NORTHSHORE, LOUISIANA–APRIL 2025–There is no better way to enjoy The Northshore than to explore its waterways. From the open waters of Lake Pontchartrain to the cypress-shaded Honey Island Swamp, visitors revel in the variety of scenery and activities to experience on the water here. The Northshore is just forty minutes north of New Orleans and an hour from Baton Rouge to the west and the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the east, with easy access off Interstate 12.

Of course, Lake Pontchartrain is an obvious choice for on-the-water fun. It sprawls nearly 630 square miles and serves as front porch and playground for The Northshore. One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy it is under sail. A three-hour charter or sunset cruise with local captains from Delaune Sailing Charters (1298 Madison Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 504-458-1013) or Bayou Sailing Adventures (100 Covington Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 504-606-9029) are the perfect additions to any visit. With experienced captains at the helm, the passengers can sit back and enjoy a lovely lake outing.

If casting a line is the preferred way to spend time on the water, there are plenty of ways to do that here. From wintertime on the Tchefuncte River to fall on Lake Pontchartrain and every season and waterway in between, The Northshore’s fishing options are bountiful all year long. More than a dozen fishing charters are waiting to take anglers out for a day on the lake or an excursion on the area’s rivers and bayous. Whether casting nearshore or on the open waters of the lake, the experience of Captain Mike at Angling Adventures of Louisiana (53105 Highway 433; Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 985-781-7811) will bring in the Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Drum and more.

Swamp tours draw many visitors who cannot resist the lure of beauty and wildlife of Louisiana’s bayous and swamps. These tours offer a chance to get away from it all, explore the diverse rivers and bayous and experience close encounters with the wildlife of swamps. Honey Island Swamp is a lush environment to explore, filled with a variety of wildlife, from birds to boars. From majestic cypress trees to iconic alligators, the views are second to none. Cajun Encounters Tours (55345 US-90, Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 504-834-1770) takes visitors on a two-hour guided tour aboard a small, flat-bottomed boat. At Honey Island Kayak Tours (65583 Pump Slough Road, Pearl River, Louisiana 70452; 504-517-3066) swamp tours as well as kayak rentals for self-guided trips are offered, too.

In addition to on-the-water fun, many consider dining with a view to be one of the best ways to enjoy this coastal environment. The creative menus are as amazing as the setting and from the catch of the day to a signature chef’s special, the impressive list of restaurants on The Northshore include a variety of waterfront settings. 

Upscale on the water

Palmettos on the Bayou (1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-643-0050) Dine indoors or enjoy the view from one of multiple decks overlooking Bayou Bonfouca. Seasonal menus focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Tchefuncte’s (407 St. Tammany Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-323-4800) Upscale atmosphere and breathtaking views combine for the perfect setting to enjoy the carefully created Louisiana and American favorites on the menu.

Relaxed food and fun

Pat’s Rest Awhile (2129 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-951-2173) This casual, seafood restaurant and bar overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and is the vision of renowned chef Pat Gallagher. The menu is filled with classic American entrées made with Gallagher’s signature flavors.

Middendorf’s Slidell (1951 Oak Harbor Boulevard, Slidell, Louisiana 70461; 985-771-7777) The legendary name–and the beloved thin fried catfish–lives on in casual, comfortable style, including an open-air porch overlooking palm trees, tiki huts and a play area for the kids.

Bar and Grill Atmosphere

T Rivers Bar & Grill (1999 Main Street, Madisonville, Louisiana 70447; 985-845-1711) This is a multi-level waterfront hot spot known for live music and excellent food. The menu includes gourmet burgers and Louisiana favorites, along with local brews on draft.

The Landing Bar & Grill (4750 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458; 985-645-9009) Dine indoors or out at this waterfront sports bar with burgers, sandwiches, salads and wraps. It’s also a popular spot for live music on weekends.

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CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—JANUARY 2024—Catch fishing tournament fever and reel in vacation fun in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, anchored by Columbia and the surrounding towns and counties of Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda. This playground is located off Interstates I-77, I-20 and I-26 in the central part of the Palmetto State. Connecting the four counties is “the Jewel of South Carolina,” Lake Murray, 41 miles long and encompassing 650 miles of shoreline. This world-class freshwater fishing spot lures local and top national fishing tournaments each year, where striped bass, largemouth bass, bream and crappie are the stars. 

