False River (Louisiana) facts for kids
False River (which is called Lac False River in French) is a cool, curved lake in southeastern Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. It's an "oxbow lake," which means it used to be a bend in a big river, but then the river found a new, straighter path. False River was once part of the mighty Mississippi River! Around 1722, big floods made the Mississippi change its course, leaving this beautiful lake behind. You can find it at 30°38′19″N 91°29′04″W / 30.63861°N 91.48444°W.
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A Glimpse into False River's Past
Early Explorers and the River
Long ago, a famous explorer named Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his group traveled near False River. They chose to go around it to make their journey up the big river shorter.
False River During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, soldiers visited the False River area. In January 1865, a group of soldiers from New York rode through heavy rainstorms. They were looking for Confederate officers who were trying to recruit new soldiers. When they reached New Roads, they found five officers hiding in different places.
Fun Things to Do at False River
False River is about 10.5-mile (16.9 km) long. It's known as a "trophy lake" for fishing. This means that if you catch a fish of a certain size, you have to let it go so it can grow even bigger! False River has often held the state record for the largest bass caught. It also has the most striped bass per acre in all of Louisiana. Between 1974 and 1981, over 265,000 young striped bass were put into the lake. The lake covers about 3,212 acres (13.00 km2).
Water Sports and Activities
The clean, sparkling waters of False River are perfect for many water sports. You can enjoy boating, sailing, and water skiing here. Many businesses around the lake offer places to launch your boat. Some even rent boats, and you can buy supplies or snacks.
Exploring the Area Around the Lake
Besides water sports, there are lots of other fun things to do. You can find many restaurants, bar & grills, and antique shops. There are also cozy bed & breakfast places to stay in the area.
Duck Hunting at False River
During duck hunting season, people can legally hunt waterfowl in a special area. This spot is near Jarreau and Oscar, Louisiana, and it's called "the south flats." Some people have built private duck blinds here. However, most duck hunters simply anchor their boats in the shallow water of the flats.
Public Access and Boat Launches
The city of New Roads is located at the northern end of False River. Here, you'll find a free public boat launch. There are also barbecue and picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a gazebo. These are all near City Hall and the downtown area.
Another boat launch is on the southern end of the lake in Jarreau. You can use this one for a small fee. It's the easiest launch to get to if you're coming from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This launch is on the Island side of False River, along Louisiana Highway 413.
Other places where you can pay to launch a boat include:
