Boating America Louisiana
Louisiana Information Website

 

Special Thanks to Gerald Massie for doing extensive research on the lakes in Louisiana. Here is his report:

LOUISIANA LAKES DESCRIBED

     
     Here is a list of lakes in Louisiana.  This is not a complete listing of all the lakes in Louisiana it is the largest, most popular, most used lakes.  It is extremely impractical to list per say, all of the lakes in Louisiana because of two conditions.  First, the major rivers have a notorious reputation for changing courses.  When this has happened there are left lakes, many that are very small-perhaps tiny, some that are curved in physical characteristic’s and have been dubbed with the name of “Ox Box Lakes.”  Second, along the coast there are many open bodies of waters that are in varying sizes from tiny to large.  Some are called ponds, many are called lakes.  Many have names and some do not.  Therefore, there are hundreds, maybe even into several thousands of lakes in Louisiana.
     First Louisiana has to be understood by the outsider.  There are two parts to Louisiana, two very distinct separate states and they are known as “North Louisiana” and “South Louisiana.”  It must be understood this is just not a geographical coincidence or convince.
     There is a lot of water in Louisiana.  I repeat, there is a lot of water in Louisiana, an awful lot of water. It is in the form of lakes of all types, streams, river’s, bayous, canals, coulee’s, swamps, marshes, and water prairies and wetlands.  There are no clear water, white water, or mountain type streams in Louisiana any where.  However, there are a few shallow, per say clear type streams to enjoy canoeing and they do have canoe outfitters on them.
     As is projected about Louisiana that it is all swamps and alligators just a soon as you cross any state boundary is false.  Over fifty per cent of the state is forested timberlands and then there is the agriculture farm lands of which there are many thousands of acres.  Still there is a lot of water in this state that is used for fishing, both commercial and recreational, and also recreational boating.
     As with a lot of waterways and lakes there are more than one with the same name and I have elected to keep them individually identified with a town or village nearest to them.
    There are so many lakes that the most logical way is to list them in alphabetical order.  However, there are two lakes or maybe to say, two areas that are of such great importance that I will list them first out of context.

    First is:
    Toledo Bend Reservoir Lake
     This is an extremely large lake especially for this area. Its size is approximately 185,000 acres [290 square miles], 1,200 miles shore line, 70 miles long and varies in width from 3 to 5 miles not including the arms that goes up into the feeder streams for up to 8 miles. This lake sits open the Louisiana Texas state line with its most central location in Louisiana at Many, Louisiana. There are a total of 80 accesses to the lake around its entire perimeter including the so called “Texas side.”  Many of these are large commercial launches some of which are full scale top quality marinas with all facilities.  There is more than one state park and several facilities with large campground and lodging facilities.  The lake has many obstructions in the form of deadened timber stands, tree limbs, and underwater stumps.  However there is a lot of open water and there are many well marked boat lanes and boat roads.   In fact near the dam area SCUBA diving is very popular.  So, use caution, and safe boating practices when using this lake.  Toledo Bend is a national known and used large mouth bass fishing lake and produces many trophy and monster bass.  Many Bass fishing tournaments are held on this lake.  In addition to bass the lake also is fished for the small bream,  white-perch [in south Louisiana Sac-A-Lait], catfish, and last but not least the huge striped-bass.  Many activities are practiced on this large body of water including camping, Jet Skiing, swimming, boating, water-skiing among other water sports.
     For extended information an excellent Internet Web site is available at:   http://www.toledo-bend.com/
     

