The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Catahoula Lake
LaSalle Parish, Louisiana · 29,400 acres (46 sq mi)
67°F water, calm this morning.
About Catahoula Lake
Catahoula Lake spreads over 29,400 acres in LaSalle Parish, Louisiana. It sits on the Little River. Catahoula Lake is Louisiana's largest natural freshwater lake, a Ramsar-listed wetland that dries down seasonally for migratory waterfowl.
From end to end it runs about 9.6 miles with roughly 41 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 30 ft above sea level. Deville lies about 6.1 miles to the south.
- Size
- 29,400 acres (46 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 41 miles
- End to end
- About 9.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 30 ft
- Type
- Shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years
- River
- Little River
- County
- LaSalle Parish
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Fair
- 5:00 am – 8:15 ammoon underfoot, sunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Louisiana mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 67°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
- GoodBluegill and sunfish
Active around docks and weeds.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:34 am · sunset 5:10 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Catahoula Lake
- Devilleabout 6.1 mi south
- Jenaabout 8.5 mi north
- Midwayabout 9.6 mi north
- Ballabout 12 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Catahoula Lake
What fish are in Catahoula Lake?
Lakes like Catahoula Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Catahoula Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Catahoula Lake?
29,400 acres, with about 41 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Catahoula Lake?
Deville is about 6.1 miles south; Jena is about 8.5 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Catahoula Lake today?
The surface was about 67°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Catahoula Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
