Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is a solid destination for flounder fishing, with peak season in October and good catches in March, April, May. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in New Orleans
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — New Orleans
Month-by-month availability for flounder in New Orleans, LA.
How to Catch Flounder in New Orleans
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in New Orleans
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
Delacroix Marsh
The Delacroix marsh system in St. Bernard Parish is one of Louisiana's most legendary inshore fisheries, offering miles of sheltered bayous and ponds loaded with redfish and speckled trout. Anglers work the grass-lined shorelines and oyster reef edges on moving tides to intercept schools of slot redfish tailing in shallow water. The area's proximity to New Orleans makes it the city's most accessible world-class marsh fishery.
Bayou Bienvenue
Bayou Bienvenue flows through the eastern marsh of New Orleans and connects to Lake Borgne, creating a productive corridor for redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead. The bayou's submerged oyster beds and grass banks hold fish on both incoming and outgoing tides, with fall providing the best action. Its location just minutes from downtown New Orleans makes it a favorite for local anglers seeking a quick inshore trip.
Manchac Swamp
Manchac Swamp sits between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, offering a unique freshwater-to-brackish fishery for largemouth bass, sac-a-lait, and seasonal redfish that push in from the lake. The swamp's cypress-lined channels and submerged timber create prime ambush structure for bass and panfish throughout the year. It is one of the most scenic and productive swamp fisheries accessible from the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Lafitte Bayou System
The maze of bayous surrounding the historic fishing village of Lafitte in Jefferson Parish provides outstanding inshore access to the Barataria Basin. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead populate the tidal channels and marsh ponds that stretch south toward the Gulf. Lafitte has been a commercial and recreational fishing hub for generations, with experienced local guides running trips into some of Louisiana's most productive marsh habitat.
Other Species in New Orleans
More fish you can target while visiting New Orleans.
Flounder Fishing in New Orleans — FAQ
The peak months for Flounder fishing in New Orleans are October. During these months, Flounder are most active and abundant in the New Orleans area.
Flounder fishing charters in New Orleans are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in New Orleans, your captain provides all required Louisiana fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder regulations in Louisiana include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Flounder in New Orleans, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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