The sparkling clear water is also favored by families who love to create lake life vacations filled with spectacular sunsets, swimming, pontoon boating, sailing, kayaking and more. Countless forested coves shelter not only fish, but vacation homes and rentals. Delightful dining spots, marinas and landings are situated all around the lake. Visitors can bring their watercraft and gear or rent from numerous outfitters. The area has all the ingredients needed for a relaxing getaway year-round: close-by charming small towns; farmers markets; great places to eat. Big city culture and entertainment are just 30 miles away in Columbia. 

Top notch tournament fishing

Lake Murray is among the top tournament destinations in the country for competitive sport fishing. In 2023, Bassmaster named Lake Murray the “Top Lake in the Southeast” and the number four Lake in the Country for ”Best Bass Fishing.” In just the past year, Lake Murray attracted top-tier fishing tournaments like The Bassmaster Elite Series, Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and the XVI Black Bass World Championship, with 25 participating countries from around the world. Lake Murray has a strong track record of hosting competitive fishing tournaments like the coveted FLW Forest Wood Cup (six times) and has become a favorite for competitive kayak bass fishing tournaments. Learn more about the increasing popularity of kayak fishing here.

Here are just a few of the competitions this upcoming season:

• January 26-27: Bassmaster College Series (Lake Murray Kicks off the Series)
• February 24-25: Bassmaster Kayak Series (Lake Murray Kicks off the Series)
• March 9 & 23: S.C. B.A.S.S. Nation Youth State Championship (High School) 
• April 20: Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing South
• April 25-28: USA Kayak Fishing Team Qualifier (USAngling)
• April 26-28: MLF Bass Pro Tour
• May 9-12: Bassmaster Elite Series
• June 29: Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing Championship
• September 26-29: Pan American Kayak Fishing Championship

There are tournaments for all ages and skill levels to keep anglers busy, and plenty of fishing action on the lake throughout the year. For more details, go to Fishing Tournaments – Lake Murray Country

Professional fishing legends, hometown fans and those who follow fishing tournaments gather at these events to see the impressive catches and weigh-ins. Those who are thinking of entering competitions, as well as recreational anglers, can glean insider techniques used by the pros during tournament season. One place to follow the pro tournament circuit, get tips and knowledge is MajorLeagueFishing.com. Use the search tool to type in “Lake Murray,” and find articles on the winners, strategies and baits used.

Lake Murray continues to be a world-class fishery with excitement for the pros as well as plenty of quiet coves for a peaceful day on the lake. One lifelong authority is Saluda native Davy Hite, who holds eight Bassmaster victories and a FLW Championship win. Growing up on Lake Murray and fishing with his father and grandfather for “anything that would bite my hook,” he began his tournament affiliation at age 11. He retired from the pro tournament circuit in 2016 to co-host “Bassmaster LIVE” and “The Bassmasters” TV shows. In 2019, he was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. 

Hite credits his angling success to the diversity and variety of Lake Murray. “The lower end of the lake is deep clear water with a lot of sharper contours. The upper half of the lake formed by the Big and Little Saluda Rivers has expansive flats and usually the water is fertile and colored. With a variety of vegetation, wood and rocks for habitat, Lake Murray has always been and will continue to be one of the best fisheries in the country.” Hite notes that “even with multiple fishing tournaments every month, it still continues to pump out great catches.” 

To fully experience the camaraderie and excitement of fishing on Lake Murray, Hite and others recommend getting out on the water with an experienced fishing guide. This vast lake is full of coves, varying temperatures and habitats, and the experts who have been fishing there for many years know its secrets and where to reel in a “big one.” Tournament hopefuls, as well as recreational anglers, will learn insider fishing spots, baits and techniques used by the winning pros from years of tournaments and their own seasons on the water. Details on fishing guides can be found here. 

Unforgettable boating and outdoor recreation

In addition to the pro fishing excitement, visitors will find plenty of ways to explore all of Lake Murray’s 50,000 acres of sparkling waters. Boating Magazine named Lake Murray as one of the “Top 10 Boating Destinations and Places to Live” in the country. Marinas and boat landings are located around the shoreline for boats, pontoons, paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. Beyond the lake are three rivers that offer everything from lazy floats to rapids and serene canoe spots. 

Where to stay

Reserve a Lake Murray vacation rental home and rent a boat for a sunset cruise. Or, plan ahead and rent a cozy cabin at Dreher Island State Park–a magical three-island outdoor wonderland that spans 12 miles of Lake Murray’s shore. There are also plenty of traditional hotel lodging options available with a free breakfast. Well-behaved pets are allowed in certain areas and accommodations. View hotels and book accommodations at https://accommodations.lakemurraycountry.com.

To discover more hidden gems, trip ideas, dining and additional attractions stop by or call the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center located in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-5940) Or visit www.LakeMurrayCountry.com.

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