Fishing in Louisiana isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer looking to hook your first redfish, understanding how tides and weather impact the bite is key to a successful day on the water. At Whiskey Bayou Charters, we’ve spent countless hours fishing the marshes, bays, and bayous of Delacroix, Louisiana, and we know that reading the conditions can make all the difference.
If you’ve ever wondered why some days the fish are biting like crazy and other days they seem to disappear, this blog is for you. We’ll break down how tides and weather influence fishing in Louisiana’s rich coastal waters, helping you plan better trips and put more fish in the boat.
The Role of Tides in Louisiana Fishing
Tides are one of the most important factors in determining fish movement and feeding behavior. Here in Delacroix and throughout the Louisiana coast, tides are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, creating daily water movement that impacts where fish hold and when they eat. Unlike inland lakes or rivers, saltwater fishing is heavily influenced by these constant and predictable shifts in the tide.
Tide charts are essential tools for anglers because they allow us to predict when the water will be moving. Fish, especially predatory species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum, rely on these natural cycles to feed. When the tide moves, it brings food with it, and where there’s food, there are fish.
Why Tides Matter for Fishing
Tides create water movement, and water movement stirs up baitfish, crabs, and shrimp—effectively ringing the dinner bell for game fish. Fish are opportunistic feeders, meaning they don’t like to work too hard for a meal. The more the current moves, the more likely it is to push bait into narrow marsh drains, deeper cuts, and shoreline eddies where predatory fish are waiting.
When the tide is too weak, the water becomes stagnant, and fish tend to be less active. On the other hand, when tides are too strong, the water can move too quickly, making it difficult for fish to hold in one spot and ambush prey. The key is finding that sweet spot when the tide is moving just enough to get the fish feeding actively.
Incoming vs. Outgoing Tide – Which is Better?
Incoming Tide: As the tide rises, baitfish and crustaceans get pushed into the marshes, grass beds, and shallow flats. Predators like redfish and trout follow, feeding aggressively in these shallower waters. This is often a great time to target points, oyster reefs, and submerged vegetation where fish are patrolling for an easy meal.
Outgoing Tide: When the tide starts to fall, baitfish and shrimp are naturally pulled out of the marsh into deeper channels and passes. This creates prime feeding opportunities for predatory fish, as they set up in strategic locations to ambush prey being swept along by the current. If you’re fishing an outgoing tide, look for marsh drains, creek mouths, and pinch points where fish are most likely to congregate.
Slack Tide – The Slow Period
A slack tide occurs when the water isn’t moving much between tidal changes. This period is often the least productive time to fish because there’s little water movement to carry bait around. Fish tend to be more sluggish, and feeding activity drops significantly.
If you find yourself fishing during slack tide, the best strategy is to focus on deeper holes or structure where fish may be resting until the water starts moving again. Sometimes, switching to artificial lures like slow-moving soft plastics or using scented bait can entice a bite when natural movement isn’t helping.
Best Tides for Fishing in Delacroix
At Whiskey Bayou Charters, we find that fishing is best when tides are moving steadily—whether it’s rising or falling. Checking the tide charts before a trip is essential to ensure you’re on the water when fish are most active. The combination of the right tide with favorable weather conditions can lead to an epic day of fishing.
How Moon Phases Affect Fishing in Louisiana
While tides are driven by the moon, the moon phase itself also plays a role in fish behavior. Many experienced anglers track the lunar cycle to determine the best fishing days. Fish, particularly predatory species like redfish and speckled trout, often adjust their feeding patterns based on the moon's influence on water movement and light availability.
During new and full moons, the gravitational pull is at its strongest, creating higher high tides and lower low tides. This increased water movement pushes baitfish into marshes and channels, leading to more active feeding periods. On these nights, speckled trout often feed aggressively under the moonlight, making night fishing a great option.
During quarter moons (first and last quarters), tidal movements are weaker, leading to less current and slower feeding activity. However, fish still bite—anglers just need to adjust their tactics, using more enticing presentations and scent-based baits to attract bites.
Additionally, moonrise and moonset play a role in peak feeding times, similar to sunrise and sunset. Many anglers refer to solunar charts to predict when fish are most likely to be active.
How Weather Impacts Louisiana Fishing
If the tides dictate when the fish feed, then the weather determines how they behave. Louisiana’s coastal waters are affected by wind, temperature, and barometric pressure, all of which can influence fish activity, location, and feeding patterns.
Wind – Friend or Foe?
Wind can be both helpful and frustrating when fishing Louisiana’s coastal waters. A slight breeze can create just enough surface disturbance to make fish feel more comfortable, while strong winds can make fishing downright difficult.
- A light breeze (5-15 mph): This creates a rippled surface, reducing light penetration and making fish feel less exposed to predators. It also helps move baitfish and stimulates feeding activity.
- Too much wind (20+ mph): Heavy wind can stir up sediment, making the water murky and reducing visibility. It can also make boat positioning difficult and push fish into unexpected areas.
How Wind Direction Affects Fishing
- East or Southeast winds (prevailing winds in Louisiana) generally bring moisture and can cause tides to run higher than predicted.
- North winds (especially after a cold front) often push water out of the marsh, dramatically lowering water levels.
