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Spring Bites and Shallow Water Action Heating Up in the Marshes
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Jefferson, LA
The inshore fishing action around New Orleans is heating up as we head into late spring. Water temperatures are hovering in the low 70s, and baitfish are moving into the marshes—bringing redfish, speckled trout, and black drum right along with them. Calm mornings and light southerly winds have made for ideal conditions, especially for anglers targeting shallow flats and grass-lined banks.
Redfish are feeding aggressively in the early hours, with many slot-sized catches coming on gold spoons, live shrimp, and soft plastics under popping corks. Speckled trout are showing up in good numbers in deeper channels and along oyster reefs, particularly on moving tides. The trout bite has been strongest around sunrise, with topwater lures producing exciting strikes in protected coves. Black drum are also cruising the shallows—perfect targets for kids and beginners using dead shrimp.
The marshes around Hopedale, Shell Beach, and Bayou Bienvenue have been especially productive. With the water clarity improving and bait thickening up, now is an excellent time to book a New Orleans inshore fishing charter or head out for a DIY trip. Just be sure to check tides and bring plenty of sunscreen—the bite is hot, and so is the weather!