Red River Fishing Report: Bass, Cats, and Crappie Biting Strong on Shreveport's Waterway

Hey folks, it's Artificial Lure bringing you your Red River fishing report, live from right here in Shreveport on this crisp September morning. Sunrise hit us at 6:56 AM with sunset rolling in tonight at 7:16 PM, giving anglers a solid window to work the water. The cool pre-fall air greeted us around 65°F at dawn, climbing up near 80°F by afternoon with a light north breeze—just enough to keep those bugs off and make the fish a little friskier. Skies started off clear, but a few high clouds should drift by midday; there’s nothing brewing up for rain, so grab your hat and your best sunglasses. Now, Red River ain’t tidal, but that flow’s been decent after recent local rains—waters are slightly high but steady, with a little stain from upstream mud. Bass have gotten active again in these cooler temps. Local chatter and reports from bait shops west of Clyde Fant Parkway say largemouth bass are chasing shad early, especially around submerged wood and the river bends. The best action hit right at first light, with several decent keepers going into the live wells just north of Stoner Boat Launch. Catfish are still biting strong—channel cats and a handful of blues showing up around bridge pilings and deeper holes, especially under the I-220 span. The regulars using cut shad and stinkbaits have been putting up solid numbers: twenty to thirty fish a trip is not uncommon. Most are eating size, with a couple pushing eight pounds if you set your lines right. Crappie are still tricky but worth chasing. Folks jigging deep brush along the bank near Hamel’s Memorial Park have reported fair catches on both live minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Expect to find them hugging tight to structure as the water’s murky and they’re seeking cover till the light changes. A brown or purple jig tipped with a minnow has got bites when the sun pops through the trees. Let’s talk lures—if you’re after bass, white or chrome lipless crankbaits that mimic shad have been top picks. Spinnerbaits with gold blades are moving fish in shallow backwaters, especially mid-morning as that water warms just enough. Old school Texas rigs with dark green pumpkin worms also picked up a couple of solid fish below the main dam. For catfish, stick to fresh-cut shad or chicken livers. The stinkier, the better. If you’re patient and drift your baits slowly through the deeper holes, you’ll get your stringer filled. And if you’re after crappie, don’t overlook a bright Bobby Garland jig, paired with a little scent for good measure. Hot spots? Try Amiss Park for bank fishing, especially early evenings when the sun’s low and bait is up. For boaters, the deep ledge right below the Highway 71 bridge has been producing bass and channel cats reliably this week, especially at dawn. And don’t forget the oxbows off Monkey Trail Road—they’re loaded with submerged trees, perfect for pitching jigs and spinnerbaits. Big thanks to the regulars sharing their fish tallies. Charters and locals have seen a mixed bag This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.