Southern Charm: Fishing and Breweries in Louisiana

The Hypolite Bordelon Home in Marksville is an early Creole farm home built in 1820. The furnishings are original to the period and include this one-person chapel situated in the back of the home.

Avoyelles Parish: Catch a Catfish and a Craft in the Center of the State

Geographically located in the center of Louisiana, Avoyelles Parish offers scenic bayou views as you cast your line. Home to two State Wildlife Management Areas, it’s the perfect destination for anglers who seek a little leisure with their lure. 

Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area is a picturesque and popular spot for fishing near Marksville, where you’ll find largemouth bass, various panfish, and catfish.

Grassy Lake Wildlife Management Area is another favorite, known for its populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and bream.

Broken Wheel Brewery is a culmination of a shared infatuation with “local” beers by a Cajun from Marksville and a native of Colorado. The two collaborated to make their own craft beer. With every brew, they get a chance to share a little piece of their culture.

After you’re all “caught up,” unwind with a drink and a bite at a local brewpub. Broken Wheel Brewery is a must-visit for both travelers and locals, offering craft beers inspired by the region—like “Pachafa,” named after a local folktale character. The menu goes beyond typical pub fare, featuring Louisiana classics such as fried oysters, redfish, and Gulf seafood salad.

For a more casual atmosphere, head to The Draft Room inside Paragon Casino Resort. This bar and restaurant is a sports lover’s dream, boasting 600 square feet of wall-to-wall sports coverage and over 80 beer options. Grab a beer and catch up on any game—they have them all!

Istrouma Eatery + Brewery

The barn-turned-eatery + brewery is family-friendly farm fare. Surrounded by beautiful land, horses and gorgeous landscaping at Sugar Farms, a working farm in St. Gabriel, offers a wide range of events regularly.

The menu includes farm fresh and seasonal appetizers, pizzas and desserts. The brewery has an extensive list of beers. The fan favorites stay on tap pretty constantly, but unique items are rotated in/out regularly. From sours to stouts to blondes to farmhouse ales, the menu is never-ending. When it comes to ingredients in the beers, Istrouma is all about locally sourced. So local, in fact, some are grown just down the street. Come taste for yourself!

In 2024, Istrouma completed several renovations to make your experience even better. This included a new fully enclosed space for enjoying food and company in any weather, more quick bite options to choose from, an outdoor movie theatre, a new bark park for the pups and swings for the kiddos.