Fall Reds, Trout Stacking Up in Louisiana Marshes

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure dropping a fresh Gulf of Mexico fishing report for Louisiana on Monday, October 20, 2025. Sunrise cut through Cocodrie’s marshes at 7:06 AM, and we’re set to get 11 hours and 21 minutes of solid daylight. Tidal movement is high, with coefficients in Cocodrie peaking around 85 most of the day. That means tides are bringing major current—fish will be cruising and feeding hard, especially around the top of the tide right before noon. If you’re fishing Slidell and Bayou Bonfouca, that tidal coefficient is even higher at 108, so expect some serious movement and activity in those waters. Weather’s giving us a classic fall treat: lows in the mid-50s, highs warming up near the mid-70s, and light winds out of the north. The water is clear after last week’s rain, and baitfish are everywhere. That cooler snap, paired with tidal action, spells big opportunity for marsh reds and speckled trout. Speaking of fish activity, Louisiana Sportsman says we’re in a prime window for bull redfish pushing up into Calcasieu Lake and throughout the estuaries. Fall-run speckled trout are stacking up tighter along points and deep bayou cuts, especially between Bayou Bonfouca and Goose Point. That shoreline action is lighting up, so wade out early and target those spots if you want a mess of specks for dinner. Recent catches have been robust: reds in the 18-21” slot are hitting hard, and kayak anglers are reporting fish on almost every cast in shallow marshes according to Marsh Man Masson. Keeper trout are coming steady, and shrimp and mullet are flooding out into the bays—easy meals for the predators. Flounder is off limits for most until November 30 thanks to the seasonal closure, so if you’re chasing flatfish, take a break or target other species. Best lures for reds and trout, don’t overthink it this week. Video experts like Marsh Man Masson and Jared Serigné are loading boats with soft plastics in natural colors—think opening night, matrix shad, or shrimp imitation under a popping cork. Bomber gold spoons and paddle tail swimbaits are getting hammered near grass edges, especially when the tide moves quick. Topwater action is fire at first light—Zara Spook and bone-colored Skitter Walks draw big strikes. Live bait is never a bad idea. Cast-net some white shrimp or finger mullet—these are the big ticket right now. For the plastic crowd, stick to those soft baits and don’t forget chartreuse tails for visibility in slightly muddy water. Couple hot spots for today: first hit the Bayou Lacombe shoreline between Bonfouca and Goose Point early for specks. Second, Calcasieu Lake’s southern marsh points—particularly near Prien Lake—are stacked with reds and the occasional big trout. Venice is always producing, but the inshore marshes around Hopedale and Delacroix are money right now for easy limits and hot action. If you want bonus crabs, throw a line out at public docks with chicken drumsticks—locals are loading up on blues as This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.