Several of the popular sites — can we call them “friendship-shared” electronically delivered pages — were abuzz late last week about low-water levels along our coast, especially on the east side of the Mississippi River.
That’s nothing new in January and February. Late-season waterfowl hunters have battled low water for years. Negative tides are periods running as long as 11 days in our winters. It’s a time when our part along the Gulf coast doesn’t move water from outside to inshore locations, at least not enough of a tide to make up for all the water pushed out by north winds arriving on the succession of cold fronts.
What’s worse, these conditions affect fishing, too.
Compounding the low-water problems are falling water temperatures and a rising barometer, two factors that tend to give bass — and highly pursued saltwater species — what old times called “lockjaw.”
These conditions bring back a story written more than 40 years ago that mentioned the experiences of veteran bass chaser Wayne Murray.
Murray talked about water temperature, about what happens after a succession of cold fronts like we’ve had across our state recently.
Seems like water temps at 55 degrees and below are an indicator of any success you might have along the coast and in interior lakes. South of 50 and Murray’s words still ring true: “You've got two chances to catch a bass when the water is 48 degrees … slim and none and slim has a nickname — very.”
What about speckled trout and redfish?
Cold water affects most all fish, especially around here when freshwater and saltwater species live in warmer conditions most all year.
And, even though you might think that all water in an area has the same temperature, it doesn't
Even though we’re creeping up to the vernal equinox — springtime — the sun remains in the southern sky. That means sunlight (we’re getting a run on bright sunny days) hits the western shoreline/banks first and stays longer on the northern shoreline/banks than its does on the eastern and southern sides.
Hence, warmer water. And, knowing it takes only 4-6 degree difference in the water temperatures you found at 50-55 degrees earlier in the day, working the western and northern spots later means you’re more likely to find more active fish.
What about barometric pressure?
For years, Lake Pontchartrain Basin veteran Dudley Vandenborre stood by his belief that a 30.30-inch barometer reading more than likely means a no-trout trip. Getting up to 30.56 inches like the barometer did 10 days ago, well, you can take the hint.
And, the low water?
The report from the Junior Southwest Bassmasters tournament a couple of weekend ago told all there is to know. Find deep water.
The 19 youngsters and their adult “guides,” weighed 107 bass (all released alive) from their excursions into the Bayou Bienvenu (coastal marsh) area. They kept working through the day and found that what didn’t work in the early morning worked later in the day. The fish moved into shallow water and, reported JSB organizer Jim Breaux, “Most of the fish were caught on bladed jigs, worms, spinnerbaits and crankbaits baits.”
Another cold-water key is to work lures more slowly than you did two months ago. Even during a warm-up period, bass, trout and redfish are moving a little slower and need more time to key in on a target.
The workshop
Women 18 and older who are interested in the April 11 Women’s Fishing 101 Workshop need to apply now. The application deadline is March 1 and there’s a limit of 15 women. The workshop will be held at the Waddill Wildlife Refuge off North Flannery Road in Baton Rouge.
There’s instruction in fish identification, tackle and basic skills, proper fish handling, cleaning, storing and cooking.
The application website:
WETshop
Teachers have until April 1 to apply for Wildlife and Fisheries’ Wetland Education Teacher Workshop — WETshop 2026 — scheduled June 8-12 at the agency’s Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab.
The 50 hours of instruction concentrates on wetland ecology, coastal land loss and restoration, fisheries management, marine organisms, barrier-island beach ecology along with marsh and swamp habitats with the goal of aligning with h Science Standards.
Lodging and meals are provided. Completing the workshop will earn a stipend, and completing a wetland project the following year will earn the educator another stipend.
For more, email Lindsay Seely: lseely@wlf.la.gov
Shrimping
After finding numbers of small white shrimp in the area, Wildlife and Fisheries will close the state’s outside waters from Caillou Boca west to the Freshwater Bayou Canal at sunset Monday.
As usual, the closure will allow the small white shrimp to grow to a marketable size.
Reward offered
State and federal enforcement agents are looking for the person who killed a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish. An injured eagle was found Dec. 5 at the intersection of Robert and Wilmer roads in Erath. The eagle died from a gunshot.
There’s a $6,000 reward offered for information leading to a conviction.
Call h Operation Game Thief 24-hour hotline at (800) 442-2511 with information on this federal violation, one with calls for a fine up to $5,000, one year in jail and a $5,000 civil restitution fine.