Powered by RedCircle
Welcome to this week’s Louisiana Delta Fishing Report, the weekly local fishing report for New Orleans, Venice, Grand Isle, Hopedale, and everywhere in between. Host Andre’ Savoie checks in with Capt. Kevin Falgout of Southern Angler Fishing Charters and Capt. Jorda Elliot of Premier Bowfishing for two very different early spring looks at South Louisiana. Kevin explains why Grand Isle is shaping up for a strong run of trout, sheepshead, snapper, and mixed-bag action from inshore to offshore, while Jorda breaks down why late winter into early spring remains one of the best windows for bowfishing around Hopedale.
Conditions Recap
Early spring is showing up across the Louisiana Delta in a big way. The recurring theme in this episode is a mild winter, relatively manageable river influence, and warming conditions that are already pushing fish into more predictable spring patterns. In Grand Isle, trout are showing around rock structure, old camps, and platforms sooner than many anglers would expect, while big sheepshead are stacked both in the bays and offshore. Around Hopedale, lower water, clearer conditions, and lighter wind have created a strong setup for bowfishing, especially on nights when tide and weather line up. Across both conversations, the message is the same: there is already plenty happening, and anglers who stay flexible can take advantage of a wide range of opportunities right now.
Grand Isle Report: Capt. Kevin Falgout, Southern Angler Fishing Charters
Capt. Kevin Falgout says Grand Isle is already fishing like spring in several key ways. The sheepshead bite is strong, with fish showing up not just on offshore rigs but in the bays as well, and he reports some true bruisers in the 24 to 25 inch class. At the same time, speckled trout are hanging around rock structure, old camps, and aging platforms in the bay, and Kevin says that is a very encouraging sign with April approaching. For him, April and May are among the best months of the year for trout around Grand Isle, and this early action suggests the fishery is setting up well.
Kevin explains that what makes Grand Isle so special is the sheer variety packed into one area. Anglers can fish marsh, beaches, rock jetties, man made reefs, and offshore water all within reach of the same operation. He also notes that Grand Isle benefits from being close enough to the Mississippi River to enjoy the productivity that comes with it, while typically avoiding the heavier freshwater impact that can affect Venice more dramatically.
Offshore, Kevin is especially optimistic about the coming red snapper season, and says the number of snapper already showing offshore is hard to ignore. He describes them as so abundant that it is harder not to catch them than to catch them. His crews are also catching mangrove snapper, and while he says those fish have gotten smarter over the years, they are still very catchable with the right finesse approach.
Gear and bait notes from Grand Isle: for trout, Kevin mentions live shrimp and jerkbaits as productive options around rocks and bay structure. For mangrove snapper, he recommends live shrimp, small hooks, and cut pogies, with extra care taken to hide the hook and fish more subtly than in years past. He also describes a mixed “Southern Angler Package” trip that starts inshore for trout and redfish, then heads offshore for snapper and mangroves when conditions allow.
Tuna remain part of the program as well, with Kevin noting that his offshore crew is seeing the same broader fishery that boats out of Venice are targeting around rigs and drill ships. Shark fishing is another option, whether clients want to target bulls and big sharks in the passes and on the beaches or run farther offshore for a true heavyweight fight. For visiting anglers, Kevin also emphasizes that Grand Isle remains a family friendly destination where a fishing trip can easily turn into a full getaway with beach time, dockside dining, and catch-and-cook meals.
Book a trip with Southern Angler Fishing Charters.
Hopedale Report: Capt. Jorda Elliot, Premier Bowfishing
Capt. Jorda Elliot says late winter into early spring is one of his favorite times of year to bowfish around Hopedale. While many anglers focus on the calendar, Jorda says the real drivers are water level, clarity, wind, and tide. This time of year often brings lower water and cleaner conditions, which make fish easier to see and patterns easier to predict. He says that combination can create some of the best bowfishing conditions of the year, even before the full spring transition arrives.
Another major advantage right now is timing. Before the long summer days arrive, crews can leave the dock earlier in the evening, get a full night of fishing in, and still be back at a reasonable hour. That makes this a particularly appealing window for families, first timers, and anglers who want the full experience without an all-night commitment. Jorda also stresses that bowfishing is far more approachable than many people assume. His crew adjusts draw weight based on the group, walks everyone through safety and shooting basics, and makes sure women, kids, and beginners are comfortable before they ever start shooting.
Redfish are the headline species for many groups, but Jorda says alligator gar are also a major draw, especially for visiting anglers looking for something different. He describes the whole experience as more than just shooting fish. Running the marsh at night, seeing fish and wildlife under the lights, and watching how the marsh comes alive after dark is a big part of what makes these trips memorable.
Gear and trip notes from Hopedale: Premier Bowfishing provides the equipment and adjusts the bow draw weight based on the anglers on board, with setups ranging light enough for beginners and kids to heavier options for experienced shooters. Jorda says the best conditions usually involve low water, clear water, and as little wind as possible, though protected banks can still fish well even when tides are not perfect.
Jorda also notes that the daytime rod-and-reel bite is beginning to improve around Hopedale. Trout are starting to show on the rocks earlier than normal, and sheepshead remain a strong option for anglers who want steady action and excellent table fare. For guests staying at his lodge, he also offers the flexibility to bring your own boat and use the property as a base for exploring the area.
Plan a trip with Premier Bowfishing.
