake trout, walleye, and sauger. You might spot some lake sturgeon, shovelnose sturgeon, and paddlefish swimming about, but note that you’re not allowed to catch these species. Crappie is the primary target for those who fish in either lake.

You’re in for a treat when you find yourself fishing in Bonita. This is because you’ll get the chance to also fish in the world’s longest bayou, Bayou Bartholomew. A good portion of this stream can be accessed west of Bonita. It is renowned for its excellent crappie, catfish, and bream fisheries. You can also fish for other freshwater fish already mentioned and garfish. This bayou is terrific for boat anglers and those who like to use minnows, worms, and artificial lures. 

Book a fishing charter to enhance your fishing experience. If you're keen to explore more of what this area offers, you can go and have another fishing adventure in nearby places like New Orleans and Southwest Florida. Louisiana has access to the Gulf Coast, so you can take a charter boat or your fishing boat and go deep sea fishing for various saltwater species such as blue marlin, calico bass, Spanish mackerel, sand bass, king mackerel, white sea bass, tarpon, yellowfin tuna, and more. Whether inshore fishing or deep sea fishing, make sure to ready whichever fishing license you need. 

Nearby Attractions in Bonita

1. Go Hunting and Trapping

If you’re also a keen hunter, parts of Bayou Bartholomew allow hunting and trapping animals. Popular targets are mallards, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers that migrate along the bayou. Make sure to check local hunting regulations and wear hunter orange when appropriate. If you have a pet with you, make sure they are leashed.

2. Travel to a Nearby Wildlife Management Area

Experience more of nature and travel to the Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Area. It is located in the nearby city of Bastrop. Acres upon acres of native Louisiana flora and fauna can be appreciated on this site. It also offers plenty of room and amenities for outdoor recreation. 

Fish in Bonita and beyond.