Lake Caroline on Red River, east side below Jimmy Davis Bridge in Bossier City

[Fred Rankin]

Starting November 1st Lake Caroline closes to boating and fishing, until after end of Jan., 2016. Migrating waterfowl may now use the lake as a true refuge for winter. The lake is only open to boats with trolling motors, no outboards. You can use your bass boat, just cannot lower the outboard motor.

Located in Bossier City, Bossier Parish, next to Red River, east side, south of Jimmy Davis bridge, on Arthur Ray Teague Parkway.. Flooded by Red River during high water, ie, restocked. There is a good boat loading ramp just south of the wildlife center. No special permits required. You can fish off the pier at the boat ramp. Google maps show the lake but doesn't indicate the name.

Closed to boating & fishing, but there is a very good grassy walking/hiking trail that goes all the way around the lake. It seems to be open for now; don't know if it will also close?

Does anyone have experience fishing this lake?

[mermentau]

Starting November 1st Lake Caroline closes to boating and fishing, until after end of Jan., 2016. Migrating waterfowl may now use the lake as a true refuge for winter. The lake is only open to boats with trolling motors, no outboards. You can use your bass boat, just cannot lower the outboard motor.
Does anyone have experience fishing this lake?

So if you can't fish I guess these trolling motors would be propelling bird watchers and photographers.

[Fred Rankin]

So if you can't fish I guess these trolling motors would be propelling bird watchers and photographers.

I am sorry I didn't make this clearer. The boat ramp has a chain across it. No boats allowed during this closed time.

[docwaldo]

this lake is considered a bird sanctuary. they close it to ALL boat traffic during duck season to give a safe haven for ducks. even when its open, you cant crank your outboards. i have always wanted to try it, its only about 20 minutes from my house. but remember, if you ever do fish it, you must have a special permit. permit is free, but you have to get it before you fish. not sure where to get it though. i bet you could call the LW&F and find out.

doc

[RMGeorge]

I tried to post a link, but it didn't work. Anyway, you can download the permit off the Red River Wildlife Refuge website.

[Pop N Cork]

I live within walking distance from this lake and had permission from the previous land owner to fish it for years, prior to the Govt. taking it from him in a lawsuit about 3 years ago (right before they built the ramp). It was our little secret South Bossier Honey Hole for years! There is so many stumps in it, you don't need a motor. Just troll in any direction from the ramp about 100 ft from the ramp and start fishing the stumps. I recommend it to anyone to try. Great lake for some slabs during the spring spawn.

W A R N I N G....If you go, be able to prove you can't crank your motor. Luckily I was warned by a neighbor before I went the first and only time, and sure enough, the Federal Game Warden approached me and very adamantly said he heard my motor running. I had to (respectfully) show him my fuel tank was in the truck at the launch and no way my motor could run. I Haven't been back since.