Thread: When the River is Right

There are very few places in the U.S. like the Atchafalaya Basin located in the southern part of Louisiana. It has many miles of cypress swamp, bayous and lakes. It has more area than one could fish in a lifetime and is one of the most scenic places anywhere. The Basin is one of the best crappie fisheries when conditions are right. Not only can you catch limits of nice crappie, but the countless number of bluegill, goggle-eye, shell-crackers, and bass make it a fishers paradise. However the basin can be trying and depending on water levels can be impossible at times to figure out. Some trips you would swear there is no fish to be caught and at other times you may wonder where have all these fish have been. There are reasons for this. The number one would be water levels. When the levels are above flood stage, the fish tend to scatter through the millions of acres of marsh and be maybe difficult to locate. But when water levels recede and drop below flood stage, fishing can be fantastic. Of course, time of year also plays a factor. Like many fisheries, spring and summer are the favorite times to catch the many speices that make the Basin special. During early spring, crappie can be found spawning around the millions of standing cypress trees. Finding their location is the challenge. The key is experience. You should ask friends, family, baitshop owners or locals where to fish. There are some things to look for when fishing this beautiful vast swampland. Typically, trees with many cypress knees tend to hold more fish. Again this can be a daunting task. It's a matter of trial and error. Going with someone who knows the many lakes and bayous can eliminate the miles of no fish. The second is the many points where one canal meets another, especially when the water is falling and clear water is mixing with muddy or stained water. This pattern is especially good in late summer when grass beds are present. When you find the right spot, not only can you catch limits of nice crappie, but bass too and the many other fish that inhabit this vast wetland. Some of the biggest goggle-eye and shell crackers can be found in the Basin also. So if you have never experience one of the true wonders of nature and its many miles of great crappie water, the Atchafalaya Basin is one to put on your list. Good luck fishing. Hope to see ya on the water.

Great read.