AN AFTERNOON TRIP FISHING ON THE TICKFAW RIVER
Springfield, Louisiana
by Jeff Bruhl

Just down from the launch at Leisure Landing, I dropped the trolling motor on the scenic Tickfaw River. This cover-rich environment is a picturesque step back in time. My partner, Rodney Teel, President of Lighthouse Bassmasters, pitched a crankbait next to a tree.

“In local tournaments, stringers in the range of 15 pounds are not uncommon on the Tickfaw.” Rodney told me. He continues, “Certain times of the year, it is hard to beat the Tickfaw.”

The Tickfaw River is a sportsman’s paradise nestled between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The river flows from St. Helena Parish into Livingston Parish and empties into Lake Maurepas. The river winds and turns through various forest lands. Cypress and tupelo swamps are dotted along the river. Pine and hardwood bottomlands can be found along the river, too. Tickfaw State Park, a 1200-acre facility, touches the river for three miles. The park has pavilions for all the forest types from swamp to hardwood forest. The Tickfaw River is within 45 minutes of Covington or Baton Rouge. Leisure Landing and other landings are found along the river just a few miles from Springfield. 

Bass was the focus of our trip but many freshwater species can be caught. Sac-au-lait (crappie), catfish, and pan fish are just some of the action to be found on the river. With the many trees growing in the water edge, perch jerking is another way to enjoy an afternoon.

Rumba Doll spinnerbaits, Bomber crankbaits, and various soft plastics like Yum worms are the main offensive weapons. Spinnerbaits are a good choice from spring to fall. Crankbaits in crawfish or shad patterns work well year round. Try bumping the lure against the trees along the bank. Also, look for run offs or small channels flowing from the woods. Several fish came from the impressions made by run offs.

“I usually catch good fish on river bends with deep water close to the bank,” Rodney added.

Structure is just as important on the Tickfaw as cover. The river has miles of tree-studded banks. Finding a bank with a unique feature such as deep water or a run off will help produce fish. Points with lily pads are another area to try. Pick a lure such as a crankbait or spinnerbait that will cover an area quickly. On our fishing trip, we had to wait out a few rain showers. The rain shortened our trip considerable but using fast moving baits helped produce a few bites.

“The small ditches that flow from the woods can be a bass magnet after a rain storm,” states the Lighthouse Bassmasters President, a local federated club from Ponchatoula, Louisiana. “Heavy down pours from summer thunderstorms wash all kinds of bait into the river.”

The Tickfaw is a scenic picture postcard. If that was not enough to tempt an angler to try the waters, the fishing is great. Green trout, as they are known is some areas of Louisiana, are plentiful along the flowing river. The abundant cover makes it a challenge to fish. The reward is not size but the numbers the Tickfaw can produce. Spring and fall are some of the best times to try your luck.

An afternoon on a beautiful scenic river like the Tickfaw is a peaceful experience. Adding a fishing trip makes it even more of an enjoyable experience. So next time you visit the Baton Rouge area, plan a trip on the Tickfaw River.

Rodney Teel is the president of Lighthouse Bassmasters of Ponchatoula. He is pictured with a nice Venice bass.

About the Author: Jeff Bruhl is a member of the Louisiana Outdoors Writer Association, pro angler, and a pharmacist. His website, www.marshbass.com, covers freshwater fishing across Louisiana and the gulf coast. Each Saturday morning between 5-7 am CST, a bass fishing report can be heard on the Outdoors with Don Dubuc Radio Show (www.dontheoutdoorsguy.com) on 870 AM from the New Orleans station. Jeff has made numerous television and radio appearances on shows like Paradise Louisiana, The Big Fish, and ABC26.com. From tips on youtube.com to weekly reports on his website, his articles and reports provide tips and tactics for bass anglers in the sportsman paradise. Jeff’s sponsors include Abu Garcia, Xpoint hooks, Bud Light, Louisiana Fish Fry Products, Power Pole, Stanley Jigs and Spinnerbaits, Skeeter, Dockside Marine, Rat-L-Trap, and Berkley. For more information about fishing in Louisiana, drop Jeff an email at jeff@marshbass.com.