Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana Archives

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for alligator gar, Fly fishing for black drum, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Typical fall and early winter fly fishing in Louisiana

Overall our fall and early winter was decent. Luckily the weather was actually pretty good so we were able to fish a good bit of days. Unfortunately we had to deal with dirtier then normal water due to the Mississippi River pumping more fresh water into our system then it normally does. Hopefully it’ll be good for our long term… with the fresh water I am seeing a lot more grass in areas that I typically don’t see much grass, which gets me excited for spring fishing.

March 9, 2020/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bass in Louisiana, Fly fishing for black drum, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Popper Fly Fishing, Spring Fishing Louisiana, Spring Fly Fishing, Top Water Plugs, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Winter to Spring 2019

Winter wore on with less then desirable conditions. We still caught some fish but mentally it was draining. I was just hoping for the sun to come out and stay out. It eventually did clear up with good light throughout most our early spring. The fish numbers in the interior marsh were very good and the temperature stayed cool almost all the way though May. Pretty good trout year too.

June 11, 2019/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for black drum, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Fly Fishing for Sheepshead, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

January and February Report

This past January proved to be one of the best Months of the season. Although we only had one hard front during this month we had very good pre front and post front fishing. February was warmer then usually which forced me into the interior marsh to target spring time fish that payed off with many fish in the 6-12 lb range and a couple bass as well. We also boated the largest black drum ever on my boat mid February.

March 10, 2017/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Solid December fly fishing in Louisiana

As usual with this time of year the weather overall hasn’t been great. We had to reschedule a couple trips and made some not great weather days into some good fishing days. Thanks to a good number of big fish grouped up inside the marsh we actual have had some good success blind casting in likely places. Actually caught 6 over 20 lbs one day blind casting flies.

January 7, 2017/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Fly Fishing for Sheepshead, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Back to normal in November…

After a warm October it was nice to have some solid cold fronts come through and push some big fish into their normal fall/winter spots. Cooler temps also brings some warm lunches for some of my foodie anglers…

December 9, 2016/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Reports, Tailing redfish, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Big Season finish with Big Redfish

Late February into early March has been pretty good this year. Although the water clarity has been some of the worse I’ve seen at this time of year, luckily the tailing action has continued to be good. The average size of the big fish has been impressive too 28-31 lb range(42-46 in). Probably switching gears to fully spring fishing soon. Looking forward to short runs and backing fish.

March 11, 2016/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for black drum, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Great Weather Fly Fishing in Louisiana

It probably only happens a couple days a year but it happens… Light winds and blue bird skies… This makes for some incredible Louisiana fly fishing. The good weather makes areas fish able that otherwise would not be. Good weather mixed with anglers with the ability to get the job done is a recipe for an incredible day…

February 20, 2016/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Reports, Spring Fly Fishing, Tailing redfish, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Fly fishing for Little Redfish to Save the Day!

With the Mississippi River much higher then usual we have had dirty river water invading are normally clear winter big redfish zones. This makes for a tough day to just go target big redfish. Although I will try for a while, at a certain point I just want to catch some fish… Fortunately the little fish in the interior marsh have been very plentiful. Most fish are from 6-10 lbs with a good bit of 11-12lbers and the occasional teener. With all this little fish action already it’s looking like we are going to have a very good spring.

February 10, 2016/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Reports, Tailing redfish, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Tailing Big Redfish

I would consider seeing a 25+lb fish tailing in less than a foot of water one of the greatest sights you could see in the marsh. Now this isn’t something that happens everyday but if you have the right conditions this time of year and you’re in the right spot, your odds go way up. Here are some tailers we have boated in the last month and I can promise you there were many more we did not get a hook in…

February 2, 2016/by Captain Miles LaRose

Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing for Sheepshead, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

The most wonderful time of the year… Sheepy season!

