April 16 Red River Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, and More Biting Strong

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your April 16, 2025, Red River fishing report right here in Shreveport. Sunrise rolled in at 7:09 am and sunset is set for 7:15 pm today, so there’s a nice long window to get lines wet. We’re seeing cloudy skies and temps staying comfortably around the upper 60s to low 70s, which has made for a pleasant stretch on the water. Winds are mild and river conditions are just right with flows steady and water levels dropping back from the early spring floods, clearing up a bit every day[2][5]. Today’s action has been consistent across several species. Largemouth bass are the headliners this week. As water levels recede and stabilize, fish are stacking up along sandbars, rock jetties, and current breaks—especially around the oxbows and in “the Jungle” area of Pool 4, which is fishing hot right now. Timing is key, and with bass cruising the shorelines and staging around structure, anglers have found success fan-casting crankbaits like the Bandit 200 or the KVD Series 4, especially in shad, bream, or chartreuse patterns. When the crankbait bite slows, switch it up and slow-roll a June bug or dark-colored 6- or 7-inch worm with a 1/4-ounce slip sinker along runouts and points[3][5]. Crappie are another highlight as they finish spawning and move into shallow brush. Minnows and chartreuse or natural jigs around submerged timber and docks are producing well, especially early and late. Big catfish—both blue and channel—are prowling deeper runs and eddies near Bossier City and just south of Shreveport. Cut bait and live shad worked near the bottom have put several hefty cats in the boat already this week[7][8]. If you’re looking for variety, white bass and spotted bass are grouped up in moving water near creek mouths. A white or chartreuse jig or a small spinner will do the trick. And don’t overlook the unique chance of tying into an alligator gar or even seeing a paddlefish in these waters—they’re out there, especially around the old bayous and backwaters[7][8]. Top lures this week: shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms for bass; jigs and minnows for crappie; and fresh-cut shad for catfish. If you want to fish where the bite is hottest, check the oxbow lakes near the Jungle in Pool 4, work the backsides of sandbars and rock jetties between downtown Shreveport and Red Bayou, and don’t miss the deeper holes by the Montgomery area on the south end[3][5][8]. The outlook is promising: steady conditions and active fish mean the bite should remain strong through the weekend, especially with another round of warming temps. Get out there and good luck—tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.