Here is a list of lakes in Louisiana. This is not a complete listing
of all the lakes in Louisiana it is the largest, most popular, most used lakes.
It is extremely impractical to list per say, all of the lakes in Louisiana because
of two conditions. First, the major rivers have a notorious reputation
for changing courses. When this has happened there are left lakes, many
that are very small-perhaps tiny, some that are curved in physical characteristic’s
and have been dubbed with the name of “Ox Box Lakes.” Second, along the
coast there are many open bodies of waters that are in varying sizes from tiny
to large. Some are called ponds, many are called lakes. Many have
names and some do not. Therefore, there are hundreds, maybe even into
several thousands of lakes in Louisiana.
First Louisiana has to be understood by the outsider. There are
two parts to Louisiana, two very distinct separate states and they are known
as “North Louisiana” and “South Louisiana.” It must be understood this
is just not a geographical coincidence or convince.
There is a lot of water in Louisiana. I repeat, there is a lot of
water in Louisiana, an awful lot of water. It is in the form of lakes of all
types, streams, river’s, bayous, canals, coulee’s, swamps, marshes, and water
prairies and wetlands. There are no clear water, white water, or mountain
type streams in Louisiana any where. However, there are a few shallow,
per say clear type streams to enjoy canoeing and they do have canoe outfitters
on them.
As is projected about Louisiana that it is all swamps and alligators just
a soon as you cross any state boundary is false. Over fifty per cent of
the state is forested timberlands and then there is the agriculture farm lands
of which there are many thousands of acres. Still there is a lot of water
in this state that is used for fishing, both commercial and recreational, and
also recreational boating.
As with a lot of waterways and lakes there are more than one with the
same name and I have elected to keep them individually identified with a town
or village nearest to them.
There are so many lakes that the most logical way is to list them in alphabetical
order. However, there are two lakes or maybe to say, two areas that are
of such great importance that I will list them first out of context.
First is:
Toledo Bend Reservoir Lake
This is an extremely large lake especially for this area. Its size is
approximately 185,000 acres [290 square miles], 1,200 miles shore line, 70
miles long and varies in width from 3 to 5 miles not including the arms that
goes up into the feeder streams for up to 8 miles. This lake sits open the
Louisiana Texas state line with its most central location in Louisiana at
Many, Louisiana. There are a total of 80 accesses to the lake around its entire
perimeter including the so called “Texas side.” Many of these are large
commercial launches some of which are full scale top quality marinas with
all facilities. There is more than one state park and several facilities
with large campground and lodging facilities. The lake has many obstructions
in the form of deadened timber stands, tree limbs, and underwater stumps.
However there is a lot of open water and there are many well marked boat lanes
and boat roads. In fact near the dam area SCUBA diving is very
popular. So, use caution, and safe boating practices when using this
lake. Toledo Bend is a national known and used large mouth bass fishing
lake and produces many trophy and monster bass. Many Bass fishing tournaments
are held on this lake. In addition to bass the lake also is fished for
the small bream, white-perch [in south Louisiana Sac-A-Lait], catfish,
and last but not least the huge striped-bass. Many activities are practiced
on this large body of water including camping, Jet Skiing, swimming, boating,
water-skiing among other water sports.
For extended information an excellent Internet Web site is available
at: http://www.toledo-bend.com/
The Atchafalaya
Basin
For any
body that is interested in fishing and boating they need to know about and
or be told about the “Atchafalaya Basin.” This is the name of
the place, what it is known by in Louisiana. It might not necessarily
be the proper defined term for the area but, that is what it is known by.
The “Atchafalaya Basin” is a flood control area in the extreme south central
part of the state focused around the Atchafalaya River from around Simmesport
to Morgan City and onto the Gulf of Mexico a distance of over a hundred miles.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has constructed many many miles of huge earthen
levees on the east and west boundaries of the “Basin” to control flood waters
that can fluxate as much as twenty-two feet in the “Basin.”
The information on the exact beginning, end and size seems to be vague.
A generalized description would be, about a fifteen mile swath starting just
north of Lettsworth and goes south to Morgan City about 100 miles. This
starting point is around the junction of the Red River and the Atchafalaya
River at the “Old River Lock.” The Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries
has their map of the area with the northern boundary at US 190 around Krotz
Springs about 30 miles south of Lettsworth. Their southern end is the
Gulf of Mexico about fifteen miles south of Morgan City. The information
that I have states the size of the basin comprises an area of 860,000 acres
[over 1,350 square miles] of swamps, lakes and water prairies the largest
and last great river-basin swamp. There are many accesses to the basin
a total of 35 boat launches around the entire basin.
