Ouchleys Pond in Union Parish: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Union Parish, Louisiana, sits Ouchleys Pond. The ground round it is open plain. This is a pocket water of some 14 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Compared with other Louisiana water on our list, it sits high. For supplies, Farmerville is 3.4 miles out. Sterlington lies 16 miles off, Bernice another 18 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Ouchleys Pond

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public wildlife records from this area list bantam sunfish, creole darter, orangebelly darter, redspot darter and bluegill. Take it as evidence of what swims here, not a promise for one session. Ouchleys Pond responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 44°F and July at about 82°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Ouchleys Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Bayou D'Arbonne Lake sits 5.1 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Ouchleys Pond is worth confirming on the day.