Louisiana Fishing Report — Week of November 5, 2026: Black Drum, Bull Redfish, Gulf Flounder

Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 12, 2026

This Louisiana fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 5, based on how early November usually unfolds across the coastal marsh. Cool fronts begin to push through the Mississippi Delta and Barataria region, shifting fish into deeper bayous and canals. Redfish, black drum and speckled trout remain central, and the Monday, November 9 new moon should add current to the mix.

What’s Hitting

Early November in coastal Louisiana tends to be defined by fronts. When a cold front passes, marsh water can drop and clear, and fish often slide toward deeper channels, canal bends and drains. Redfish should remain widespread in the marsh, with larger bull reds possible near the passes and the Mississippi River mouth. Black drum typically gather around oyster reefs and deeper holes. Speckled trout may move toward protected bays and canals where bait congregates, and live shrimp or soft plastics under a popping cork are traditional choices. Sheepshead and flounder could show around structure near the Grand Isle and Venice areas. Offshore, some boats work rigs for yellowfin tuna and cobia leftovers while seas allow. Wind often matters more than the tide in the marsh, so fish the lee shorelines.

Where to Find Them

Around Grand Isle, the beach, the Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge shoreline and the jetties near Caminada Pass are classic places to fish for redfish, drum and trout. In Barataria Bay, oyster reefs and the cuts around Bayou Perot usually shelter trout and reds as the weather cools. Out of Venice, the water around the lower Mississippi River and its passes offers big redfish, black drum and, on the right days, offshore opportunities. Farther west, Calcasieu Lake and the Cameron marsh typically see trout and reds working the shell reefs. Lake Pontchartrain and the Rigolets give anglers near New Orleans the chance to fish bridges and rock walls for trout and reds without running far.

Tides & Conditions

Louisiana tides are small compared with the Atlantic coast, so wind and barometric pressure often rule water movement. A strong north wind after a front typically pushes water out of the marsh, concentrating fish in drains and canals, while a southerly breeze before the next front can push water in and widen the options. The new moon on Monday, November 9 should still add a modest boost to tidal exchange. Plan to fish the stronger outgoing stages around passes, cuts and culverts, when bait is pulled into the open. With daylight saving over, mornings come earlier on the clock, so launching at first light is easier.

Tackle & Tactics

A seven-foot medium spinning rod with ten to fifteen pound braid and a fluorocarbon leader handles most marsh fishing. For speckled trout, anglers typically choose soft plastics on a quarter-ounce jig head, or live shrimp suspended beneath a cork. For redfish, a gold spoon, a spinnerbait or a chunk of cut mullet on the bottom works well. Heavier gear helps with bull reds near the passes. Carry a landing net, long-nose pliers and a boat-ready first-aid kit. A light jacket is smart for cool, windy mornings after fronts. Spare jig heads and a few extra leaders are cheap insurance around oyster shell.

Local Intel This Week

Public fishing access is widespread. Grand Isle State Park has a lighted fishing pier and access to the beach, while Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge offers walk-in beach fishing. The Fourchon area has public launches for boats headed offshore or into the bays. Near New Orleans, the Rigolets and the Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront give bank anglers options. Venice has several marinas, with launch services for those heading into the delta. Weather can change quickly after a front, so check the marine forecast before leaving the dock. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Local bait shops usually share recent patterns and shrimp availability. Boat launches can be crowded on calm weekends after a front, so arriving early usually helps, and kayak anglers often use the smaller marsh launches along Highway 1.

This Week’s Tip

After a cold front passes, skip the open bay and look for a marsh drain or canal with some depth. Anchor on the downwind side, cast a soft plastic toward the bank, and let it fall slowly on a tight line. Work the corners where the water turns, and stay patient.