There are hundreds of square miles of beautiful pristine swamps,
lake and water prairies that abound with many types of wildlife, birds, waterfowl
and fish.. There are many miles perhaps hundreds of miles of rivers,
bayous and canals there. Note, all of the area is not all covered with
water. Thus this is a great wilderness place to boat and fish.
However, extreme care and caution should be used in using this secluded wilderness-type
area as it is very easily to get lost in this place. I saw a locale
fisherman in his fifteen foot bass boat preparing to go into the basin that
he was familiar with and he had a spare outboard motor and a tent in the gunnels.
This should demonstrate what kind of a place this ”Basin” is so, use caution
in this area.
The Louisiana
Lakes
- Anacoco
Lake. Located about nine miles east of Leesville in west-central
Louisiana, approximately 2,400 acres in size, 1.25 miles wide by 3.25
miles long. Available for recreational boating, fishing and camping.
Has one nice campground.
- Black Bayou
Lake. Located just west of Hosston in northwest Louisiana,
a launch and small park just off LA 2 highway at the dam. It is approximately
4,550 acres in size and is .75 mile wide by 9 miles long. This lake
is a very scenic lake with lots of cypress trees in it making for fishing
only and not good for recreational boating. It has a marked boat road
up the middle of it.
- Black Bayou
Reservoir Lake. Located about seven miles north of Bossier City
in north Louisiana. Approximately 780 acres in size and is about .2 mile wide
and 5 miles long. An open lake available for recreational boating and
fishing. Requires an annual permit.
- Black River
Lake. Also known as “Horshoe Lake.” A large
“Ox Bow Lake” located at Monterey in east central Louisiana. Size is
approximately 1,500 acres, however, it is less than .1 mile wide, about 700
feet but, is about 15.5 miles long. It is a nice open lake with no obstructions
and available for fishing and recreational boating. There is a commercial
launch nearby with fuel on the water. Also accesses Workinger Bayou,
Cocodrie Lake [Horshoe Lake], Bayou Cross Cocodrie, and Bayou Cocodrie
- Bundick
Lake. Located about 12 miles southeast of Deridder
near Dry Creek in the southwestern part of the state. It is approximately
1,500 acres in size. It is about 1 mile wide and 3.5 miles long.
The upper portion of the lake, about one-fourth, contains dead timber
and stumps however, the rest of the lake is available for recreational boating.
There is a nice large commercial campground near the dam.
- Caddo Lake.
Located about 17 miles north of Shreveport in northwest Louisiana and sits
astride the Texas Louisiana border. It is a large lake, approximately
26,560 acres in size and is approximately12 miles wide and 16 miles
long. This has got to be about the most unique and scenic lakes in the
state, with lots of fishing, wildlife, wildlife habitat, large areas of moss
covered cypress trees and rich in history. Among some of
the numerous wildlife here is alligators, beavers, nutria, mink, eagles, ducks,
egretss and more. It is also supports duck hunting with numerous duck
blinds. It has many obstructions some of which are underwater. There
are many lily pad fields in the western portion of the lake. About one
third of the lake is more or less cypress swamps. There are many oil wells
in a large part of the lake. With all of this there are many marked
boat roads that takes a person through the beautiful swamps, lily pad fields
and into the Big Cypress River at Uncertain, Texas. It is a good and
popular fishing lake. Many record bass have been caught here. It is
popular for boating. Recreational boating is done at the eastern end
where the dam is and around Uncertain, Texas. There are numerous accesses
but limited other facilities
- Calcasieu
Lake. Located about 3 miles north of Cameron in the extreme
southeastern part of the state and accesses the Gulf of Mexico easily.
It is a very large oval shaped lake about 52,700 acres in size and is approximately
5 miles by 5.5 miles. It is an open lake available for fishing and recreational
boating accessed from several points, a few with facilities. The Gulf
of Mexico is easily accessed from this lake.
- Cane River
Lake. Located in the north central part of the state in the
proximity of Natchitoches. It is quite a unique lake as it is a part
of the Cane River with a dam at each end of the lake and has practically
no obstructions. It has its northern beginning about three miles north of
downtown Natchitoches and is 35 miles long. It averages about 200-400
feet wide and is available for fishing and recreational boating. Very
popular for recreational boating as you can always be assured of smooth water.
It is quite a scenic body of water as it meanders lazily down the southern
country side.