    The Atchafalaya Basin

     For any body that is interested in fishing and boating they need to know about and or be told about the “Atchafalaya Basin.”   This is the name of the place, what it is known by in Louisiana.  It might not necessarily  be the proper defined term for the area but, that is what it is known by.  The “Atchafalaya Basin” is a flood control area in the extreme south central part of the state focused around the Atchafalaya River from around Simmesport to Morgan City and onto the Gulf of Mexico a distance of over a hundred miles.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed many many miles of huge earthen levees on the east and west boundaries of the “Basin” to control flood waters that can fluxate  as much as twenty-two feet in the “Basin.”
     The information on the exact beginning, end and size seems to be vague. A generalized description would be, about a fifteen mile swath starting just north of Lettsworth and goes south to Morgan City about 100 miles.  This starting point is  around the junction of the Red River and the Atchafalaya River at the “Old River Lock.”   The Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries has their map of the area with the northern boundary at US 190 around Krotz Springs about 30 miles south of Lettsworth.  Their southern end is the Gulf of Mexico about fifteen miles south of Morgan City.  The information that I have states the size of the basin comprises an area of 860,000 acres [over 1,350 square miles] of swamps, lakes and water prairies the largest and last great river-basin swamp.  There are many accesses to the basin a total of 35 boat launches around the entire basin.
     There are hundreds of square miles of  beautiful pristine swamps, lake and water prairies that abound with many types of wildlife, birds, waterfowl and fish..  There are many miles perhaps hundreds of miles of rivers, bayous and canals there.  Note, all of the area is not all covered with water.  Thus this is a great wilderness place to boat and fish.  However, extreme care and caution should be used in using this secluded wilderness-type area as it is very easily to get lost in this place.  I saw a locale fisherman in his fifteen foot bass boat preparing to go into the basin that he was familiar with and he had a spare outboard motor and a tent in the gunnels.  This should demonstrate what kind of a place this ”Basin” is so, use caution in this area.
     
     

    The Louisiana Lakes


  • Anacoco Lake.   Located about nine miles east of Leesville in west-central Louisiana, approximately  2,400 acres in size, 1.25 miles wide by 3.25 miles long.  Available for recreational boating, fishing and camping.  Has one nice campground.

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  • Black Bayou Lake.    Located just west of Hosston in northwest Louisiana, a launch and small park just off LA 2 highway at the dam.  It is approximately 4,550 acres in size and is .75 mile wide by 9 miles long.  This lake is a very scenic lake with lots of cypress trees in it making for fishing only and not good for recreational boating.  It has a marked boat road up the middle of it.

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  • Black Bayou Reservoir Lake.  Located about seven miles north of Bossier City in north Louisiana. Approximately 780 acres in size and is about .2 mile wide and 5 miles long.  An open lake available for recreational boating and fishing.  Requires an annual permit.

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  • Black River Lake.     Also known as “Horshoe Lake.”  A large “Ox Bow Lake” located at Monterey in east central Louisiana.  Size is approximately 1,500 acres, however, it is less than .1 mile wide, about 700 feet but, is about 15.5 miles long.  It is a nice open lake with no obstructions and available for fishing and recreational boating.  There is a commercial launch nearby with fuel on the water.  Also accesses Workinger Bayou, Cocodrie Lake [Horshoe Lake], Bayou Cross Cocodrie, and Bayou Cocodrie

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  • Bundick Lake.     Located about 12 miles southeast of Deridder near Dry Creek in the southwestern part of the state.  It is approximately 1,500 acres in size.  It is about 1 mile wide and  3.5 miles long.  The upper portion of the lake, about one-fourth, contains dead  timber and stumps however, the rest of the lake is available for recreational boating.  There is a nice large commercial campground near the dam.

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  • Caddo Lake.   Located about 17 miles north of Shreveport in northwest Louisiana and sits astride the Texas Louisiana border.  It is a large lake, approximately 26,560 acres in size and  is approximately12 miles wide and 16 miles long.  This has got to be about the most unique and scenic lakes in the state, with lots of fishing, wildlife, wildlife habitat, large areas of moss covered cypress trees and rich in history.    Among some of the numerous wildlife here is alligators, beavers, nutria, mink, eagles, ducks, egretss and more.  It is also supports duck hunting with numerous duck blinds. It has many obstructions some of which are underwater.  There are many lily pad fields in the western portion of the lake.  About one third of the lake is more or less cypress swamps. There are many oil wells in a large part of the lake.  With all of this there are many marked boat roads that takes a person through the beautiful swamps, lily pad fields and into the Big Cypress River at Uncertain, Texas.  It is a good and popular fishing lake.  Many record bass have been caught here. It is popular for boating.  Recreational boating is done at the eastern end where the dam is and around Uncertain, Texas.  There are numerous accesses but limited other facilities

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  • Calcasieu Lake.   Located about 3 miles north of Cameron in the extreme southeastern part of the state and accesses the Gulf of Mexico easily.  It is a very large oval shaped lake about 52,700 acres in size and is approximately 5 miles by 5.5 miles.  It is an open lake available for fishing and recreational boating accessed from several points, a few with facilities.  The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessed from this lake.

