Caddo Lake
A shallow cypress swamp lake on the Louisiana and Texas line northwest of Shreveport, with a spillway and dam controlling the level. It is known for largemouth bass and crappie fishing among cypress trees, bayous and boat lanes.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Largemouth Bass
The most-sought fish. Work cypress trees, lily pads and grass edges with frogs, spinnerbaits and soft plastics.
Crappie
Deeper channels in 12 to 16 ft in winter and summer; cypress trees in shallow water when the water nears 60 degrees in spring.
Blue Catfish
Blues, channels and flatheads are taken on trotlines and limb lines, and around the deeper water near the dam.
White Bass
Plentiful. Look for schools in the lower lake and channels.
Bluegill
Common around shallow wood and pads. Crickets and worms under a cork.
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Earl G. Williamson Park RampPublicCaddo Parish public launch in Oil City, central lakeDirections ↗
- Mooringsport RampPublicPublic launch on the lower lake near the damDirections ↗
- Drift-In LandingFeePrivate launch near the dam in Mooringsport. FeeDirections ↗
- Shady AcresFeePrivate launch on the central lake. FeeDirections ↗
- Caddo Lake State ParkPublicTexas state park ramp and fishing pier on Big Cypress BayouDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Caddo Lake are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Caddo Lake ↗Local tips
- Giant salvinia can choke coves and limit access, especially in fall; check conditions before launching.
- Most of the lake is under 15 ft with many stumps; stay in marked boat lanes unless you know the water.
- A Louisiana or Texas fishing license is honored on both sides of the lake; check each state's rules.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.