On the coast, most of the action for speckled trout will come in the surf or in the larger lakes and bays. Start with poppers — such as Skipping Bugs — at first light. Around midmorning, switch to sinking flies. In the surf, that would be either a Deep Clouser or weighted Seaducer pattern. Let the fly sink for 10 seconds; then strip. Inland, that would be a clouser or weighted shrimp pattern about 30 inches under a VOSI.
Look for reds in ponds in the early morning and along lake shorelines later in the day. Crab patterns such as Borski Sliders and Haley’s Comets will work, but keep a couple of spoon flies handy just in case.
If the rivers fall and salinities rise, expect the arrival of large Spanish mackerel in the passes. Casting Clouser Minnows near the peak of a rising tide will get a rude welcome from the “El Diablo.” If you value your flies, make sure to tie on a bite tippet.
Offshore offers a wide variety of species willing to eat flies, from cobia to king mackerel to jack crevalle and more. A 12-weight outfit can handle all dinner guests.
By now, water clarity should’ve returned to most of the lakes in the north and central parishes. Fly anglers looking for hungry bass will find success tossing frog-colored poppers late in the afternoon. Cast to the edges of grass and lily pads, and let the popper sit a couple seconds after each jerk.
In Orleans and Jefferson parishes, the canals have been producing good numbers of Rio Grande perch on size 12 popping bugs, while carp are feeding on orange or olive egg patterns.
