Bayou Teche flows 135 miles through the heart of South Central Louisiana, beginning at Port Barre in St. Landry Parish and winding southward through St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary parishes before meeting the Lower Atchafalaya River at Patterson. This historic waterway represents one of Louisiana's most peaceful and scenic fishing destinations, offering a unique combination of cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwood forests, and meandering bayou channels draped in Spanish moss. The bayou's tranquil waters provide excellent habitat for a diverse array of freshwater species, making it a favored destination for anglers seeking both productivity and natural beauty. As a designated National Water Trail, Bayou Teche offers exceptional access throughout its length, with portions of the waterway protected within Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge near Franklin in St. Mary Parish.