2001 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Stop #5
Red River, Shreveport-Bossier, La.
May 16-19
Until the locks and dams creating Pools 4 and 5 on the Red River at Shreveport and Bossier City, La., were completed four years ago, no one bass fished the river. When the new dams raised the water level 25 feet, it suddenly created a tremendous fishery.
Acres and acres of new backwater sloughs were created when low-lying areas were inundated. Rock jetties were built to help control the current flow. What had previously been a very unfriendly environment for bass was transformed into an environment where bass could thrive.
In the spring, the river can run red as it carries silt out of Oklahoma. If that happens, the productive bass fishing is confined to the oxbow lakes and bayous. Pitching or flipping a jig or brush hog in the Jungle, an almost impenetrable slough of standing timber located on Pool 4, is a likely way to catch a bass over 3 pounds. Besides the Jungle, some other productive oxbows are Ninok, Caspiana, Red Oak and Port Lake. When the new locks and dams backed up the water, it made it possible to access, from the main river, many oxbows that had previously been inaccessible.
If the water on the main river is fishable, a reliable pattern is to crankbait the numerous rock jetties and riprap banks. The Corps of Engineers has dumped a lot of limestone rocks into Pools 4 and 5 during the past 4 years, and the bass have taken to the new landscaping.
While the river proper can produce numbers of bass, it is the oxbow lakes and bayous that harbor the kicker-size largemouth. Retrieving a spinnerbait alongside a leaning log, stump or bush is a likely way to connect with a bass whose size will test your equipment.
Shreveport and Bossier City appreciate the important resource that the “new” Red River has become. City officials have worked hard to make the river an attractive site for major bass tournaments.
Wendlandt’s Wisdom
2000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Angler of the Year and 2001 Wal-Mart Open champion Clark Wendlandt of Cedar Park, Texas, is looking forward to the Red River tournament.
“It’s a neat place to fish. Since it is a newly created fishery, there are plenty of productive fishing holes to be discovered, and I enjoy that,” Wendlandt said.
The Red River backwaters contain plenty of standing timber and subtle bottom structure. Wendlandt plans to spend his time in the backwater areas searching for receptive post-spawn bass. He believes a spinnerbait or a jig sporting a plastic crawfish trailer will be his most productive lures.
Local Attractions
The Isle of Capri Casino has exciting casino action Caribbean-style. With the newest table games including “Monopoly,” a Calypso’s Buffett and child care, the casino is one of the area’s most popular gaming spots. Call 1-800-THE-ISLE-2.
For shopping, check out the Crazy Crawfish at 415 Traffic St. in Bossier City. The shop carries work by local crafters and a variety of collectibles.
Another popular shop is Louisiana Concepts at 1308 Barron Rd. in Keithville. The store offers a large selection of Cajun and Creole seasonings, gift baskets, Cajun cookbooks and Louisiana-made art.
Of course, you can expect to find great cooking in the area. Savoie’s at 2400 E. 70th St. in Shreveport has been voted the best Cajun restaurant in North Louisiana. It is real Cajun cooking featuring fresh seafood, crawfish and steaks.
Do not leave the area without a visit to Crescent Landing located at 7601 Pines Rd. in Shreveport. The Shreveport Times says it is the best fried catfish in town. And they serve it “all you can eat.”