Red River Fishing Report: Brace for Storms, Bass and Crappie Bonanza

Artificial Lure here, comin’ at you with your Red River, Shreveport fishing report for November 18, 2025—and buddies, you’ll want to listen up before hitting the water today. We’re in for a mixed-bag weather start: As per the last NOAA updates and AccuWeather, today’s forecast calls for mild fall temps pushing up near 68° by mid-afternoon, but you’ll want rain gear stashed because we’re watching for scattered storms rolling through by late morning into early evening. Gusty southern winds could pick up after lunch, so take care if you’re fishing out of a smaller craft. Sunrise was at 6:37 this morning, with sunset coming pretty quick at 5:10 PM. Solunar tables show peak fish activity early: prime windows right around sunrise and another short burst at dusk, though pressured fronts could scatter that bite window wide if those clouds roll in hard. Now, the Red River itself is running a little low but steady. Northwest Louisiana is dry overall, and most reservoirs are below pool, which means fish are huddling deeper in the main channels, backwater cuts, and around good current breaks like bridge pilings—a local angler favorite, and for good reason. Bertrand from Major League Fishing swears by bridge pilings this time of year; that’s where suspended bass pack tight, soaking up whatever heat and food are nearby. Species-wise, the past week saw a classic Red River buffet: Healthy numbers of largemouth bass, some kissing the 5-pound mark—last week’s “big ‘un” was a 5-pound, 13-ounce toad pulled on a frog up in thick grass mats around Caddo Lake, just a short hop from Shreveport. White bass are stacking up under birds near the river bends, and a few crappie limits came out of the old oxbows near Coushatta. Catfish, both blue and channel, are still biting good on cut shad in the deeper holes, especially near deeper ledges south of Lock 5. Best baits: For bass, topwaters like frogs early—especially if it’s overcast. Once that sun climbs, switch to chartreuse-black crankbaits, Texas-rigged lizards, and black ‘n blue jigs pitched tight to fresh timber or riprap. Local pros are also having luck on watermelon-red Senkos when working the gentle drop-offs. White bass and crappie are smacking small swimbaits, curly-tail grubs in electric chicken, and crappie jigs tipped with chartreuse. Catfish folks, stick with cut bait or nightcrawlers on a Carolina rig. If you’re lookin’ for a honey hole, there’s a couple you oughta try: - The pilings and riprap at the I-220 Bridge have been solid for suspended bass and white bass schools. - The deep bend just below the Stoner Avenue public ramp’s producing both big blues and bonus stripers—you’ll need heavy tackle. Duck hunters are seeing more birds too; according to the Louisiana Sportsman’s fresh waterfowl survey, numbers are up along the Red this season, with heavy flights of gadwall, ring-neck, and shovelers scattered through Bossier and Red River Parishes. Alright, y’all, that’s the scoop as I see it from the laun This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.