Orleans Avenue Canal Fishing near Metairie, Louisiana

• Overview

  In Louisiana, Orleans Avenue Canal belongs to Orleans Parish. The shore lies 1.8 miles out. 3.7 miles away sits Metairie, the nearest town. Then New Orleans, 4 miles, and Jefferson, 4.4 miles. In the same area: Lake Michoud at 11 miles, Black Bayou Lagoon after 13 miles, Bayou Bardeaux at 14 miles, Blind Lagoon after 14 miles and Lake Cataouatche at 14 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Orleans Avenue Canal

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Time trips to the tide table rather than the clock here. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public wildlife records from this area list bluegill, spotted gar, Alligator gar and flathead grey mullet. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Orleans Avenue Canal the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 83°F in July and bottoms out near 53°F in January. The calendar barely matters here; the time of day does. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan any trip to Orleans Avenue Canal around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  This one is recorded as open to the public. You can leave the car about 130 yards from the water. Fishing from a pier is possible 170 yards away. A rest area sits about half a mile from the water. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Lake Michoud sits 11 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Orleans Avenue Canal locally before you travel.