Louisiana · Southeast Louisiana
SHEEPSHEAD FISHING
IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is an outstanding destination for sheepshead fishing, with peak season in January, February, March and good catches in April, May, October. Book a charter and target sheepshead with local experts.
About Sheepshead Fishing in New Orleans
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" of saltwater — instantly recognizable by their bold black and white vertical bars across a deep, compressed body. They are structure-oriented fish found around bridges, piers, jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs, where they use their remarkable human-like teeth to crush barnacles, crabs, and shellfish. Both males and females display the same striking striped pattern, though spawning males develop a darker overall coloration.
Scientific name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Sheepshead Seasonal Calendar — New Orleans
Month-by-month availability for sheepshead in New Orleans, LA.
How to Catch Sheepshead in New Orleans
Techniques & Bait
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light rod (6'6"-7 ft), 2500 reel, 10 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader, small sharp hooks (1/0-2/0). Sensitivity is critical — you need to feel the subtle "thief" bites.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in New Orleans
Top spots where local captains target sheepshead 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.
Sheepshead Fishing in New Orleans — FAQ
The peak months for Sheepshead fishing in New Orleans are January, February, March, December. During these months, Sheepshead are most active and abundant in the New Orleans area.
Sheepshead 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.
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
No — when you book a charter in New Orleans, your captain provides all required Louisiana fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Sheepshead 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 Sheepshead in New Orleans, you may also catch Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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