- Caney Creek
Reservoir Lake. Located in north Louisiana about 9 miles west
of Jonesboro. It is approximately 5,250 acres in size and is 1 mile
wide by 3 miles long. It is an open lake with practically no obstructions
in it and has many pockets and arms in it. It has been know n most recently
for its good large mouth bass fishing. It has numerous accesses, some
with all convinces and facilities.
Catahoula
Lake. Located in central Louisiana about 10 miles south of Jena.
It is approximately 19,450 acres in size and is 3 miles wide and 12 miles
long. It is generally an open Lake free of timber. This lake is not good for
recreational boating. There are numerous oil wells on the lake and it
is better known for its duck hunting. The lake will at time be “dry”
in the summer for planting of food for ducks. However, it is still a
popular fishing lake. It has several accesses itself but it best accessed
from launches on the Little River.
Catfish Lake Located in the extreme southeastern part of
the state 2 miles west of Golden Meadow. It is an open circular lake
yet, not necessarily a recreational boating lake. It is approximately
1,730 acres in size and is 1.25 miles by 2.25 miles. This is lake is primarily
for fishing. It has no direct accesses and has to be accessed indirectly
from nearby launches.
- Cheniere
Brake Lake. Located in north-central Louisiana about 4 miles west
of West Monroe. It is approximately 3,350 acres in size and is .5 mile
wide by 5.5 miles long. This is to be considered a “wooded” lake and
it has lots of timber and green brush in it. Therefore it is primarily
for fishing and no recreational boating.
- Clear Lake
- Mansfield. Located in northwestern Louisiana about 10 miles
east of Mansfield. It is approximately 1,410 acres in size and is 1
mile wide and 3 miles long. This is definitely not a recreational boating
lake. It is a “Louisiana look” lake as it it full of moss covered cypress
trees, some scattered, some thick. There is a lot of underwater moss
in the lake also. It is a locally popular fishing lake. There
is only one access to this lake on highway LA 509.
- Cocodrie
Lake -Turkey Creek. Located in the central part of the state
about 8 miles north of Turkey Creek. It is approximately 6,000 acres
in size and is 1.25 miles wide by 6.25 miles long. This lake is a “wooded”
lake and not for recreational boating. But, with its many trees it is
a good fishing lake. There are several accesses to the lake
- Cocodrie
Lake - Monterey. Also known as “Horshoe Lake.”
An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the central part of the state about 4 miles
north of Monterey. It is approximately 1,160 acres in size and is about
a .5 mile wide by 5.25 miles long. It is an open lake with practically
no obstructions. There several access but no facilities. However, there is
a commercial launch nearby on Workinger Bayou with fuel on the water.
Also accesses Workinger Bayou, Black River Lake [Monterey Lake],
Bayou Cross Cocodrie, and Bayou Cocodrie.
- Corney Lake.
Located in the extreme north-central part of the state 4 miles northeast of
Summerfield. This is a US National Forest lake approximately
2,000 acres in size and is 1 mile wide and 3.5 miles long. It is basically
an open water lake but is primarily a fishing lake over recreational boating.
Two improved primitive camping areas with facilities available.
- Cotile Lake.
Located in the central part of the state about 7 miles west of Boyce.
It is approximately 2,250 acres in size and is 1 mile wide by 3.5 miles long.
There are two accesses to the lake including an excellent Parish [County]
campground there with nice improved camp sites, two beaches, two
large enclosed shelters, tent pads all located on winding roads on scenic
rolling hills. This is one of the nicest in the state. An
open lake excellent for recreational boating and fishing.
- Cross Lake.
Located in the northwestern part of the state at the western edge of Shreveport.
It is approximately 8, 850 acres in size and is about 1 mile wide and 9 miles
long. It is generally is an open lake with practically no obstructions
and is quite scenic. It is s lined with moss covered cypress trees.
A lot of the upper end of the lake and a lot of the pockets or coves are populated
with lots of moss covered trees. It is also supports duck hunting with
numerous duck blinds. The upper end of the lakes has lots of waterfowl,
and wildlife including alligators. It is the source of Shreveport’s water
supply and has regulations. Boating requires an inexpensive annual registration
from the Cross Lake Patrol located on South Lake Shore Drive. Cross
Lake is a good fishing lake and is popular for fishing and recreational boating.
It is one of the few bodies of water in the state where sailing is practiced
and there is a Yacht club on the south side of the lake that accommodates
this sport. There are numerous accesses to the lake including two public
parks, one marina with fuel and several commercial facilities.
