A Mississippi Oxbow Lake with Legendary Bass Fishing
Why Rent On Lake Saint John
Lake Saint John is a 2,175-acre oxbow lake in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, formed long ago when a bend of the mighty Mississippi River was cut off to create a serene, cypress-lined body of water. The result is one of the most beautiful and productive bass fishing lakes in Louisiana, with calm, clear water surrounded by majestic cypress trees that reflect gracefully in the stillness. A vacation rental on Lake Saint John gives your family a truly distinctive southern lake experience.
Lakefront Homes and Cabins on Cypress-Lined Water
Vacation rentals on Lake Saint John include lakefront homes and cozy cabins with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces that open directly onto the cypress-lined shoreline. Many properties feature private piers and boat launches, giving your family immediate water access for fishing and morning kayaking sessions. Pet-friendly options are available, and the lake’s natural character gives every rental an atmosphere of genuine southern beauty.
World-Class Bass Fishing and Water Activities
Lake Saint John is renowned throughout Louisiana for its exceptional bass fishing, drawing serious anglers from across the region throughout the season. Boating and kayaking on the calm oxbow water are outstanding, and the cypress tree reflections make early morning paddles one of the most photogenic experiences available at any Louisiana lake. The sheltered nature of an oxbow lake makes it naturally calm and safe for families with younger children.
Plantations, History, and the Mississippi River
The Evergreen Plantation along the nearby Mississippi River is one of the most intact Greek Revival sugar cane plantations in the country and a genuinely powerful historical site worth a morning visit. The Rosalie Mansion and Stanton Hall add further historical depth for families interested in the antebellum South. The Bayou Cocodrie National Refuge and surrounding wildlife management areas offer additional nature and wildlife viewing experiences.
Southern Lake Living at Its Finest
Lake Saint John offers a combination that is rare even in Louisiana: world-class bass fishing, stunning cypress scenery, rich plantation history, and the peaceful atmosphere of an oxbow lake that has been cherished by Louisiana families for generations. A vacation rental here is the right way to experience all of it, with private dock access and the quiet of the cypress swamp just outside your door every morning.
- Surface area (mi)
- 5.5
- Max depth (ft)
- 37.01
- Elevation (ft)
- 52.49
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
- Ice Skating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Saint John has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Lake St. John right now. There are blue-green algae blooms identified on the north and south shorelines, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming and letting pets drink or swim in the affected areas.
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Lake Saint John is a popular destination because of its excellent bass fishing. The lake, an oxbow off the Mississippi River, has a good population of largemouth bass and favorable conditions with cypress trees and average depths of around 12 feet. It also attracts visitors for recreational water sports during the summer months.
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The recreational fishing regulations for Largemouth Bass in Lake Saint John, Louisiana, include a minimum total length of 14 inches. Anglers can catch up to eight Largemouth Bass per day, combined with other black bass species. These regulations are part of the statewide freshwater game fish rules.
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There is no public beach at Lake Saint John. Lake Saint John is a freshwater lake in Louisiana, and it does not have designated public beach areas. It is primarily known for its average and maximum depths, making it suitable for fishing and other water activities.
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Towns near Lake Saint-Jean include Alma, Dolbeau-Mistassini, and Roberval. These towns are located on the shores of the lake in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. Other nearby towns are Girardville, Hébertville, and Saint-Stanislas.