BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Fishing is a common summertime activity. In Louisiana, there’s no shortage of waterways or rivers to take a fishing pole to.

In fact, Louisiana was ranked number one for the best fishing in the U.S. Data found that the Pelican State ranked with an overall score of 83.6. Factors in the study included water area, license quantity, license cost, charter cost and fishing sales.

“Louisiana graded well in license cost ($10) and water area with 9,174 square miles,” according to the study.

Wisconsin ranked second and Minnesota was third in the study.

If you’re looking for a fishing spot in East Baton Rouge Parish, there are several BREC lakes with fish. Here’s where to find them.

Baton Rouge fishing spots

  • Blackwater Conservation Area at 9385 Blackwater Road
  • Burbank Park Lake at 12400 Burbank Drive
  • City Brooks Community Park Lake at 1515 Dalrymple Drive
  • Forest Community Park Lake at 13950 S. Harrells Ferry Road
  • Highland Road Community Park Lake at 13800 Highland Road
  • Hooper Road Park Lake at 6261 Guynell Drive
  • Milford Wampold Memorial Park at 901 Stanford Avenue
  • North Sherwood Forest Community Park Lake at 3140 N. Sherwood Forest Drive
  • Hartley/Vey Sports Park Lake at 2615 Oak Villa Boulevard
  • Perkins Road Community Park Lake at 7122 Perkins Road

Central fishing spots

  • Central Sports Park Lake at 10501 Lovett Road
  • Palomino Drive Park Lake at 14100 Palomino Drive

Pride fishing spots

  • Doyle Bayou at 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road

Zachary fishing spots

  • Flanacher Road Park Lake at 864 Flanacher Road
  • Zachary Community Park Lake at Hwy. 964

Baker fishing spots

  • Greenwood Community Park Lake at 13350 Hwy. 19

Know the rules before heading out to one of these parks with your fishing pole. BREC said:

  • It only offers bank fishing.
  • No trotlines allowed.
  • State fishing laws must be followed.
  • Parks close at dark.

Is a fishing license required?

Yes, a basic fishing license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is needed.

How to get a fishing license

Anyone 18 years old and older can get a basic fishing license, according to LDWF. Special rates are available for seniors, military members, students and people with disabilities.

Licenses can be bought online or in person at LDWF headquarters located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Click here for more information about Louisiana fishing licenses.