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  • Cane River Lake.   Located in the north central part of the state in the proximity of Natchitoches.  It is quite a unique lake as it is a part of the Cane River with a dam at each end of the lake and has practically  no obstructions. It has its northern beginning about three miles north of downtown Natchitoches and is 35 miles long.  It averages about 200-400 feet wide and is available for fishing and recreational boating.  Very popular for recreational boating as you can always be assured of smooth water.  It is quite a scenic body of water as it meanders lazily down the southern country side.

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  • Caney Creek Reservoir Lake.   Located in north Louisiana about 9 miles west of Jonesboro.  It is approximately 5,250 acres in size and is 1 mile wide by 3 miles long.  It is an open lake with practically no obstructions in it and has many pockets and arms in it.  It has been know n most recently for its good large mouth bass fishing.  It has numerous accesses, some with all convinces and facilities.

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    Catahoula Lake.  Located in central Louisiana about 10 miles south of Jena.  It is approximately 19,450 acres in size and is 3 miles wide and 12 miles long. It is generally an open Lake free of timber. This lake is not good for recreational boating.  There are numerous oil wells on the lake and it is better known for its duck hunting.  The lake will at time be “dry” in the summer for planting of food for ducks.  However, it is still a popular fishing lake.  It has several accesses itself but it best accessed from launches on the Little River.
    Catfish Lake    Located in the extreme southeastern part of the state 2 miles west of Golden Meadow.  It is an open circular lake yet, not necessarily a recreational boating lake.  It is approximately 1,730 acres in size and is 1.25 miles by 2.25 miles. This is lake is primarily for fishing.  It has no direct accesses and has to be accessed indirectly from nearby launches.
     

  • Cheniere Brake Lake.  Located in north-central Louisiana about 4 miles west of West Monroe.  It is approximately 3,350 acres in size and is .5 mile wide by 5.5 miles long.  This is to be considered a “wooded” lake and it has lots of timber and green brush in it.  Therefore it is primarily for fishing and no recreational boating.

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  • Clear Lake - Mansfield.   Located in northwestern Louisiana about 10 miles east of Mansfield.  It is approximately 1,410 acres in size and is 1 mile wide and 3 miles long.  This is definitely not a recreational boating lake.  It is a “Louisiana look” lake as it it full of moss covered cypress trees, some scattered, some thick.  There is a lot of underwater moss in the lake also.  It is a locally popular fishing lake.  There is only one access to this lake on highway LA 509.

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  • Cocodrie Lake -Turkey Creek.   Located in the central part of the state about 8 miles north of Turkey Creek.  It is approximately 6,000 acres in size and is 1.25 miles wide by 6.25 miles long.  This lake is a “wooded” lake and not for recreational boating.  But, with its many trees it is a good fishing lake. There are several accesses to the lake

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  • Cocodrie Lake - Monterey.   Also known as “Horshoe Lake.”  An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the central part of the state about 4 miles north of Monterey.  It is approximately 1,160 acres in size and is about a .5 mile wide by 5.25 miles long.  It is an open lake with practically no obstructions. There several access but no facilities. However, there is a commercial launch nearby on Workinger Bayou with fuel on the water.   Also accesses Workinger Bayou, Black River Lake [Monterey Lake], Bayou Cross Cocodrie, and Bayou Cocodrie.

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  • Corney Lake.     Located in the extreme north-central part of the state 4 miles northeast of Summerfield.    This is a US National Forest lake approximately 2,000 acres in size and is 1 mile wide and 3.5 miles long.  It is basically an open water lake but is primarily a fishing lake over recreational boating.   Two improved primitive camping areas with facilities available.

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  • Cotile Lake.    Located in the central part of the state about 7 miles west of Boyce.  It is approximately 2,250 acres in size and is 1 mile wide by 3.5 miles long.  There are two accesses to the lake including an excellent Parish [County] campground there with nice improved camp sites,   two beaches, two large enclosed shelters, tent pads all located on winding roads on scenic rolling hills.  This is one of the nicest in the state.   An open lake excellent for recreational boating and fishing.

