You could find a place to stay in Ruston and have a choice of fisheries. D'Arbonne is just a few miles back up the road to the north, Lake Claiborne is just a few mile away to the northwest, and Caney Lake is just a few miles south of Ruston. All of those lakes have good populations of crappie, bluegills, and chinkapin.

I used to live on Lake Claiborne. You will find the bluegill and chinkapin on or near the banks starting around the full moon in May. Crickets, worms, or baby crawfish will work for bait. Off of the main lake, up one of the creek arms is best.

And, from Ruston, you are only about an hour from either Shreveport to the west of Poverty Point to the east.

As far as up to date data, I can't help because I have not had a lot of fishing time lately. I would suggest prowling around the LA board to see what everyone is catching. Not much news coming out of D'Arbonne, Lake Claiborne, or Caney Lake right now because of the big crappie tournament being held on those lakes this weekend.

Good luck with your trip.