Old River Fishing in Washington Parish, Louisiana

• Overview

  Set in Washington Parish, Old River is a Louisiana water. Around the bank it is scrub and brush. Surface area is around 33 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. On our Washington Parish list it sits near the top for size. Bogalusa sits 2.4 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The nearest city of size is Metairie, 59 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Old River

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include gulf logperch, threadfin shad and gizzard shad. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. Fish Old River to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 81°F in July and bottom out at 49°F in January. Year-round warmth means year-round fishing, with early starts in summer. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan around that when you fish Old River.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Round Lake, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm before you fish Old River.