- Cypress
Bayou Reservoir Lake. Located in the northwestern part of
the state about 7 miles north of Bossier City. It is approximately 3,875
acres in size and is about .75 mile wide and 6.25 miles long. An open
lake available for recreational boating and fishing. Requires an annual
permit. In addition to fishing it is very popular for recreational boating
including lots of jet skiing. There are several accesses to the lake
and they require a parking fee. Cypress Bayou Park is available with store,
marina, 75 improved camp sites, 66 unimproved campsites, rent boats, and beach.
- False River
Lake. A large “Ox Bow Lake” located in the south central
part of the state at the town of New Roads about 25 miles northwest of the
state capitol of Baton Rouge. It is approximately 3,000 acres in size
and is about .5 miles wide and 10.25 miles long. It is an open lake with practicably
no obstructions. There are several accesses including one small commercial
campground, “Jim’s Place” right on the water. The lake is very populated
on its banks as state roads that encircles the entire lake and are very close
to its banks. Most of the town of New Roads including its downtown area is
located on the banks also. It is most popular for recreational
boating including water skiing and jet skiing. It is heavy used as it
is the closest large open body of water to the large nearby town of Baton
Rouge.
- Grand Lake.
Is located in the extreme south-central part of the state about 12 miles south
of the town of Lake Arthur. It is a large circular lake approximately
42,100 acres in size and is about 8.25 miles by 8.25 miles. The Mermentau
River flows through its western extremities therefore it is difficult to say
wether the lake is an enlargement of the river or not. The lake is isolated
from roads and highways and has no direct accesses. It has to be accessed
from the Intracoastal Waterway that goes across its northern extremity, from
points around the town of Lake Arthur to the north or from the town of Grand
Chenier to the south. The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessed from this lake.
- Iatt Lake.
Located in the north-central part of the state about 5 miles east of Colfax.
It is approximately 6,650 acres in size and is about 1 mile wide and 7.5 miles
long miles long. This is a wooded lake and is not recommended for recreational
boating or large boats, There are several unimproved accesses around the lake
with very limited to no facilities.
- Indian Creek
Reservoir Lake. Located in the central part of the state about
3 miles south of Woodworth. It is approximately 2,100 acres in size
and is 1.5 mile wide and 4 miles long. This lake is extremely popular
for camping, water sports, recreational boating and fishing. There are
people that come from all over the state to this small lake. This is
a Louisiana State Forest facility. The only one in the state. A very
excellent facility - one of the top in the state. No marina is its only
draw back. There are excellent camping areas and hook-ups, 3 beaches,
hot showers, dump station and more. The primitive camp sites make the place
as they are unique as being right on the waters edge mostly on small
bluffs and secluded in the woods from the other camp sites.
- Ivan Lake.
Located in northwest Louisiana about 4 miles west of Cotton Valley.
Approximately 365 acres in size and is .25 mile wide by 2.25 miles long. The
upper portion of the lake is restricted by dead timber and stumps, however,
recreational boating is okay near the dam. There is only one access
at the dam.
- John T Kelly
Reservoir Lake. Located in north-central Louisiana 4 miles east
of Coushatta. Approximately 3,000 acres in size and is1 mile wide by
6 miles long. It is a new lake mostly an open lake available
for fishing and recreational boating. A recreation area adjacent is
being constructed with camping sites and cabins. There are two accesses.
- Kepler Lake.
Located in north-central Louisiana about 5 miles north of Castor. It
is approximately 1,730 acres in size and is .5 mile wide and 4.5 miles
long. It is basically an open lake and is available for fishing and
recreational boating.
- Kincaid
Reservoir Lake. Located in the central part of the state about 11
miles east of Alexandria. Approximately 2,100 acres in size and is 1.5 miles
wide and 3.25 miles long. This is a US National Forest Lake with good
facilities including a camping area. It is basically an open lake good
for fishing and recreational boating
- Lake Arthur.
Located in the southeastern part of the state at the south edge of the town
of Lake Arthur. It is approximately 1,725 acres in size and is .5 mile
wide by 4.5 miles long. It is an open lake available for fishing and
recreational boating. Sail boating is popular on this lake. It
has to be indirectly accessed as no launches are on the lake.
- Lake Bistineau.
Located in the northwestern part of the state about 8 miles north west of
Ringgold and 25 miles southeast of Shreveport. It is approximately 15,550
acres in size and is 1.25 miles wide by 14 miles long. It is one of
the best multi-use and scenic lakes in the state. It contains lots of
moss covered cypress trees, some in wooded groves, some sparsely scattered,
and some just occasionally located. Even with the numerous trees there are
a lot of open areas, lanes and also wide channels. Therefore, it is
an excellent fishing, and recreational boating lake including waterskiing,
house boating, jet skiing and party barges. In the center of the lake
at a place called “Bossier Slough” there are numerous “platforms’ built into
the trees for recreational purposes. There are numerous access to the
lake including several commercial facilities several of which are marinas,
with lots of facilities including campgrounds and lodging. Lake Bistineau
State Park, a very large nice park with many facilities including campgrounds
and lodging, is on the north western edge of the lake. It is also supports
duck hunting with numerous duck blinds
- Lake Bruin.