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  • Cross Lake.   Located in the northwestern part of the state at the western edge of Shreveport.  It is approximately 8, 850 acres in size and is about 1 mile wide and 9 miles long.   It is generally is an open lake with practically no obstructions and is quite scenic.  It is s lined with moss covered cypress trees.  A lot of the upper end of the lake and a lot of the pockets or coves are populated with lots of moss covered trees.  It is also supports duck hunting with numerous duck blinds.  The upper end of the lakes has lots of waterfowl, and wildlife including alligators. It is the source of Shreveport’s water supply and has regulations.  Boating requires an inexpensive annual registration from the Cross Lake Patrol located on South Lake Shore Drive.  Cross Lake is a good fishing lake and is popular for fishing and recreational boating.  It is one of the few bodies of water in the state where sailing is practiced and there is a Yacht club on the south side of the lake that accommodates this sport.  There are numerous accesses to the lake including two public parks, one marina with fuel and several commercial facilities.

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  • Cypress Bayou Reservoir Lake.   Located in the northwestern part of the state about 7 miles north of Bossier City.  It is approximately 3,875 acres in size and is about .75 mile wide and 6.25 miles long.  An open lake available for recreational boating and fishing.  Requires an annual permit.  In addition to fishing it is very popular for recreational boating including lots of jet skiing.  There are several accesses to the lake and they require a parking fee. Cypress Bayou Park is available with store, marina, 75 improved camp sites, 66 unimproved campsites, rent boats, and beach.

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  • False River Lake.    A large “Ox Bow Lake” located in the south central part of the state at the town of New Roads about 25 miles northwest of the state capitol of Baton Rouge.  It is approximately 3,000 acres in size and is about .5 miles wide and 10.25 miles long. It is an open lake with practicably no obstructions.  There are several accesses including one small commercial campground, “Jim’s Place” right on the water.  The lake is very populated on its banks as state roads that encircles the entire lake and are very close to its banks. Most of the town of New Roads including its downtown area is located on the banks also.   It is most popular for recreational boating including water skiing and jet skiing.  It is heavy used as it is the closest large open body of water to the large nearby town of Baton Rouge.

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  • Grand Lake.  Is located in the extreme south-central part of the state about 12 miles south of the town of Lake Arthur.  It is a large circular lake approximately 42,100 acres in size and is about 8.25 miles by 8.25 miles.  The Mermentau River flows through its western extremities therefore it is difficult to say wether the lake is an enlargement of the river or not.  The lake is isolated from roads and highways and has no direct accesses.  It has to be accessed from the Intracoastal Waterway that goes across its northern extremity, from points around the town of Lake Arthur to the north or from the town of Grand Chenier to the south. The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessed from this lake.

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  • Iatt Lake.   Located in the north-central part of the state about 5 miles east of Colfax.  It is approximately 6,650 acres in size and is about 1 mile wide and 7.5 miles long miles long.  This is a wooded lake and is not recommended for recreational boating or large boats, There are several unimproved accesses around the lake with very limited to no facilities.

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  • Indian Creek Reservoir Lake.   Located in the central part of the state about 3 miles south of Woodworth.  It is approximately 2,100 acres in size and is 1.5 mile wide and 4 miles long.  This lake is extremely popular for camping, water sports, recreational boating and fishing.  There are people that come from all over the state to this small lake.  This is a Louisiana State Forest facility.  The only one in the state. A very excellent facility - one of the top in the state.  No marina is its only draw back.  There are excellent camping areas and hook-ups, 3 beaches, hot showers, dump station and more. The primitive camp sites make the place as they are  unique as being right on the waters edge mostly on small bluffs and secluded in the woods from the other camp sites.

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  • Ivan Lake.     Located in northwest Louisiana about 4 miles west of Cotton Valley.   Approximately 365 acres in size and is .25 mile wide by 2.25 miles long. The upper portion of the lake is restricted by dead timber and stumps, however, recreational boating is okay near the dam.  There is only one access at the dam.

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  • John T Kelly Reservoir Lake.  Located in north-central Louisiana 4 miles east of Coushatta.  Approximately 3,000 acres in size and is1 mile wide by 6 miles long.  It is a new lake  mostly an open lake  available for fishing and recreational boating.  A recreation area adjacent is being constructed with camping sites and cabins.  There are two accesses.

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  • Kepler Lake.   Located in north-central Louisiana about 5 miles north of Castor.  It is approximately 1,730 acres in size and is .5  mile wide and 4.5 miles long.  It is basically an open lake and is available for fishing and recreational boating.

