Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are Louisiana's most commonly harvested flatfish and the dominant flounder species in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
These distinctive left-eyed flatfish have laterally compressed bodies with olive-brown tops featuring dark and white spots that resemble sandy or muddy bottoms, while their undersides are completely white.
Both eyes migrate to the left side during development, allowing them to lie flat on the bottom with both eyes looking upward.
Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma
- Louisiana Southern Flounder can reach up to 20 pounds but typically range 1-5 pounds, with significant sexual dimorphism - females grow much larger (up to 25+ inches) and live longer (up to 8 years) than males, which rarely exceed 13.5 inches or live beyond 3-4 years.
Fishing in Louisiana
Red River
Lake Chicot
Mississippi River
Ouachita River
Kincaid Reservoir
Indian Creek Reservoir
Lake Buhlow
Cotile Lake
Lake Iatt
Calcasieu River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit an incredible range of salinities, from 100 miles up the Mississippi River in pure freshwater to full-strength seawater offshore, though they're most common at moderate salinities.
- These ambush predators lie nearly invisible on muddy, sandy, or gravel bottoms in estuaries, marshes, channels, bays, and around structures.
Key Locations
- Louisiana's barrier islands, throughout the coastal zone from the Mississippi River delta to Lake Charles, Lake Pontchartrain.
Specific Spots
- Fish muddy bottoms in estuaries, channels with current, oyster bars, grass flat edges, around docks, piers, pilings, and jetties.
- Target current-swept points, channel edges, tidal creek mouths, and areas where different bottom types meet.
Southern Flounder FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Southern Flounder in Louisiana?
Berkeley Gulp Swimming Mullet and 3" Gulp Shrimp (top choices), DOA CAL 3-4" Shad with paddle tails, shrimp-tipped feather jigs, DOA 3" Shrimp, and weedless gold spoons. White and chartreuse are the most productive colors, with white/red head combinations also effective.
When is the best time to fish for Southern Flounder in Louisiana?
Peak Southern Flounder fishing in Louisiana occurs from January through September, with the season closed October 15 - November 30 during their critical spawning migration. Prime months are January, April-June, and December when fish concentrate in predictable locations.
How do you catch Southern Flounder in Louisiana?
Night fishing with lights can be productive, and gigging is popular in shallow, clear water on rising tides around barrier islands. Use live shrimp hooked in the tail or horn, finger mullet, mud minnows, or cocahoe minnows with split shot or under Carolina rigs.
What do Southern Flounder eat?
Their diet consists primarily of fish (89% in Lake Pontchartrain studies) including anchovies (41%), mullet, menhaden, and croakers, plus shrimp and crabs. They consume 4-8% of their body weight daily.
Where do Southern Flounder live in Louisiana?
They inhabit an incredible range of salinities, from 100 miles up the Mississippi River in pure freshwater to full-strength seawater offshore, though they're most common at moderate salinities.
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