Well, let me tell ya about fishin’ at Lake Calcasieu, it’s a mighty fine place if ya know where to go and when to go! I ain’t no fancy expert, but I been fishin’ ’round here long enough to know a few things about them waters. This here lake’s a big one, and it’s got all kinds of fish swimmin’ ‘round. From Crappie to Catfish, and even some fancy ones like Cobia and Spanish Mackerel when the season’s right. Now, let me tell ya where to start, ’cause if ya don’t know, ya might end up sittin’ there all day with nothin’ to show for it.
First thing you gotta know, if ya headin’ out to Turner Bay Reef (N30 3’14.24” x W93 18’38.13”), that place’s been a good spot for fishin’ for a long time. You’ll find a mix of fish there, dependin’ on the time of year. It’s the northernmost part of the lake, and it’s got some real good catchin’ goin’ on if ya hit it right.
Now, if you’re headin’ to Calcasieu Lake near Lake Charles, you better be ready for a good day. The fishin’ here can be real fine, but ya gotta be patient, y’know? The fish come and go with the tides, so you gotta keep track of when they’re more likely to bite. Most folks like to fish around the Number Three Canal or up by Grand Gully – that’s where you can catch a good mess of Bass and Bream, or even a Catfish or two if you’re lucky.
The fishin’ around here can be a bit tricky though, especially if you ain’t used to the tides and currents. But don’t you worry, it ain’t no rocket science. If ya stick to the shallow parts early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll have a better chance of catchin’ something good. Them fish like to come close to the shore to feed, so that’s the best time to cast your line.
Now, for them seasonal visitors like Cobia and Sheepshead, they’re a bit more particular. They don’t just come around any old time. When the Gulf of Mexico is warmer, they swim in through the Calcasieu Pass, which connects the lake to the Gulf. So, if you’re fishin’ in that area, keep an eye out for those big boys. They don’t show up all the time, but when they do, it’s worth it! I’ve seen some mighty big catches come outta that pass, I tell ya!
The key to fishin’ at Lake Calcasieu is keepin’ an eye on the water and the weather. If it’s been rainy, the fish tend to move around more, so you might wanna try deeper water. If it’s been dry and the sun’s been out, fish tend to stay closer to the shallows, and that’s when you wanna get out there with your line. Either way, there’s always a chance of catchin’ somethin’ good, so don’t get discouraged if the fish ain’t bitin’ right away.
In the summer months, especially around July, the fishin’ tends to pick up a bit. Folks been reportin’ top catches in the lake, with a good mix of Bass, Crappie, and Catfish comin’ in. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some of them Mackerel or Sheepshead if you’re fishin’ near the deeper parts of the lake.
So, if you’re thinkin’ of headin’ out to Lake Calcasieu for a day of fishin’, just remember: it ain’t all about the big catch, it’s about bein’ out there and enjoyin’ the peace and quiet of the water. But if ya do land a big one, well, you’ll have a good story to tell, won’t ya?
Tags:[Lake Calcasieu fishing, Turner Bay Reef, Lake Charles fishing, Calcasieu Lake fishing, Louisiana fishing, Cobia fishing, Sheepshead, Crappie, Bass, Catfish, fishing report, fishing spots]