Lake Bistineau
Lake Bistineau
- Boat Ramps
- 13
- Access Points
- 14
- Species
- 15
Lake Bistineau is a 15,500-acre reservoir located in northwestern Louisiana, spanning Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes. This unique water body is characterized by its swamp-like atmosphere with an abundance of cypress and tupelo trees covering approximately 50% of the lake's surface area. Originally formed when a logjam on the Red River backed water up Bayou Dorcheat, Lake Bistineau was later impounded in 1942 with the construction of a dam and spillway to maintain consistent water levels. The lake is known for its murky waters, extensive shoreline (over 50 miles), and intricate networks of bayous and sloughs that create excellent fish habitat. With its cypress-lined shores and diverse aquatic ecosystem, Lake Bistineau offers anglers an authentic Louisiana fishing experience in a picturesque setting.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Bistineau and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Bistineau. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Bistineau
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Louisiana licenses and regulations
Louisiana Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Louisiana Fishing License
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Louisiana Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Louisiana Stream Access Laws
The beds and bottoms of all navigable waters and the banks or shores of bays, arms of the sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and navigable lakes belong to the state of Louisiana, and the policy of this state is hereby declared to be that these lands and water bottoms, hereinafter referred to as ‘public lands’, shall be protected, administered, and conserved to best ensure full public navigation, fishery, recreation, and other interests
Take Lake Bistineau with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Bistineau to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Bistineau to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Bistineau and check the forecast before you go.
Lake Bistineau near Ringgold, LA
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