Located on The Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, St. Tammany Parish is a scenic slice of Louisiana where cypress trees meet salt marshes, and freshwater and saltwater species collide in all the best ways.
Louisiana’s Easy Escape is a year-round playground for anglers. Whether you’re chasing redfish at sunrise or teaching your child how to bait a hook for the first time, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting in these waters.
No Boat? No Problem. Fish From the Shore!
Deborah Burst photo
Not everyone has a boat, and the good news is — you don’t need one. Some of the best places to fish in Louisiana without a boat are right here in St. Tammany.
Take a drive down Lake Road in Lacombe, where nearly a mile and a half of shoreline offers easy access to redfish, speckled trout, and even blue crabs. The Madisonville Fishing Pier is another local favorite. Set on the Tchefuncte River, it’s a peaceful, family-friendly spot where anglers regularly haul in white trout, croaker, and the occasional flounder.
And if you’ve heard talk about “The Wall” in Slidell — officially known as the Lakeshore Estates Wall — you’ll want to check it out. This stretch is legendary for speckled trout, flounder, and big fall redfish runs.
Boat Fishing: Where the Big Ones Are
Keith Lusher photo
Whether you’re bringing your boat or renting one, prepare for endless options. The Rigolets, an iconic strait that links Lake Pontchartrain to Lake Borgne, is teeming with action. On any given day, you might reel in speckled trout, redfish, black drum, or flounder. Launch from Rigolets Marina in Slidell for quick access to some of the most productive inshore waters in Louisiana.
Further west, Bayou Lacombe and Bogue Falaya Park (Covington) offer quiet, scenic stretches that are best navigated by kayak or shallow-draft boats. These waters are full of surprises — bass, catfish, redfish, and even sheepshead during the cooler months.
Charter Fishing: Let the Pros Guide You
Charter fishing with Angling Adventures of Louisiana
Interested in a mixed-bag inshore adventure? There’s a fishing charter captain here who can put you on the fish and teach you a few things along the way! Our local guides know every tide, every honey hole, and every trick of the trade. Charters based out of Rigolets Marina are especially popular, with full- and half-day trips tailored for families, beginners, and seasoned fishermen alike.
How Much Is a Fishing License in Louisiana?
If you’re planning to fish in Louisiana, you’ll need a valid fishing license. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Residents: $17 for a basic license
- Non-Residents: $30 and up for a basic license
If you’re fishing saltwater or planning to harvest certain species, additional fees may apply. Always check the latest requirements from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before you go. You can also purchase your fishing license online. (Keith Lusher photo)
Where to Eat Fresh Seafood
Pearl's Seafood Market & Restaurant in Slidell
After you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy the flavors of The Northshore, where local seafood restaurants serve up the best of the bayous.
In Slidell, Kenney Seafood is a one-stop shop for fried, blackened, and boiled seafood—plus a market if you want to take something home. Also in Slidell, Pearl's Seafood Market & Restaurant carries live crab, shrimp, oysters and crawfish by the sackful for you to boil at home, or you can sit down to a fresh shrimp po'boy, fried catfish platter, BBQ Shrimp Queso, or trays of fresh crab. Mandeville Seafood Market & Eatery is another favorite, offering fresh oysters, shrimp, and seasonal boiled crawfish. And in Covington, Don’s Seafood serves up Cajun classics in a lively setting full of local flavor.
Reel in Memories on The Northshore
Deborah Burst photo
The best time to fish in Louisiana is anytime! From father-and-son bonding trips to weekend warrior getaways, fishing in St. Tammany Parish is more than a pastime — it’s a tradition. So bring your gear and your appetite, and discover the unforgettable fishing experience waiting for you on The Northshore.