Old River (Louisiana)
Encyclopedia
Old River, or Raccourci Old River, is a 12 miles (19.3 km) long ox-bow lake located in northern Pointe Coupee Parish
and western West Feliciana Parish
in Louisiana, USA
. It encompassess approximately 4000 acres (16.2 km²).
It is located outside the Mississippi River Protective Levee system near the communities of Lacour, LA
and Innis, LA
. The lake was once the main channel of the Mississippi River
. The northern end of the lake has become silted in over the years, while the southern end of the lake is still open to the main Mississippi River Channel at certain times of the year. This accessibility is dependent upon the water level in the channel, known as "the Narrows", that connects the two bodies of water. The land mass in the north eastern part of the lake is known as Raccourci Island and is located in West Feliciana Parish. The lake forms part of the boundary line between Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parishes.
, boating
, and duck hunting
. Among the fish caught in Old River, crappie
(known as sac-a-lait in southern Louisiana) are probably the most sought after. Other fish species include bluegill, largemouth bass, several species of catfish, largemouth buffalo, and the endangered paddlefish. It is a popular fishing area for commercial fishermen, who tend to fill their bag limits on a regular basis.
Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana
Pointe Coupee Parish, pronounced "Pwent Koo-Pay" and , is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is New Roads. As of 2000, the population was 22,763....
and western West Feliciana Parish
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 15,111 people, 3,645 households, and 2,704 families residing in the parish. The population density was 37 people per square mile . There were 4,485 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile...
in Louisiana, USA
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. It encompassess approximately 4000 acres (16.2 km²).
It is located outside the Mississippi River Protective Levee system near the communities of Lacour, LA
Lacour, Louisiana
LaCour is an unincorporated community in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is near Old River, an oxbow lake in the Mississippi River system. It is the birthplace and childhood home of Major General John Archer Lejeune , former Commandant of the United States Marine Corps....
and Innis, LA
Innis, Louisiana
Innis is an unincorporated community in upper Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is the home of, now defunct, Innis High School. Historic St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is located nearby. This community's zip code is 70747.-History:...
. The lake was once the main channel of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
. The northern end of the lake has become silted in over the years, while the southern end of the lake is still open to the main Mississippi River Channel at certain times of the year. This accessibility is dependent upon the water level in the channel, known as "the Narrows", that connects the two bodies of water. The land mass in the north eastern part of the lake is known as Raccourci Island and is located in West Feliciana Parish. The lake forms part of the boundary line between Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parishes.
Fishing
This waterway is known for fishingFishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, boating
Boating
Boating is the leisurely activity of travelling by boat, or the recreational use of a boat whether powerboats, sailboats, or man-powered vessels , focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or water skiing...
, and duck hunting
Duck hunting
Waterfowl hunting is the practice of hunting ducks, geese, or other waterfowl for food and sport...
. Among the fish caught in Old River, crappie
Crappie
Crappie is a genus of freshwater fish in the sunfish family of order Perciformes. The type species is P. annularis, the white crappie...
(known as sac-a-lait in southern Louisiana) are probably the most sought after. Other fish species include bluegill, largemouth bass, several species of catfish, largemouth buffalo, and the endangered paddlefish. It is a popular fishing area for commercial fishermen, who tend to fill their bag limits on a regular basis.