Fishing the Red River in Shreveport for Bass and Catfish this Winter

For December 20, 2024, if you're planning to hit the Red River in Shreveport, here's what you need to know: First off, the weather is cooling down, which is great news for bass fishing. Largemouth bass are particularly active this time of year, feeding more aggressively as the temperatures drop. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at 5:17 PM, giving you about 10 hours of daylight[3]. ### Water Conditions The Red River at Shreveport is currently at 13.55 feet, which is below the flood stage of 30 feet. The water level has dropped by about 0.36 feet over the last 24 hours, and the flow is at 1,020 cubic feet per second[2]. ### Fish Activity Bass fishing is excellent right now. Largemouth bass are the main target, but you can also catch smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound range, along with some decent-sized catfish[1][4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For bass, use lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. The cooler water makes bass more susceptible to slower-moving lures. For catfish, nightcrawlers and chicken livers are always good bets. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the areas around Lock & Dam #5 and the backwater lakes near Bayou Bodcau. These spots tend to hold a lot of bass and catfish, especially during the cooler months[4]. ### Tidal Report While the Red River is not a tidal river, the water levels can fluctuate due to dam operations and rainfall. Currently, the water levels are stable, but keep an eye on the reports from the US Army Corps of Engineers for any changes[2]. Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Red River, with plenty of active fish and favorable weather conditions. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler temperatures. Good luck out there This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.