Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.
Poverty Point Reservoir is a 2,460-acre north Louisiana reservoir in Richland Parish with a fishery that has been studied much more closely than most lakes its size. Largemouth bass, black and white crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, hybrid striped bass, gar, buffalo, bowfin, drum, and shad are among the species found here.
Poverty Point Reservoir Size, Maximum Depth and Volume
Published figures put the reservoir at about 2,460 acres, a maximum depth of 35 feet, and 31,000 acre-feet of storage. That works out to approximately 10.1 billion gallons of water.
What Makes Poverty Point Different
LDWF conducted a tag-return study after anglers raised concerns about heavy crappie harvest. In 2009, 243 crappie were tagged and the estimated exploitation rate was 59.3 percent under the study assumptions. The state followed that with a multi-year crappie stock assessment, giving this lake unusually detailed information about fishing pressure.
Crappie
Both black and white crappie are present. Live minnows and small jigs are the obvious starting baits, especially around brush, submerged structure, and deeper water outside the spawn. During cooler months, vertical presentations can keep a bait in the strike zone longer. In spring, move toward protected shallow areas as fish stage and spawn.
Largemouth Bass, Hybrids and Catfish
Largemouth bass are managed under a protected slot limit, so check the current regulation before keeping fish. LDWF has stocked Florida bass and hybrid striped bass. For largemouths, use moving baits to cover water and switch to Texas rigs or jigs when fish hold tighter to cover. For hybrids, watch open water for baitfish activity and keep a spoon or swimbait ready. Channel catfish respond well to fresh cut shad, chicken liver, worms, and prepared bait.
A Practical Poverty Point Game Plan
Start by deciding whether you want crappie, bass, hybrids, or catfish because each can pull you into a different part of the lake. For crappie, begin around deeper structure and adjust shallower with the season. Bass anglers should keep the slot regulation in mind, while catfish anglers can cover flats and deeper water with cut bait.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.