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  • Kincaid Reservoir Lake.  Located in the central part of the state about 11 miles east of Alexandria. Approximately 2,100 acres in size and is 1.5 miles wide and 3.25 miles long.  This is a US National Forest Lake with good facilities including a camping area.  It is basically an open lake good for fishing and recreational boating

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  • Lake Arthur.  Located in the southeastern part of the state at the south edge of the town of Lake Arthur.  It is approximately 1,725 acres in size and is .5 mile wide by 4.5 miles long.  It is an open lake available for fishing and recreational boating.  Sail boating is popular on this lake.  It has to be indirectly accessed as no launches are on the lake.

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  • Lake Bistineau.   Located in the northwestern part of the state about 8 miles north west of Ringgold and 25 miles southeast of Shreveport.  It is approximately 15,550 acres in size and is 1.25 miles wide by 14 miles long.  It is one of the best multi-use and scenic lakes in the state.  It contains lots of moss covered cypress trees, some in wooded groves, some sparsely scattered, and some just occasionally located. Even with the numerous trees there are a lot of open areas, lanes and also wide channels.  Therefore, it is an excellent fishing, and recreational boating lake including waterskiing, house boating, jet skiing and party barges.  In the center of the lake at a place called “Bossier Slough” there are numerous “platforms’ built into the trees for recreational purposes.  There are numerous access to the lake including several commercial facilities several of which are marinas, with lots of facilities including campgrounds and lodging.  Lake Bistineau State Park, a very large nice park with many facilities including campgrounds and lodging, is on the north western edge of the lake.  It is also supports duck hunting with numerous duck blinds

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  • Lake Bruin.  A large “Ox Box” Lake located in east central Louisiana about 4 miles north of St. Joseph.  Approximately 2,730 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 11.25 miles long.  It is an open lake free of any obstructions.  It is popular for fishing and recreational boating.  There are several accesses mostly improved commercial launches with nice campgrounds, lodging, fuel on the water and more.  There is also Lake Bruin State Park on the lake with many facilities.

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  • Lake Charles.  Located in the southwestern part of the state just at the western edge of the city of Lake Charles adjacent to and part of the Calcasieu River.  Approximately 950 acres in size and is 1.25 miles by 1.25 miles.  It is an open lake free of any obstructions mainly a recreational lake with a nice long beach next to highway I-10.  There are two casino boats on this lake also.

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  • Lake Claiborne.  Located in the northwestern part of the state about 4 miles east of Homer.  It is approximately 5,760 acres in size and is .75 mile wide and 7.75 miles long.  It is generally an open lake however, there are some underwater obstructions that are well marked.  Lake Clabiorne is a nice attractive multi-use upland lake with lots of arms and pockets.  There are several accesses to the lake including a couple of nice improved commercial sites.  Lake Clabiorne State Park is located on the southeastern end of the lake and a very nice park with lots of improved camp sites and all facilities.  There is a nice man made beach here with a concession stand and more.

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  • Lake Concordia.   An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the east-central part of the state about 1 mile northeast of Ferriday.  It is approximately1,130 acres in size and is.25 mile wide and 8.25 miles long.  It is a multi-use open lake available for fishing and recreational boating. It has several accesses on the lake including several improved commercial facilities with campgrounds, lodging, fuel and more.

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  • Lake D’Arbonne.  Located in the north-central part of the state just southwest of Farmerville.  It is approximately 13,600 acres in size and is 1.5 miles wide and 13.5 miles long.  It is basically an open lake however there are areas of dead timbers.  The lake also has some moss in the water.  It is a multi-use lake available for fishing and recreational boating.  It is quite popular for bass fishing.   There are numerous accesses to the lake some with improved facilities.  Lake D’Arbonne State Park a very nice facility is located on the north side of the lake.

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  • Lake Henderson.  Located in the south-central part of the state at Henderson and about 15 miles west of Lafayette.  It is approximately 5,000 acres in size and is 1.5 miles wide and 4.5 miles long.  It lies on the northwestern age of the”Atchafalaya Basin” with the “Over the Swamp Highway,”    I-10 crossing over the middle of it.  Lake Henderson is a beautiful multi-use lake.  However, it has stands of timber in it, scattered cypress trees and areas that are full of above water stumps.  Even with all of this it has open areas, lanes and great places for  recreational boating and is very popular for fishing.  There are numerous accesses most just south of Henderson that have all facilities, including fuel, rent boats, wet storage, tour boats and very nice restaurants - over the water, not to mention some excellent restaurants in Henderson proper.

