Bayou and Canal Fishing Questions

Hello All,

Let me start by saying I’m used to fishing brush piles in the lakes of North Louisiana. My grandfather and I would sink brush piles in a couple lakes up there and that’s all we would fish when we went out. I’ve been in South Louisiana for some time, but I’ve never really gone after white perch down here. I have salt water fished and did a little bass fishing down here, but would usually go back north for white perch. Would anyone care to give me some insight on how to fish the bayous and canals of South LA? I’m assuming I’m looking for any brush I can find. Should I just start trolling up and down the banks looking for any cover? Thank you all for any input!

Sorry you can't catch any white perch down here. All we have is sac-au-lait. lol

Welcome to south La. You don't state which part of south La. While there are a few places to put out brush most of the structure fished is the banks and laydowns along them. Most bayous and canals are around 6 to 7 feet or less in most cases. Coming out from the banks where the water can be from 1 to 3 feet the canal then drop down to 6 or 7. That drop off is a good place to find them in summer or up on the flats during the spawn. Some times you can find them just roaming in the middle of the canals. Now if you're talking about fishing the Basin that is a little different but not much, mostly shallow bayous and canals with a few deeper places.
PPG

First off, Welcome to the forum! North Louisiana seems to have better crappie waters IMO, but as far as south LA, PPG pretty much nailed it!

I'd add water condition. Moving water too.

Thank y’all!

PPG I live outside of Baton Rouge so it would mainly be the rivers around here, the spillway when it acts right, Verret when it acts right, and occasionally Sherburne WMA.

Dwayne I would agree! It’s just not always feasible to make a run up there. It’s nice though that you’re not always dependent on river conditions and having to deal with high, muddy water when you fish up there.

Jig Rig I’m guessing you’re talking about good clear water when the river levels drop out of the woods?

>Jig Rig I’m guessing you’re talking about good clear water when the river levels drop out of the woods?[/QUOTE]

stay away from gin clear water and or black water. Mixing water can be good.