Red River Fishing Report: Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Catfish Bites Hot in Shreveport

Good morning yall this is Artificial Lure reporting in with your Red River fishing update for Shreveport today May 3rd 2025. We got a real nice sunrise just after 6 20 am and sunset rolls in around 8 pm giving yall plenty of daylight to wet a line. Skies are starting out mostly clear with a light southern breeze. Its expected to warm up into the mid 80s by this afternoon so pack some sunscreen and water. The river’s holding steady with good flow and a little color to the water. No major recent rains so clarity is decent by Red River standards. We are in that late spring window so fish are hungry and active. Largemouth bass are on fire especially where there’s wood cover and drop-offs. Folks have been hauling in some double digit bass along with a steady stream of 2 to 5 pounders. Smallmouths are mixed in but not as plentiful, hanging by rocky points and deeper current seams. Catfish action is strong, with blue cats and channel cats being caught steadily especially in the deeper holes and below the locks and dams. We’ve also seen some stripers caught below the spillways early in the morning and late in the evening. Bait recommendations for today: For bass toss spinnerbaits and crankbaits in shad or chartreuse colors. Plastic worms around brush piles are also landing big fish. Smallmouths will nail crayfish-imitating crankbaits and live minnows if you’re set up that way. For catfish you can’t beat fresh cut shad, nightcrawlers, or chicken liver. Folks drifting with stink bait are also doing well. Recent catches confirm what we’re seeing—lots of pictures of folks grinning with big old bucketmouths and stringers of healthy catfish. The best bite is early and late but don’t be surprised to pick up bass and cats throughout the day if you stay patient and move around. Hot spots right now include the area around Lock and Dam No. 5 and the oxbows near Stoner Avenue. The backwater sloughs just north of downtown are also producing well, especially for bass cruising along the edges of the hydrilla. That’s your local scoop for today. Get out there early, target structure, and take your pick from some of the best freshwater fishing in northwest Louisiana. Tight lines and holler if you land a giant! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.