Corkern Lake Fishing near Franklinton, Louisiana

• Overview

  Look for Corkern Lake in Washington Parish, Louisiana. This is warm green lowland ground. Small at around 2 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Washington Parish are larger. Supplies mean a trip to Franklinton, 13 miles off. Metairie sits 49 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Corkern Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Public wildlife records from this area list blackbanded darter, gulf darter, shadow bass and black madtom. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. Corkern Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 49°F in January up to 81°F in July. Heat, not cold, decides when to be on the water. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Corkern Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out. After a storm, the water clears from the edges inwards.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Green Lakes, 10 miles away. Rules at Corkern Lake are worth checking on the day.