Shettleworth Bayou Fishing Guides
A small Caddo Parish bayou near Blanchard with water level and stage on the gauge, draining toward Twelvemile Bayou and the Red River above Shreveport.
Guides on the Shettleworth Bayou
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About the Shettleworth Bayou
Shettleworth Bayou runs through the low rolling country northwest of Shreveport near Blanchard and drains southeast toward Twelvemile Bayou, which in turn carries into the Red River. It is a smaller and slightly steeper water than the classic delta bayous further south, which gives it a little more definition: a recognisable channel with sand and clay bends, hardwood and pine on the banks, and enough gradient to keep water moving in normal conditions rather than standing. It sits in the Caddo Lake neighbourhood, which is some of the best known bass country in the state.
The gauge reports water level against a fixed datum alongside stage. As with most bayous the level record is the practical one, because the useful question is never how many cubic feet per second are passing but whether the bayou is in its banks or spread into the flats behind them. Northwest Louisiana gets intense rainfall and this catchment responds within hours, so the bayou can go from low and clear to high and heavily stained very quickly. The fishing is best on a stable or slowly falling level, when the fish have settled back against the channel structure and the water has begun to clear.
Largemouth bass dominate, with crappie holding on any submerged wood and often providing the more consistent day. Bluegill, redear sunfish and warmouth fill the shallows, and chain pickerel appear in the weedier slack water, which is a nice regional touch not every bayou offers. Channel, blue and flathead catfish all use the deeper bends. Bowfin and gar are common. Access is mostly from road crossings and adjacent private land, so ask permission and treat Caddo Lake and Twelvemile Bayou as the main destinations, with this bayou as a quieter alternative when the lake is crowded or blown out.
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Access
Blanchard - the town nearest the gauge, with basic services and the gauge reference point.
Shreveport - fifteen miles southeast, with full services, tackle shops, lodging and the airport.
Twelvemile Bayou - the receiving bayou downstream, larger and with better boat access.
Caddo Lake - west of here, the celebrated cypress bass fishery and the regional destination.
Red River at Shreveport - the main river south, with launches and a broad seasonal fishery.
Cross Lake - the city reservoir, offering open water, ramps and reliable bass fishing.
Black Bayou Lake - north near Benton, a good still water alternative with a launch.
Seasons
Spring: the pick of the year, with bass on the banks and crappie schooling before the spawn.
Summer: hot and low with fish in the deeper bends, and good catfishing after dark.
Fall: strong as the water cools and clears, and the most comfortable wading and bank fishing.
Winter: cool and slow, with crappie and catfish still catchable in the deeper holes.
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Questions
What species can you catch on the Shettleworth Bayou?
Anglers target Alligator Gar, Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Bowfin, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drum, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Gar, Warmouth, White Crappie, Yellow Bass on the Shettleworth Bayou in Louisiana.
Where can you access the Shettleworth Bayou?
Blanchard - the town nearest the gauge, with basic services and the gauge reference point. Shreveport - fifteen miles southeast, with full services, tackle shops, lodging and the airport. Twelvemile Bayou - the receiving bayou downstream, larger and with better boat access. Caddo Lake - west of here, the celebrated cypress bass fishery and the regional destination. Red River at Shreveport - the main river south, with launches and a broad seasonal fishery. Cross Lake - the city reservoir, offering open water, ramps and reliable bass fishing. Black Bayou Lake - north near Benton, a good still wa...
When is the best time to fish the Shettleworth Bayou?
Spring: the pick of the year, with bass on the banks and crappie schooling before the spawn. Summer: hot and low with fish in the deeper bends, and good catfishing after dark. Fall: strong as the water cools and clears, and the most comfortable wading and bank fishing. Winter: cool and slow, with crappie and catfish still catchable in the deeper holes.
Where are the fishing regulations for the Shettleworth Bayou?
Regulations change by season and section. Read the current rules on the Louisiana agency site: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fishing-regulations