Starting in mid November and going through mid March is what I consider Sheepshead season. Not to say there are not sheepies here through the year it’s just easiest to fish for them during these times. This is due to the fact the water in the oyster ponds tend to get very clear during this time. With the water being so clear, this usually affords you the opportunity to get good distance shots on the sheepies. Distance is important for two reasons. First they are spooky and will feel the boat even if it just slightly moves during your cast. Further away you are, less chance of them feeling the boat. Secondly the distance gives you time to entice the fish to eat. Most of the time a sheepshead will not just swim up to the fly and eat, you really have to sell them the fly.

December 24, 2015/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Fly fishing for alligator gar, Fly fishing for black drum, Fly fishing for bull redfish, Fly fishing for redfish, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Winter fly fishing action

Although we have had a mild winter, we are still seeing a healthy amount of wintering redfish in the marsh.

December 17, 2015/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Reports, Top Water Plugs, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

February

As usual during February the weather has been somewhat an issue. But as usual when the weather was good the fishing was good. February is still considered prime time for big Redfish in the marsh. The water is still clear and the big fish are still holding in their normal winter spots. What also happens in February is the Sheepshead come in, big ones! These are what we like to call marsh permit. Even if everything is in your favor and you even make the right cast these guys may still refuse your offering. But if you keep at it you will be rewarded…

March 13, 2015/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Top Water Plugs, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

December Fly Fishing Highlights

Starting from the top… Cindy came down and for the 3rd year in a row, nailed some great fishing. This time was especially good timing because we were fishing the redbone, which is a non profit tournament held to raise money for cystic fibrosis. Well we got the big one! 34 lb 46 in red which is actually the biggest redfish ever to be caught in this tournament to date. We were both very excited about it. Next is Christian’s 37 lber which took the title as the heaviest fish caught on fly on my boat during 2014. Good work Christian! The next pictures are of some very happy redfish just being hungry in the marshes of Louisiana.

January 14, 2015/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fall Fly fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Top Water Plugs, Video's, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Redfish Blowing up on Topwater

December 25, 2014/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Cold Weather, Hot Fishing

Jim came down from Alabama to get his first crack at some big redfish. What a heck of a guy and a pretty darn good fisherman as well. It’s been cold but the fishing has been hot.

– Capt. Paul Lappin

December 16, 2014/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Mid-December Fun Fishing

Had a day off, so what did I do? Went fishing, of course.

And man it was cold. Captain Ryan Frederick and I managed to put a few in the boat before heading back to the warmth of the truck. Fun day!!

– Capt. Paul Lappin

December 16, 2014/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

The Perfect Day

Although Fall is most popular, people overlook the dead of winter. Yes, during winter we get horrible fronts that will keep you off the water for days at a time. Yes, our average winter temperatures are less then desirable for most saltwater fly fishing anglers. But… If you luck out and hit it right, you may have a day like this…

No wind, bluebird skies and floating redfish everywhere!!! 17 fish over 20 lbs with 2 going over 30 lbs. The fish were not very easy to feed, but with good casters and plenty of opportunity, we certainly got it done.

: Great View

: Double on Fly

: 30

: Can you find the red?

: Floaters

February 26, 2014/64 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Cold Winter Redfishing is Heating Up

This winter season has been pretty good, to say the least… We have had great shots on singles, doubles and sometimes even groups of 10 or more 20+lb Red Fish. This makes the double possibility jump way up. I even got to get in the game and hook up with this 35 lber with one of my single customers.

