Louisiana · Western Gulf
Louisiana saltwater fishing forecast
12 bay systems and 630 named spots on the Louisiana Gulf coast, with 17 NOAA tide stations. Right now the top-scoring bay system is Sabine Lake at 78 for Atlantic tarpon.
In peak season this week: Atlantic croaker, Atlantic tarpon, Crevalle jack and Red drum.
- Bay systems
- 12
- Named spots
- 630
- Tide stations
- 17
- Species guides
- 15
Bay systems right now · 12
Scores from the Waterlands engine, computed 1:35 PM CDT. Best window is the rest of today.
GMZ436 · 30 named spots
Top now: Red drum · Best window 7-9 PM (peak 77)
GMZ533 · 9 named spots
Top now: Red drum · Best window 7-8 PM (peak 74)
GMZ435 · 15 named spots
Top now: Red drum · Best window 7 PM-12 AM (peak 73)
Scoring best right now
Each species' best score in a Louisiana bay system this hour.
- 78Great
- 77Great
- 75Great
- 74Great
- 66Great
- 65Great
- 64Good
- 64Good
- 63Good
- 62Good
Species guides · 15
Season, water temperature, depth, structure, tackle and regulations for each species in Louisiana waters.
- Atlantic croakerMicropogonias undulatus · inshorePeak season, about 2 more weekspeak
- Atlantic tarponMegalops atlanticus · inshorePeak season, about 2 more weekspeak
- Crevalle jackCaranx hippos · nearshorePeak season, about 2 more weekspeak
- Red drumSciaenops ocellatus · inshorePeak season, about 10 more weekspeak
- Black drumPogonias cromis · inshoreShoulder season, about 19 more weeksshoulder
- CobiaRachycentron canadum · nearshoreShoulder season, about 2 more weeksshoulder
- Gray snapperLutjanus griseus · nearshoreShoulder season, about 6 more weeksshoulder
- Gray triggerfishBalistes capriscus · offshoreShoulder season, about 10 more weeksshoulder
- Greater amberjackSeriola dumerili · offshoreShoulder season, about 10 more weeksshoulder
- King mackerelScomberomorus cavalla · pelagicShoulder season, about 6 more weeksshoulder
- Red snapperLutjanus campechanus · offshoreShoulder season, about 32 more weeksshoulder
- Southern flounderParalichthys lethostigma · bottomShoulder season, about 1 more weekshoulder
- Spanish mackerelScomberomorus maculatus · nearshoreShoulder season, about 6 more weeksshoulder
- Spotted seatroutCynoscion nebulosus · inshoreShoulder season, about 1 more weekshoulder
- SheepsheadArchosargus probatocephalus · inshoreOff season, about 1 more weekoff
Regulations and licenses
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Not synced yet, last verified Sep 13, 2026.
Anglers 18 and older need a Basic Fishing License, plus a Saltwater License when fishing south of the saltwater line for saltwater species. Private anglers need a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish. LDWF links to louisianaoutdoors.com for online license sales.
No reviewed rules are on file for Louisiana yet. Check the regulator's page before you keep a fish.