Flounder Fishing in Louisiana
Overview
The Flounder is a popular saltwater game fish found throughout Louisiana. Flounder are flat, bottom-dwelling ambush predators found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Best Waters in Louisiana
- Calcasieu Lake — estuary. Species: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder, sheepshead.
- Marsh Island — estuary. Species: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder.
- Lake Pontchartrain — estuary. Species: speckled-trout, redfish, sheepshead, flounder.
- Sabine Lake — estuary. Species: redfish, speckled-trout, flounder, sheepshead.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- bottom-fishing
- drift-fishing
- live-bait
Baits & Lures
- Live mud minnow (bull minnow)
- Live finger mullet
- Bucktail jig with Gulp! strip
- Live shrimp on bottom rig
- Berkley Gulp! swimming mullet
- Carolina-rigged live bait
- White or chartreuse grub on jighead
- Live killifish
Seasonal Guide for Louisiana
SpringSpring Fishing
Flounder move back inshore from their offshore spawning grounds as water temperatures warm into the upper 50s and 60s. They set up along channel edges, inlet mouths, and the first grass flats they encounter. Spring fishing improves steadily through May as more fish arrive and feeding intensifies.
SummerSummer Fishing
Summer offers the most consistent flounder fishing as fish are well established on their inshore feeding grounds. Target sandy areas adjacent to structure, channel drop-offs, and grass flat edges. Drift fishing with live bait or bucktail jigs tipped with minnows or Gulp! strips is highly effective.
FallFall Fishing
The fall flounder run (September through November) is the most anticipated period for flounder anglers. Fish congregate near inlets, passes, and channels as they migrate offshore to spawn. This concentration of fish creates exceptional catch rates, particularly on outgoing tides near inlet mouths.
WinterWinter Fishing
Most flounder move offshore to deeper ocean waters for spawning during winter. Inshore fishing is slow to nonexistent in most areas. Some flounder remain in deep holes in southern regions but fishing effort is minimal. This is the off-season for most flounder anglers.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Louisiana Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
| Bag Limit | 10 per day |
| Size Limit | 12 inches minimum |
| Season | Year-round |
| Notes | Fall flounder run from October through November is excellent. |