A large “Ox Box” Lake located in east central Louisiana about 4 miles north
of St. Joseph. Approximately 2,730 acres in size and is .5 mile wide
and 11.25 miles long. It is an open lake free of any obstructions.
It is popular for fishing and recreational boating. There are several
accesses mostly improved commercial launches with nice campgrounds, lodging,
fuel on the water and more. There is also Lake Bruin State Park on the
lake with many facilities.
- Lake Charles.
Located in the southwestern part of the state just at the western edge of
the city of Lake Charles adjacent to and part of the Calcasieu River.
Approximately 950 acres in size and is 1.25 miles by 1.25 miles. It
is an open lake free of any obstructions mainly a recreational lake with a
nice long beach next to highway I-10. There are two casino boats on
this lake also.
- Lake Claiborne.
Located in the northwestern part of the state about 4 miles east of Homer.
It is approximately 5,760 acres in size and is .75 mile wide and 7.75 miles
long. It is generally an open lake however, there are some underwater
obstructions that are well marked. Lake Clabiorne is a nice attractive
multi-use upland lake with lots of arms and pockets. There are several
accesses to the lake including a couple of nice improved commercial sites.
Lake Clabiorne State Park is located on the southeastern end of the lake and
a very nice park with lots of improved camp sites and all facilities.
There is a nice man made beach here with a concession stand and more.
- Lake Concordia.
An “Ox Bow Lake” located in the east-central part of the state about 1 mile
northeast of Ferriday. It is approximately1,130 acres in size and is.25
mile wide and 8.25 miles long. It is a multi-use open lake available
for fishing and recreational boating. It has several accesses on the lake
including several improved commercial facilities with campgrounds, lodging,
fuel and more.
- Lake D’Arbonne.
Located in the north-central part of the state just southwest of Farmerville.
It is approximately 13,600 acres in size and is 1.5 miles wide and 13.5 miles
long. It is basically an open lake however there are areas of dead timbers.
The lake also has some moss in the water. It is a multi-use lake available
for fishing and recreational boating. It is quite popular for bass fishing.
There are numerous accesses to the lake some with improved facilities.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park a very nice facility is located on the north side
of the lake.
- Lake Henderson.
Located in the south-central part of the state at Henderson and about 15 miles
west of Lafayette. It is approximately 5,000 acres in size and is 1.5
miles wide and 4.5 miles long. It lies on the northwestern age of the”Atchafalaya
Basin” with the “Over the Swamp Highway,” I-10 crossing
over the middle of it. Lake Henderson is a beautiful multi-use lake.
However, it has stands of timber in it, scattered cypress trees and areas
that are full of above water stumps. Even with all of this it has open
areas, lanes and great places for recreational boating and is very popular
for fishing. There are numerous accesses most just south of Henderson
that have all facilities, including fuel, rent boats, wet storage, tour boats
and very nice restaurants - over the water, not to mention some excellent
restaurants in Henderson proper.
- Lake Lac
Des Allemends. Located in the south-central part of
the state about 4 miles north of the town, Des Allemands. It is approximately
16,800 acres in size and is 5.5 miles wide and 6.5 miles long. There are no
direct accesses to the lake. It has to be accessed from the south at
Des Allemends, and Kramer.
- Lake Maurepaus.
Located in the southeastern part of the state between LaPlace and Springfield
and about 30 miles north west from New Orleans. It is a very large oval
lake approximately 57,900 acres [90 square miles] in size and is 10 miles
by 12 miles. It is an open multi-use lake available for fishing and
recreational boating. There are no direct access to the lake however
it is easily accessed from numerous nearby launches mostly from feeder streams.
The Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible from this lake through Lake Pontchatrain..
- Lake Paladoure.
Located in south-central Louisiana about 1 mile east of Morgan City.
It is approximately 10,600 acres in size and is 3.5 miles wide by 5.5 miles
long. It is an open oval shaped lake with no obstructions available
for recreational boating and fishing. Lake End campground at the west end
of the lake Large and very nice. 140 RV full hook-ups sites, showers,
laundry, playground, beach, marina with docks and slips, covered pavilions,
paved walking trail, picnic tables with grills.
