Jeff Bruhl
February is the shortest month of the year. Normally, this is a good thing. February weather in south Louisiana is a roller coaster of hot and cold which can throw the fish for a loop. With a warmer than normal January, much of the south Louisiana marsh saw a major spawn during the last few weeks. If the warm weather continues, look for the spawn to move north across the I-10/I-12 corridor.
Northshore
Swollen rivers are everywhere across the area. However, a few days of dry weather will have the water move back to the clear side. One issue to pay attention is wind direction. West winds can drain many of the marsh areas around the lakes (Pontchartrain and Marepaus). Info like wind and spawn should be part of any plans to find bass or other freshwater fish.
Anglers should have finding clean water as the primary goal. Fish begin to move into deadends to spawn so start the search there. Rogues, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigs are good starting points. Stick baits work well on bedding fish. Spinnerbaits cover water. And Texas rigs probe areas where fish may spawn like stumps, tree tops, or shallow banks.
Reports are decent from the Pearl to the Tickfaw. Size and quantity should improve after a year without a storm. Muddy water and falling water levels can change a prime spot overnight so be prepared to adapt.
Basin
The river is moving up. However, west winds and a few days without rain has kept the gauge at Morgan City below 4 ft. Reports are good for the area from Bayou Black to Verret. The consistent thread in all reports is the mixture of muddy, clean, and super clear water. Black swamp water may hold fish but requires long cast and fluorocarbon line.
Dead-ends are prime real estate this time of year. However, tactics depends on water levels and water clarity. Jigs and plastics are good for muddy water. Try spinnerbaits for clean water. Stick baits and floating worms are main stays for clear water.
Sac-au-lait, White Perch, and Crappie
Crappie are known by many names. Just like the bass, reports are the fish are spawning in the marshes of south Louisiana. February should find some spawning crappie move up to spawn on Northshore Rivers. Basin reports have been good for panfish. Again, matching tactics to the water in a deadend will pay off. Anglers can add a few crappie nibbles or crappie psychics to their jigs for a few more bites. Road runners are great for searching areas for active fish. Usually, one crappie means there are more in the area so slow down.
Northshore
Swollen rivers are everywhere across the area. However, a few days of dry weather will have the water move back to the clear side. One issue to pay attention is wind direction. West winds can drain many of the marsh areas around the lakes (Pontchartrain and Marepaus). Info like wind and spawn should be part of any plans to find bass or other freshwater fish.
Anglers should have finding clean water as the primary goal. Fish begin to move into deadends to spawn so start the search there. Rogues, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigs are good starting points. Stick baits work well on bedding fish. Spinnerbaits cover water. And Texas rigs probe areas where fish may spawn like stumps, tree tops, or shallow banks.
Reports are decent from the Pearl to the Tickfaw. Size and quantity should improve after a year without a storm. Muddy water and falling water levels can change a prime spot overnight so be prepared to adapt.
Basin
The river is moving up. However, west winds and a few days without rain has kept the gauge at Morgan City below 4 ft. Reports are good for the area from Bayou Black to Verret. The consistent thread in all reports is the mixture of muddy, clean, and super clear water. Black swamp water may hold fish but requires long cast and fluorocarbon line.
Dead-ends are prime real estate this time of year. However, tactics depends on water levels and water clarity. Jigs and plastics are good for muddy water. Try spinnerbaits for clean water. Stick baits and floating worms are main stays for clear water.
Sac-au-lait, White Perch, and Crappie
Crappie are known by many names. Just like the bass, reports are the fish are spawning in the marshes of south Louisiana. February should find some spawning crappie move up to spawn on Northshore Rivers. Basin reports have been good for panfish. Again, matching tactics to the water in a deadend will pay off. Anglers can add a few crappie nibbles or crappie psychics to their jigs for a few more bites. Road runners are great for searching areas for active fish. Usually, one crappie means there are more in the area so slow down.
