If you ask ten anglers when the best time to catch redfish in Louisiana is, you’ll probably get ten different answers.
And honestly, most of them won’t be wrong.
That’s because down here in St. Bernard Parish, just outside New Orleans, redfish don’t follow a simple calendar. They follow food, water movement, and weather. That’s what makes this place special. It’s also what confuses a lot of people planning their first trip.
So instead of giving you a generic “fall is best” answer, let’s break it down the way a local guide actually thinks about it.
Why Louisiana Redfish Fishing Is Different From Anywhere Else
Before we talk about timing, you need to understand one thing.
You can catch redfish in Louisiana every single month of the year.
The marshes around Shell Beach, Lake Borgne, and the Biloxi Marsh create a perfect habitat. Shallow water, steady bait supply, and mild winters keep redfish active when other states slow down.
What changes throughout the year isn’t whether you can catch them — it’s how you find them. Understanding that makes every season far more fishable.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Time to Catch Redfish in Louisiana?
If you just want the short version:
- October and November offer the best overall conditions
- Summer gives you the most consistent action
- Winter is underrated but excellent for sight fishing
- Spring is a great transition period with steady opportunities
But here’s the truth most people miss.
The “best time” depends on what kind of trip you want.
Are you chasing numbers? Big fish? Comfortable weather? That answer changes everything.
Month-by-Month Redfish Fishing in Louisiana
Let’s walk through the year the way we see it on the water.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is when things start waking up.
Water temperatures rise, bait becomes more active, and redfish begin spreading out across the marsh. You’ll find them cruising shallow ponds, grass lines, and flats.
This is a great time if you like variety in your fishing.
One day you might be throwing soft plastics along a shoreline. The next, you’re sight fishing on a calm morning watching reds push water.
It’s also one of the easier times for beginners. Fish are active, but not overly pressured.
If you’re planning a trip during this time, check out a New Orleans fishing charter to get a feel for how these patterns change day to day.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is about consistency.
The heat gets intense, no way around it. But the fishing stays strong.
We usually start early, sometimes before sunrise. By mid-morning, you’ve already had plenty of action and you’re heading back in before the worst of the heat kicks in.
Redfish tend to hold in:
- Deeper cuts and bayous
- Grass edges with moving water
- Areas with steady bait activity
This is one of the best times if your goal is simple.
You want to catch fish, and you want steady action.
Fall (September to November)
If you’re looking for the sweet spot, this is it.
Fall is when everything lines up.
Water temperatures drop slightly. Bait is everywhere. Redfish start feeding aggressively, especially ahead of winter.
This is also when bull redfish show up in bigger numbers.
You’ll see fish pushing bait in shallow water, blowing up on topwater, and feeding in ways that make even experienced anglers stop and watch.
If someone asks for the “best time,” this is usually what they’re talking about.
But it’s also the most popular time. That means more boats, more pressure, and tighter booking windows.
Winter (December to February
This is the most overlooked season, and honestly, one of the most interesting.
The water clears up. Redfish group together. And suddenly, you’re sight fishing to schools of fish in shallow water.
It’s a different pace.
You’re not covering water as fast. You’re targeting specific fish, making more precise casts, and slowing things down.
On colder days, fish move into deeper channels during midday.
But here’s what you get in return.
Less pressure. Quiet marshes. And some of the most rewarding fishing of the year.
What Actually Matters More Than the Month
Here’s where we separate real understanding from surface-level advice.
The month matters. But conditions matter more.
Tide Movement
If the water isn’t moving, the fish usually aren’t feeding.
A falling tide pulls bait out of the marsh. That’s when redfish stack up and feed aggressively.
You can fish the “perfect month” and struggle if the tide is wrong.
Water Temperature
Temperature controls everything.
Too cold, and fish slow down. Too hot, and they adjust their feeding windows.
That’s why summer mornings and winter afternoons tend to be the most productive.
Wind Direction
In Louisiana marshes, wind can make or break your day.
It affects:
- Water clarity
- Access to certain areas
- Where bait stacks up
This is something you won’t see covered in most articles, but every local guide is thinking about it before leaving the dock.
