Red River Fishing Report: Stellar Conditions for Bass, Crappie, and More

Morning folks, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s fishing report for the Red River around Shreveport, Friday, May 16, 2025. Conditions are shaping up for another dynamite day on the water. Sunrise hit at 6:48 AM and sunset will wrap the evening up at 7:49 PM, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to try your luck. We’re looking at clear skies with temperatures climbing up to 78 degrees, and a light breeze out of the south at 5-8 mph. Water level on the main river is steady, right around 14 and a half feet, and the water is running just a little stained but nothing to worry about. Water temps are sitting in the 60s, which means fish are staying plenty active and the post-spawn bite is solid[2][3]. Bass fishing continues to steal the show with lots of 3- to 5-pounders coming in, especially off those main river ledges, sandbars, and the old timber. Texas-rigged worms and Carolina rigs are still the go-to, especially in black and blue or watermelon seed. Bandit 200 series crankbaits in shad or chartreuse patterns have been hot, and don’t sleep on soft jerkbaits like a Shadick when the fish are tight to grass lines[2][3]. White bass are schooled up nicely in the deeper cuts and main river, mostly hitting small inline spinners and jigging spoons early and late in the day. The action’s best at first light or just before dark, so plan your runs accordingly. Remember, when you see the birds working the surface, you’re in the right place[2][3]. Crappie fishing is steady, with fish moving from shallow spawning beds out to brush piles and trees in 4 to 12 feet. Live minnows under a cork are tough to beat, but small jigs will get bit as well, especially around the submerged timber or brush piles near deeper water[2][3]. Catfish are working the river edges and drop-offs, and fresh-cut shad or chicken livers will do the trick. With the steady water, they should be cruising the main channel edges and any creek inflows. If you’re looking for hot spots, the old oxbows above the I-220 bridge and the timber near the Stoner Avenue launch have been producing consistently. The flats below the downtown stretch are good too, especially if you want to chase schooling white bass. Final tip, don’t overlook the bite in the late afternoon when the water’s warmed up. Bring your sunscreen, your favorite bait, and get ready to reel in a mess of fish. Tight lines and good luck from Artificial Lure. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.