- West winds can create choppy conditions but don’t impact tides as much as north or south winds.
Barometric Pressure – The Bite Predictor
Barometric pressure plays a huge role in fish activity.
- Falling pressure (before a front): Fish feed aggressively, sensing that bad weather is coming.
- Stable pressure: Fish activity remains normal, and they will follow usual feeding patterns.
- Rising pressure (after a front): Fish tend to slow down and become less active. This is often called the "post-front lockjaw."
For the best fishing action, it’s ideal to be on the water before a front arrives when the pressure is dropping. This is when fish are at their most aggressive.
Cold Fronts & Temperature Changes
Cold fronts are a major factor in Louisiana fishing, especially during the fall and winter months.
- Before a front, fish will feed heavily to prepare for the colder temperatures.
- After a front, water temperatures drop, and fish become sluggish. In winter, this often pushes redfish and trout into deeper holes and channels where the water stays warmer.
In the summer, extreme heat can also slow down the bite. During hot months, fishing early in the morning or late in the evening is often the best strategy.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Louisiana Fishing
Fishing in Louisiana is excellent year-round, but each season brings unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding how fish behave in response to temperature, spawning cycles, and bait movement can help you target the right species at the right time.
Spring (March – May) – Prime Time for Action
Spring marks the start of the fishing frenzy as waters warm and baitfish return to the marshes. This is one of the best times to catch speckled trout and redfish, as they become highly active and aggressive. Trout begin their spawning cycles, moving into bays, cuts, and reefs to feed. Redfish and flounder also become more predictable, holding near oyster beds and grassy flats.
- Best areas: Shallow marshes, oyster reefs, and flats
- Best baits: Live shrimp, topwater lures, and soft plastics
Summer (June – August) – Early Birds Win
Louisiana summers bring high temperatures, which means fish retreat to deeper, cooler waters during the heat of the day. The best fishing occurs early in the morning and late in the evening. Bull redfish, speckled trout, and black drum are still feeding, but you may need to adjust locations based on water temperatures.
- Best areas: Deeper channels, marsh edges, and shaded areas
- Best baits: Live bait, soft plastics, and suspending lures
Fall (September – November) – The Feeding Frenzy
Fall is arguably the best time to fish in Louisiana. As temperatures cool, fish go on a feeding spree, fattening up for the winter months. This is when anglers experience non-stop redfish and trout action. The bite is typically strongest right before a cold front, as fish feed aggressively.
- Best areas: Marsh drains, cuts, and back bays
- Best baits: Topwater lures, live shrimp, and gold spoons
Winter (December – February) – Slow & Steady Wins the Race
Winter fishing requires patience and precision. Fish, especially speckled trout and redfish, move to deeper holes and canals where the water is warmer. Anglers must slow down their presentations and use smaller, more natural baits to entice sluggish fish.
- Best areas: Deep bayous, canals, and protected waters
- Best baits: Slow-moving soft plastics, shrimp imitations, and live bait
How Water Clarity Affects Fishing
Water clarity is a major factor in fish behavior. Louisiana’s marshes range from crystal-clear shallows to muddy backwaters, and understanding how to adjust your approach to each condition is key to success.
- Clear Water: Fish are more cautious, so using light fluorocarbon leaders and natural-colored lures can help avoid spooking them. Slow, finesse presentations work best.
- Stained Water: This is ideal for fishing, as fish feel less exposed and more comfortable feeding. Using chartreuse, white, or gold-colored lures helps improve visibility.
- Muddy Water: Fish rely on vibration and scent when visibility is low. Use scented soft plastics, rattling crankbaits, or live bait to draw fish in.
Essential Gear & Tackle for Louisiana Inshore Fishing
Having the right gear ensures you’re prepared for any fishing scenario. Whether you’re chasing redfish in the shallows or trout over oyster reefs, here’s what you need:
Rods & Reels
- 7' – 7'6" medium-light to medium-heavy spinning rods for versatility
- 3000-4000 size spinning reels spooled with 10-20 lb braided line
Best Lures for Louisiana Fishing
- Soft Plastics: Paddle tails and shrimp imitations rigged on 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig heads
- Topwater Lures: Walk-the-dog style baits like Heddon Super Spooks for explosive strikes
- Spoons: Gold spoons work exceptionally well for redfish in shallow water
- Popping Corks: Paired with live shrimp or artificial bait to draw strikes in murky water
Live Bait Options
- Live shrimp: A universal bait for almost every inshore species
- Mullet & Pogies: Great for targeting big bull redfish
- Crabs: Excellent for black drum and bull reds
Experience Louisiana’s Best Fishing with Whiskey Bayou Charters
Fishing in Louisiana is all about timing and understanding nature’s patterns. By learning how tides and weather impact fish behavior, you can improve your success on the water and have more productive fishing trips.
At Whiskey Bayou Charters, we take pride in helping anglers of all skill levels enjoy world-class fishing in Delacroix, Louisiana. Whether you’re after bull redfish, speckled trout, or a mixed bag of inshore species, we’ll put you in the best spots at the right times for an unforgettable experience.
Book your trip today and let’s go fishing! The marsh is waiting, and the fish are biting.