Choosing the Best Time Based on Your Goals
Let’s make this practical.
If You Want Fast Action
Go in summer or early fall.
Fish are active, aggressive, and easier to locate.
If You Want Trophy Redfish
Target fall and early winter.
That’s when larger fish become more consistent.
If You Want Comfortable Weather
Spring and fall give you the best balance.
Milder temperatures and steady fishing.
If You Want Fewer Crowds
Winter is your window.
You’ll have more space and a quieter experience overall.
Common Mistakes That Cost People Fish
You’d be surprised how often these come up.
Fishing based on the calendar instead of conditions
Ignoring tide movement
Overthinking bait selection
Not adjusting to changing water levels
The biggest one?
Assuming there’s only one “right time” to go.
There isn’t.
Why Fishing With a Local Guide Makes a Difference
Redfish don’t read calendars.
That’s why local knowledge matters.
A good guide is constantly adjusting. Watching wind direction, checking water levels, tracking bait movement. It’s not static.
Trips are often planned and scouted ahead of time to give clients the best shot at success.
If you’re coming from out of town, that difference is huge.
You’re not guessing. You’re stepping into a plan.
If you want to see what that looks like, take a look at what to expect on a Shell Beach fishing trip.
Planning Your Redfish Trip Near New Orleans
One of the biggest advantages here is location.
You’re fishing in world-class marsh just 30–40 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
That means you can:
- Fish in the morning
- Be back in the city for dinner
- Or stay out in the marsh for a full experience
If you want to stay close to the water, check out options like the Drake Lodge accommodations.
It puts you right where the day starts.
Other Resources for Planning
You Came for New Orleans. Now Get Into the Marsh.
Most people come to New Orleans for the food, the music, and the culture. And they should — there’s nowhere else like it.
But if you’re already making the trip, you’re 35 minutes from one of the best redfish fisheries in the country. Getting out on the water isn’t leaving New Orleans behind — it’s seeing the rest of it.
The same coast that produces the shrimp, the crawfish, and the oysters on every menu in the French Quarter is alive out here in the marsh. Louisiana didn’t earn the name “Sportsman’s Paradise” by accident. You just don’t see that part from Bourbon Street.
Spend your evening eating and listening to live music. Spend your morning sight-casting to tailing reds in the marsh. Not many places in the world let you do both in the same 24 hours.
Captain Jimmy Corley runs guided trips out of Shell Beach year-round. Call (504) 258-4431 or fishing and see the side of Louisiana most visitors never know exists.
FAQ: Best Time to Catch Redfish in Louisiana
What month are redfish most active in Louisiana?
October and November are typically the most productive overall. Fish feed aggressively during fall transitions, making them easier to locate and catch.
Can you catch redfish year-round in Louisiana?
Yes, redfish are available every month. Seasonal changes affect behavior, but not availability.
What time of day is best for redfish?
Early morning works best in summer, while midday can be more productive in winter as water warms.
Is fall really the best time to fish for redfish?
Fall offers the best combination of conditions, but it’s not the only good time. Other seasons can be just as productive depending on your goals.
Do tides matter more than season?
In many cases, yes. Moving water often triggers feeding activity regardless of the month.
Are redfish harder to catch in winter?
Not necessarily. They require a slower approach, but can be easier to target due to schooling behavior.
Conclusion: The Best Time Is When You Understand the Conditions
There’s no single best time to catch redfish near New Orleans. There are better conditions, better strategies, and better timing depending on what you want out of the trip. That’s what separates a good day from a great one. Captain Jimmy Corley fishes St. Bernard Parish year-round and will put you in the right spot for the right conditions. Call (504) 258-4431 or book your trip here and we’ll figure out the timing together.
About the Captain
Captain Jimmy Corley is a Louisiana-born outdoorsman who’s spent years learning the marsh the hard way—by putting in the time when most folks are still drinking coffee. Based in Shell Beach, he guides hunters and anglers through the waters of St. Bernard Parish, focusing on safe, well-run trips and a simple goal: help you have a great day outdoors and head home with stories (and a cooler) worth talking about.