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  • Lake Lac Des Allemends.    Located in the south-central part of the state about 4 miles north of the town, Des Allemands.  It is approximately 16,800 acres in size and is 5.5 miles wide and 6.5 miles long. There are no direct accesses to the lake.  It has to be accessed from the south at Des Allemends, and Kramer.

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  • Lake Maurepaus.  Located in the southeastern part of the state between LaPlace and Springfield and about 30 miles north west from New Orleans.  It is a very large oval lake approximately 57,900 acres [90 square miles] in size and is 10 miles by 12 miles.  It is an open multi-use lake available for fishing and recreational boating.  There are no direct access to the lake however it is easily accessed from numerous nearby launches mostly from feeder streams. The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from this lake through Lake Pontchatrain..

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  • Lake Paladoure.    Located in south-central Louisiana about 1 mile east of Morgan City.  It is approximately 10,600 acres in size and is 3.5 miles wide by 5.5 miles long.  It is an open oval shaped lake with no obstructions available for recreational boating and fishing. Lake End campground at the west end of the lake  Large and very nice. 140 RV full hook-ups sites, showers, laundry, playground, beach, marina with docks and slips, covered pavilions, paved walking trail, picnic tables with grills.
  • Lake Pontchatrain.     Lake Pontchatrain is the largest Lake in Louisiana located in the south eastern part of the state on the north edge of New Orleans.  It is approximately 402,400 acres [628 square miles] in size and is 24 miles wide by 41 miles long.  It is a lake with no obstructions and is available for recreational boating including sailing and available for fishing.  The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from this Lake.

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  • Lake Providence.     An “Ox Bow Lake” located is in the extreme north-eastern part of the state just at the northern edge of the town of Lake Providence.  It is approximately 1,350 acres in size and is .25 mile wide and 5.25 miles long.  It is an open lake free of obstructions and is available for fishing and recreational boating. Only two boat launches on the lake.

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  • Lake Rodemacher.    Located in the central part of the state about 3 miles west of Boyce.  It is approximately 3,200 acres in size and is 2 miles wide and 4 miles long.  It is an open lake available for fishing and recreational boating. There are two accesses available.  However, this facility is owned by CLECO [Central Louisiana Electric Company] and is under their rules and jurisdiction. A permit is required to use this lake at their office on La 8 just off  I-49.

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  • Lake St. John.   An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the east central part of the state 8 miles north of Ferriday.   It is approximately 2,175 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 6.5 miles long.  It is an open lake free of obstructions and is available for fishing and recreational boating. There are four boat launches some of which are good commercial launches with numerous facilities.

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  • Lake St Joseph.    An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the north-eastern part of the state just at the east edge of Newellton.  Its approximate size is 1,130 acres and is .75 mile wide by 7.75 miles long.  It is basically an open lake however, there are a few obstructions.   It is available for fishing and recreational boating. There are only three small boat launches on the lake.

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  • Lake Veret.   Located in the south central part of the state about 9 miles east of Napoleonville and 2 miles south of Pierre Part.  It is approximately 14,500 acres in size and is 2  miles wide and 11  miles long.  It is an open lake free of obstructions and is available for fishing and recreational boating. There are only two boat launches directly on the lake but can be indirectly accessed by two other launches.

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  • Lake Yuctan.    An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the north-eastern part of the state 8 miles east of Newellton.   It is approximately 2,000 acres in size and is .25 mile wide and 8.5 miles long.  It is an open lake and generally free of obstructions and is available for fishing and recreational boating. There are only two boat launches.  The one on the north end is good commercial launch with good campgrounds and some lodging.  They do not allow Jet Ski launching.  The lake is a remote lake but a nice one and it has access at the southern end to the Mississippi River.

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  • Larto Lake.    An “Ox Bow Lake” located in east central Louisiana at the hamlet of Larto about 25 miles south of Jonesville.   It is approximately 2,325 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 7 miles long.  It is an open lake free of obstructions and is available for fishing and recreational boating.   There are four launches on the lake  The hamlet and lake are very remote however, the south bank of the lake is quite populated as highway LA 3102 runs close to the water for about 6.5 miles.  Most facilities and convinces are available.

