Colfax, LA Fishing: Grant Parish’s Red River Port

Colfax is the parish seat of Grant Parish in Louisiana, United States. The Colfax area was founded in 1869 and is part of the Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area. 

Colfax was formed as a port in the Red River within Rapides Parish. Colfax was named after Schuyler M. Colfax, the Vice President of the United States who served in the first term of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, for whom the Grant Parish was named. Locals known Colfax as Calhoun's Landing before the Civil War. Colfax's economy was supported by a facility burning explosives and ammunition waste since 1985.

Colfax is most known because of the Colfax massacre, or the Colfax riot that took place back in 1873. A crowd of former Confederate troops and Ku Klux Klan members attacked the black militiamen as they tried to surrender, and between 62 and 153 of them were killed. During the conflict, three white men also perished.

Despite its dark past, Colfax evolved into a booming town near the banks of the great Red River. Its location, surrounded by different fishing locations, makes it a good spot for angling and other water activities.

Colfax Fishing

Louisiana, or "Sportsman's Paradise," is home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the southern part of the United States. The state's lakes, ponds, rivers, reservoirs, creeks, and bayous deliver abundant freshwater fishing opportunities. The Colfax area, sitting near the banks of the Red River, sets an example of how rich the fishing culture in the state is.

Colfax was originally 'made' as a Red River port. The Red River, or the Red River of the South, is significant in the southern part of the country. Its water's reddish color caused by passing through red-bed countries is where its name came from. The river system was once a tributary of the Mississippi River but is now a branch of the Atchafalaya River. The Red River is vital in separating Texas and Oklahoma and serves as a short border between Texas and Arkansas. The river flows from Arkansas, south near Fulton, and flows into Louisiana and the Atchafalaya River. It is known to many how abundant bass fishing is in the Red River. The point that the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has chosen the Red River to host the BASSMasters Classic twice for the World Championship of bass fishing means something, especially to bass anglers.

The Red River screams excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The five pools that separate the river system contain plenty of largemouth bass that weigh three to eight pounds. Aside from bass, anglers can capture channel catfish, blue catfish, freshwater drum, flathead catfish, white bass, paddlefish, and longnose gar. Public boat launches are available in the river system. There are also areas suitable for bank fishing. 

Lake Iatt is a 6,600-acre cypress-covered lake five miles east of Colfax near Pineville, known for its largemouth bass, crappie, and bream fishing. Duck hunters enjoy the fair inhabitants of migratory birds who pass through the lake. Lake Iatt is restricted to non-motorized boating, causing the fishing pressure to be light, which improves chances for a trophy fish. Fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, flier sunfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, and warmouth is abundant at Lake Iatt. Canoes and kayaks are the perfect watercraft for fishing the vegetation-choked backwaters of the lake. There are also nearby campgrounds, RV hookups, lodging, and a bait and tackle shop on the lake. Anglers interested in renting a kayak or a paddleboat and paddling through the tranquil waters of Iatt Lake can do so with Iatt Lake Cabins and Kayaks. 

Cane River is a stream located near Colfax, below the Red River. The area is for anglers aiming to catch largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Boat ramps are also open for the public to access. The Cane River-Red Bayou Diversion Canal is near the Cane River, and anglers can catch fish like bass and catfish in the diversion canal. The canal is called Carnahan Creek, Bayou Shantosa, and Red Bayou. Trolling is the ideal technique for striped bass fishing. 

Anglers are also welcome to fish in smaller lakes and bayous near Colfax. McNeely Cut-Off, a Red River channel, is open to the public. Fish species like largemouth bass, flathead catfish, blue catfish, and black crappie are found in the area. Sugarhouse Bayou is another good spot for bass fishing. Anglers can also cast their line in Nantachie Creek, near Waddel in the northern part of Colfax. The creek is abundant with bass and catfish species, specifically blue catfish and largemouth bass.

Anyone interested in fishing on the waters within the broader area around Colfax and Grant Parish should consult with local resources like the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before venturing out to fish.

Top 10 Fish Species in Colfax, LA

The top ten fish species found in Colfax, LA, are channel catfish, blue catfish, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, white bass, paddlefish, longnose gar, bluegill, crappie, and striped bass.

Seasonal Fishing

Largemouth bass fishing season in Louisiana starts in April and ends in September. Meanwhile, striped bass follow the temperatures and not the season, but anglers can still catch them at any time of the year, best in summer and early fall. Fishing for white bass peaks in early spring. Spring is also the period for catching massive blue and channel catfish in the state. Summertime is when bluegill are easiest to grab. According to anglers, February and March are the best months to catch a lot of crappie in the state. Paddlefish spawning takes place in the spring, making it the best time to target them. Anglers often have the best results fishing for freshwater drum in June and July. They spawn in April and May in open water. 

Places To Visit and Things To Do in Colfax

Colfax in Louisiana offers a fantastic selection of outdoor recreation areas and amazing nature scenery to those interested in spending time in the wilderness. 

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Charter fishing tours are the best way to spend a day on the water onboard a fishing boat. Louisiana inshore fishing charters can deliver top-notch fishing adventures, and anglers can enjoy fishing and exploring the area with their friends and family by chartering a quality fishing trip. Many anglers prefer to hire a fishing charter because of the hassle of maintaining boats and going on a fishing trip. By hiring professional guides, anglers can concentrate on having fun, catching fish, and not bothering about preparing the boat, and fishing equipment, navigating the top Louisiana fishing resorts, or cleaning up after a successful trip. Fishing Tom Guide Service, Fowl Language Guide Service, Tapped-Out Charters, and Captain Ty Hibbs are some fishing charters that offer freshwater fishing trips.

2. Stay at Colfax RV Park

Colfax RV Park allows the pitching of tents at affordable RV prices. A playground is also open for kids, while picnic areas are available under shaded trees. Some sites have tent pads, but not all. They all have picnic tables and fire pits. A day-use boat launch and a floating dock are open for guests. It is a clean and quiet park that guests will surely appreciate.

3. Excellent Getaway at Iatt Lake Cabins and Kayaks

Guests who want to experience a quiet fishing life are always welcome to visit the Iatt Lake Cabins & Kayaks. The recreational area has three houses that visitors can choose from and many activities they can enjoy. Tourists can rent a kayak and go fishing or duck hunting. Iatt Lake Cabins & Kayaks has different kayaks, a paddle boat, and a pirogue open for daily rental.