BOATERS BLOG
In Louisiana, there is no lack of waterways for boats to explore. Everywhere you look, you are sure to be met with a river or lake suitable for boating, fishing, watersports, sailing, and more. With so many lakes at your fingertips in just one state, the expert boating professionals at National Boat Owners Association (NBOA) have created a shortlist of our favorite lakes in Louisiana to go boating. No matter where you are in the state or what boating activity strikes your fancy, we are sure there is a body of water to suit all your needs.
The Best Lakes for Louisiana Boating
Caddo Lake
From large pontoon boats cruising around the lake to small fishing boats catching upwards of 70 various species of fish, boating on Caddo Lake is an excellent place for any boater. Caddo Lake is 12 miles wide and 16 miles long and lies along the Louisiana-Texas line. It offers 31,160-acres to explore around the lake, including a beautiful Cypress Forest.
Calcasieu Lake
Southwest Louisiana is home to a 49,156-acre brackish lake named Calcasieu Lake. Since the lake connects to the Gulf of Mexico, it is packed with fish like flounder, record redfish, and speckled trout, making it a paradise for fishing charters. Boaters may also spot a beautiful albino bottlenose dolphin called Pinky! It is rumored that Pinky has been swimming in Calcasieu Lake since 2007.
Cane River Lake
Cane River Lake is very versatile as a range of boats enjoys this narrow and meandering water, including kayaks, fishing boats, canoes, paddleboats, motorboats, and sailboats. Cane River Lake is surrounded by large plantations, most notably Melrose and Yucca, and is 250 feet wide by 35 miles long. You may also be surprised to learn that this famous river is the backdrop to “Steel Magnolias,” one of America’s classic films.
False River
False River lies between developed shorelines west of the Mississippi River and northwest of Baton Rouge. Surrounded by homes, restaurants, shops, camps, hotels, and businesses, False River is a “U” shaped lake perfect for watersports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing as well as simply resting and relaxing. This 3,200-acre lake is 21-65 ft deep and is also a popular spot for duck hunting and trophy fishing.
Lac des Allemands
A mere 25 miles from New Orleans is Lac des Allemands, which translates to “Lake of the Germans” and pays homage to the German settlers that called this area home in the early 1700s. As the Catfish Capital of the Universe, Lac des Allemands hosts an annual Louisiana Catfish Festival each summer. The shallow lake has a maximum depth of 10 feet and connects to the Barataria Basin Bayous, including Bayou Chevreuil and Grand Bayous. The 12,000-acre natural lake is 6.5 miles wide by 5.5 miles long and is surrounded by bayous and cypress swamps with fishing camps along its shorelines.
Lake D’Arbonne
The best lake for boating and fishing in Union Parish, Louisiana, is Lake D’Arbonne. While the 15,250-acre lake is man-made, the breathtaking Lake D’Arbonne State Park is full of hiking, biking, camping, animal-watching, hunting, and even tennis. Surrounding the lake is Farmerville, a quiet, rural town that proves to be a peaceful getaway.
Lake Pontchartrain
There is a lot to say about Lake Pontchartrain, the 630-sq-mile estuary located in southeastern Louisiana. Connecting to the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Pontchartrain is ideal for the whole family, with fishing boats, cruisers, sailboats, motorboats, and more welcome on the water. On its shores, what was once a sought-after peaceful destination for the wealthy from New Orleans is now a beautiful escape for up-and-coming artists and young professionals. Victorian mansions, famous restaurants, galleries, and quaint and luxurious accommodations fill that surrounding land and 
offer incredible lake views.
Why Boat Insurance is Important to Have in Louisiana
According to Louisiana state laws, you are not required to carry boat insurance to own or operate a boat or personal watercraft. However, that does not mean you should forget about boat insurance or write it off altogether. From storms to boating accidents in Louisiana, while the waterways are generally safe, some things are simply out of your control. In 2020 alone, Louisiana was hit by five named hurricanes that caused mass destruction and led families to flee their homes and live in hotels and temporary shelters.
How To Easily Finance Your Louisiana Boat Purchase
Here at NBOA, we know how important it is to be able to secure an affordable boat loan, whether you are investing in a brand-new yacht or a used fishing boat. That is why we have partnered with to give you not only the best rates possible but to offer a simple, easy, and fast solution to securing marine financing. While our team meets your personal and specific needs when it comes to buying a boat, you can focus on sailing, exploring, and enjoying quality time through the Louisiana waters.
For more insight into the brilliant world of boating or to begin your free marine insurance quote or marine financing application, visit our website or reach out to the professionals at NBOAT.com.