Fishing at Lake Maurepas, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana

• Overview

  The Saint John the Baptist Parish entry here is Lake Maurepas, in Louisiana. The water sits 7 feet up. At roughly 91.1 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The edge bends in and out, so one side is usually calmer than the other. It ranks among the bigger water on our Louisiana list. Nearest place of any size is Killian, 8.9 miles away. Montegut is 13 miles away, with Laplace at 13 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Lake Maurepas

  Our records hold no depth for this water. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists bluegill, longear sunfish, American eel and blue catfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Lake Maurepas rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 82°F, with January the cold end at about 51°F. Heat, not cold, decides when to be on the water. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Expect Lake Maurepas to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. For a change of water, Bonnet Carre Floodway is 16 miles distant. The position on Lake Maurepas is worth confirming on the day.