January 29, 2014/63 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Kevin and Tejal

Although this is a late report, I had to let people know about what kind of luck you can have as long as you keep booking… Kevin and Tejal started coming down to fish in Louisiana about 3 Years ago and although we had some semi-productive days, we still had to work hard for them. 2 Years ago, Kevin and Tejal came down here and again, it was tough weather and few fish. But last year they nailed it! 2 perfect days and the fish were floating. I think we caught 3-4 30 lbers and plenty of 20 lbers. This year during early December they pretty much nailed it again!!! Although the weather wasn’t perfect, the fish were thick and in the mood to float…

January 17, 2014/35 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Dirty Thirty - 30 pound club, Fall Fly fishing, Fly Fishing, Popper Fly Fishing, Reports, Top Water Plugs, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Big Fish Season is in Full Swing

: Topwater Fly

: Topwater Plug

: Dirty Thirty

: Blind Casted Fly

: Inhalation of Plug

: Big Redfish on Fly

: Louisiana Redfish on Fly

: Bull Red

: Brandon doing Work

: Dirty 33

As long as the weather allows us to get out on the water the big fish have been waiting. We have seen big fish floating, pushing, and even tailing, which is somewhat rare for us. It has been very windy recently but as long as you get the fly in their face they usually eat it.

November 6, 2013/42 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing for Sheepshead, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Late Winter Sheepshead Madness

: 9lber

: In the action

: Paul”s first on a big fish bug

Sheepshead aka Marsh Permit aka Convicts aka my new obsession. This past winter, we constantly saw these big heads tailing and cruising all over the place. Unlike some guides out there, I encouraged my clients to cast at them. Most of the time they would spook before you could get the fly to them or they would follow it all the way to the boat without even a peck. But sometimes the stars would align and they would eat almost anything presented. I had a couple of days when we focused only on Sheepsheads, throwing small crab patterns on lightweight rods with lightweight line. It’s totally different then trying to feed a Red. We had some success: a couple of 3-4 fish days with an average weight of 7 lbs. If you’re looking for a challenge on the fly, come down to the Louisiana marshes in late winter and try to stick one of these bastards!

March 31, 2013/61 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Reports, Top Water Plugs, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Top Water to Save the Day

The past few weeks have been anything but pleasant. Seems like our weather is just punishing us for having such a nice fall. Well, when you have guys that have traveled hundreds of miles to just have the opportunity to catch one of our big Bulls you have to try and make a day, no matter what the weather is.

Our days have been starting with me explaining to my guys that we will not have it easy today and we will have to work for our fish. The key to topwater fishing is never lose the faith. You always have to work it expecting that a fish is following it and is about to eat it. You may go 50 casts with not even a boil and all the sudden bam a 25 lb big angry Bull has just inhaled your plug. Our usual day is about 10-12 blowups with only about 2-3 getting to the boat. You don’t get the numbers but you certainly have the opportunity to catch a big fish on what would normally be a day you should of canceled. This bite lasts through the winter months as long as you have the right factors in place.

March 10, 2013/54 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

End of December Pics

: Big Jack Working the Shrimp Boats

: Red in the Short Grass

: Fly Fishing for Birds

: Dirty Thirty

: Dirty Thirty

: 15 year old with a 25 lb Jack on the fly

Here is the rest of my December pics. Sorry it took until February to post them but we have been busy. We had the usual big fish bite in the ponds but on certain days we were able to pop outside and chase birds which is always entertaining. We mainly caught redfish from the 18-26 lb range under the birds and every once in a while we pulled a jack out. There was one day though that the gulf was slick calm and I just ran around the anchored shrimp boats and looked for pushes that turned out to be monster jacks just looking for something to eat. It was awesome!

February 7, 2013/50 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose

Bull Reds, Fly Fishing, Reports, Winter Fly Fishing in Louisiana

Ridiculous December Double

: Big Double

: Another goood one

: Fishing was so good we went for the slam!

: Big 30 to start the day

Here is a day back in December that although started cloudy we had calm wind and very happy fish. The fish were floating so high they had the tips of their tails breaking the surface. Both casters were very talented and hit most the shots we had. We actually became a little bored catching the big reds so we changed flies and stuck a head. We also got a little popper action in as well. We ended up landing 1 sheepshead 4 reds over 30 lbs and countless 20+ lbers. Great December day!

January 25, 2013/284 Comments/by Captain Miles LaRose