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  • Nantachie Lake.    Located in central Louisiana about 8 miles south of Montgomery and 6 miles north of Colfax.  It is approximately 1,550 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 4.25 miles long.  It is available for fishing and recreational boating. There are two boat launches, neither with facilities

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  • Prien Lake.    Located in southwestern Louisiana in the southwestern edge of Lake Charles and adjacent to and part of the Calcasieu River.  It is approximately 1,000 acres in size and is .75 mile by 2.25 miles long.  It is an open lake free of obstructions primarily a recreational boating lake but, is also available for fishing.   It is very popular in the area for recreational boating. There are two accesses-one at Lafeleur Park with a nice beach, concession stand, double wide boat launch and large parking area. The second is at Prien Lake Park with 10 lanes of launch, 2 long fishing piers, 150 car parking, restrooms and club house.

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  • Raccouri Old River Lake.  An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the southeast central part of the state just west of Batchelor and about 40 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.  It is approximately 4,325 acres in size and 1.5 miles wide and 13 miles long.  It is an open lake with no obstructions available for fishing and recreational boating.  There are several accesses to the lake, all commercial launches.  Flood waters from the Mississippi river keeps this lake closed about 4-5 months a year beginning usual in January.

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  • Sabine Pass Lake.  Located in the extreme southwestern part of the state about 50 miles southwest of Lake Charles and adjacent to Port Arthur, Texas.  Approximately 59,700 acres [92 square miles] in size and is 7 miles wide and 19 miles long.  It sits astride the Texas Louisiana line.  It is an open body of water and is available for fishing and recreational boating.  The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from this Lake.  There are two boat launches on the south end of the Lake On highway La 82.
  1. Click Here for a Link to a Sabine Pass Lake Website.
     
  • Saline Lake - Clarence.   Located in the north central part of the state about miles northeast of Clarence.  It is approximately 7,600 acres in size and is 1 mile wide and 11 miles long.  This lake is primarily a wooded lake and is not good for recreational boating.  There are several access located around the lake.

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  • Saline Lake - Deville.     Located in central Louisiana and about 3 miles east of Deville and about 20 miles east of Alexandria.  It is approximately 2 ,700 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 6 miles long. It is a semi-open lake occupied with scattered moss covered cypress trees.  However, there are enough open areas for some types of recreational boating.  There are no direct accesses to the lake. Access is gained from launches on its tributary streams.

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  • Saline Lake - Saline.  Located in the north central part of the state just at the northwest edge of Saline and about 23 miles northwest of Coushatta.  It is about 560 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 2.25 miles long.  It is an open lake available for recreational boating and fishing.  There are two accesses to the lake off of highway LA 9.

    • Sibley Lake   Located in north central Louisiana adjacent to the west edge of Natchitoches.  It is 1,950 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 3.25 miles long.  It is an open lake with no obstructions available for fishing and recreational boating.  There are several access around the lake.
     
  • Smithport Lake.    Located in northwest Louisiana 4 miles east of the hamlet of Carmel and 10 miles east of Mansfield.  It is approximately 1,410 acres in size and is 2 miles wide and 2 miles long.  It is a wooded lake and not for recreational boating.  It is a very scenic lake.  There is only one good access on highway LA 509.

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  • Turkey Creek Reservoir Lake.   Located in the northeastern part of the state 8 miles west of Wisner.  It is 4,000 acres in size and is1 mile wide and 10 miles long.  The lower end of the lake is open and available for fishing and recreational boating.  The very upper end of the lake is heavily wooded with moss covered cypress trees and good for only fishing.  There are several launches on the lake.

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  • Vernon Lake.    Located in east-central Louisiana about 7 miles east of Leesville.  Approximately 4,200 acres in size and is 1.5  miles wide and 5.5 miles long.  Vernon Lake is a semi-open lake.  It is fairly open near the dam but has lots of dead timber obstructions in the upper end of the lake.  Therefore it’s okay for both recreational boating and fishing. There are several accesses around the lake.

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  • Wallace Lake.   Located in north west Louisiana at the south edge of Shreveport.  It is approximately 2,500 acres in size and is .75 mile wide and 5 miles long.  It is a wooded lake good for fishing only.  There are several accesses  to the lake only on the north side accessed from Wallace Lake Road and Norris Ferry Road.

