Lake Pontchartrain: New Orleans’s Shallow Sea and the Causeway Horizon
A brackish playground of wind, waves, and wild birds — a guide to boating, fishing, and shoreline escapes.
You push off at dawn from a small marina on the south shore, the pontoon’s engine breathing a low, steady rhythm as the city’s silhouette slides away. A thin mist lifts off Lake Pontchartrain and the first gulls test the air, wings beating against a breeze that has a mind of its own — sometimes patient, sometimes eager to hurl your hat into the water. For New Orleanians, Pontchartrain is less an inland lake than a shallow sea with its own moods: brackish, wide, often wind-scoured, and surprisingly hospitable to yellowtails, pelicans, and salt-slick sunsets.
Trail Wisdom
Check the wind and tide before launching
Pontchartrain’s shallow profile amplifies wind and chop — a calm morning can turn choppy quickly; plan launch times accordingly.
Wear a life jacket on every boat or kayak
Strong winds and sudden weather make personal flotation devices non-negotiable on the lake.
Bring a polarizing lens and sunglasses
Sun glints off wide swaths of water; polarizers cut glare for safer navigation and better photos.
Mind water-quality advisories
Check local public health updates before swimming; algal blooms and runoff can affect safety and enjoyability.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fontainebleau State Park beach and trails for sheltered paddling and picnic spots
- •Mandeville Lakefront’s boardwalk — quiet mornings for birding and coffee with lake views
Wildlife
brown pelican, great blue heron
Conservation Note
Local organizations like the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation focus on wetland restoration and water-quality monitoring to preserve fisheries and protect shoreline communities.
Named for Louis Phélypeaux, comte de Pontchartrain, the lake has been a regional transportation and fishing hub since colonial times.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: sailing, birdwatching, cool-weather fishing
Challenges: occasional cold fronts, windy days, early-season algae
Spring brings steady winds and migration pulses — excellent sailing and birding, though weather can flip quickly.
summer
Best for: sunset cruises, family beach days, late-night fishing
Challenges: heat and humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, higher algae risk
Warm water makes for lively evenings and long days on the water; plan for storms and strong sun protection.
fall
Best for: flats fishing, kayaking, clear-weather photography
Challenges: hurricane season tail risks early fall, cooler nights
Fall offers stable skies and top fishing as waters cool, with crisp mornings ideal for paddling.
winter
Best for: migratory birding, quiet boating, photography of Causeway lights
Challenges: cool temperatures, occasional strong cold fronts
Winter is quieter and clear; birdlife concentrates on sheltered bays and the Causeway takes on a different, starker beauty.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacketEssential
Required for safety against sudden wind and waves, and often required by rental companies.
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Reduces glare for safer navigation and clearer fishing vision.
Reef-safe sunscreen and wide-brim hatEssential
Protects from intense sun exposure on open water without harming aquatic life.
Dry bag with water, snacks, and a first-aid kitEssential
Keeps essentials dry and ensures hydration during long outings or unexpected delays.
Common Questions
Is Lake Pontchartrain safe for swimming?
Swimming is possible at designated beaches like Fontainebleau State Park, but always check current water-quality advisories; avoid swimming after heavy rains due to runoff.
Do I need a fishing license to fish on Pontchartrain?
Yes — Louisiana requires a valid fishing license for saltwater and freshwater fishing; check whether specific species or seasons require additional permits.
Can I drive across the Causeway to access the north shore?
Yes — the Causeway connects the south and north shores with a toll bridge; plan for traffic at peak hours and enjoy unique lake views en route.
Are there boat rentals and charters on the lake?
Yes — several marinas and outfitters on the south and north shores offer boat rentals, kayak launches, and guided charters for fishing and sightseeing.
What wildlife might I encounter?
Expect brown pelicans, great blue herons, egrets, and occasionally dolphins near passes; alligators inhabit the marshy fringes on the north shore.
When is the best time to see the Causeway lights at night?
Blue hour and after sunset provide the most dramatic contrasts; stable weather nights work best for reflections and long-exposure photography.
What to Pack
Life jacket (safety), polarized sunglasses (glare reduction), reef-safe sunscreen (sun protection), reusable water bottle (hydration on long outings)
Did You Know
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway spans nearly 24 miles and has long been considered one of the world’s longest continuous bridges over water.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Launch early for calmer winds; 2) Check local water-quality advisories after heavy rain; 3) Reserve charters on weekends and holidays; 4) Bring cash for Causeway tolls and small marinas.
Local Flavor
Pair a day on the water with New Orleans flavors — Gulf oysters, shrimp po'boys, and lakeside coffee in Mandeville; local fishing culture and Creole seafood traditions shape menus around Pontchartrain’s bounty.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest major base: New Orleans (20–30 minutes to south shore marinas). Launch ramps and marinas available on both shores; sunscreen, life jackets, and tide/wind checks recommended. Cell service is good near the city but patchy in marsh channels.
Sustainability Note
Support local conservation groups, avoid single-use plastics, use reef-safe sunscreen, and follow catch-and-release best practices to protect fish populations and wetlands.