Freshwater options near Baton Rouge in Late July

[MathGeek]

We've been burning lots of gas getting to our preferred salt water spots since April and may have missed the best time of year for freshwater fishing close to Baton Rouge. We're not too proud to chase catfish and gar if that's the best that's available this time of year. We've heard mixed reports about false river and may be too late to catch the peak catfishing in the river. So what are our best options for some quality pole bending close to BR this time of year?

I'm pretty sure I can get the kids on some catfish in Des Allemandes or Lake Verret, but are there options that burn less gas from the greater BR area?