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  • White Lake.   Located in the extreme south central part of the state about 2 miles north of Pecan Island.  Approximately 54,500 acres [85 square miles] in size and is 7 miles wide and 14 miles long.   This is a remote open lake and can only be accessed by the Schooner Bayou Canal the old Intracoastal Canal on LA 82 about 12 miles north of Pecan Island or via the Superior Canal west of Pecan Isalnd.  The Superior Canal access requires a permit.

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The following is Launching inforamtion for the Mississippi River in Louisiana.

 
 

Note: These launches are not listed alphabetically by Launch Names.They are listed in geological order from north to south, e.g. th firstlaunch listed is the northern most launch.  Each additional launch is in order as you go south down the river.
 
 

  • Transylvania    Bunge Landing    Simple Launch   Paved    Free 3 miles south of Transylvania.  From the junction of  La. 581 in Transylvania go south on US 65 for 3 miles to unnamed road east [at sign - Sullivan Memorial Park], go east 1 mile to fork in road, take right fork, go .5 mile [past grain elevator] to launch  no facilities, 50 vehicle parking. Located past a Sullivan Park located on the bank of the river before the grain elevator.
  • Tallulah   Port Launch     Simple Launch   Paved   Free 10 miles north of Tallulah.  [1] From US 65 north from I-20 for 11 miles; or [2] or 10 miles from US 80 to un-named paved road east, turn right go 2 miles to end of road, turn right down under hill.  No facilities, 10 vehicle parking.  Approach a little rough, a little steep, silted over some
  • St. Joseph    Bunge Launch    Jon Boat Launch    Paved   Free 3 miles northeast of St. Joseph.  From La. 128 in St. Joseph take La. 605 north for 1.5 miles to the junction of La. 604, take a right on La. 604, go 1.5 miles to La. 3078, turn right, cross levee, go .5 mile, go past Bunge elevators to fence, turn left.  No facilities,  5 vehicle parking, useable only at high water, with low water-steep bank.
  • Lettsworth  Old River Lock East  Simple Launch  Paved  Fee 6.5 miles north of Lettsworth.   Take La. 15 north from La. 1, for 6.5 miles at junction of La. 418 to Old River Lock, take a right into lock area and launch  is on back side [east] of lock grounds. Attention!!!!!!!!;  the lock grounds  are open only Monday thru Friday only and from 7 am to 3 PM only!!!!!!  Any person using this launch will need to return and leave by 3 PM.
  • St. Francisville    Ferry Launch  Simple Launch  Gravel  Free At free ferry on La. 10 on the east bank, just off ferry ramp.  Limited parking, no facilities.

 
  • Port Allen  US 190 Bridge  Simple Launch  Paved  Free Under US 190 bridge [north side] off La. 486, just across the levee [1] access off La. 1 south of  US 190, turn back [U-turn] take service road; or [2] 3 miles south of  La. 415 junction and La. 486; or [3] 4 miles north La. 1 and "Rosedale Road" [1st light in Port Allen going south]. No facilities, 20 vehicle parking.

 
  • Plaquemine  Court St Launch   Simple Launch  Paved  Free In Plaquemine.   Take "Court St.” in Plaquemine [by court house] east from La. 1 for 2  blocks --cross levee.  No facilities, all services and supplies nearby, 30 vehicle parking.

 
  • Donaldsonville   Mississippi St. Launch  Simple Launch,   Paved,   Free Right off down town ["Mississippi St.”] just below old lock.  On La. 1 going south in north Donaldsonville at 1st red light turn left [north], on to La. 18 ["Bayou Rd.”].  Go for .5 mile, turn right on to "Mississippi St," take 1st left over levee.  Go around to left [north] after crossing levee, dim, kinda hard to see.  Long paved ramp, approach is rough.  Depending on river level if paved part is in water.  All services nearby, 50 vehicle parking.
     
  • Buras   Riverside Marina  Improved Launch  Fee Going south on La. 23 turn left [east] at caution light [and flag] at Buras Boat harbor,  on to "Cozeu Drive," go .5 mile to junction of old 23 and levee, turn left [north], go one block, turn right, cross over levee.  One 3 ton hoist--$7 and up;  ramp launch fee $4, 40 vehicle  parking, bait, store,  ice, some accessories. Ph. 504-657-8184.

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Information based on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, brochures and boaters information. Special Thanks to Gerald Massey for gathering all the lake information.
If you know of any other great spots in Louisiana for boating (of all types), or have more information, feel free to E-Mail us at Boating America