Louisiana Hotspots

msrsh paddler · Post by **msrsh paddler** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:12 am

Any of you ever fish the marshes around Calcasieu Lake near Lake Charles? I fish it alot from a conventional boat and have never seen a yak there. Some really good put in spots on the Sabine Refuge that gives access to West Cove: a large bay with numerous oyster reefs surrounded by marsh. Also all of the refuge marsh is restricted against motors (except electric) You gotta see this place when the birds are working!

Big Red · Post by **Big Red** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:31 am

I travel from Houston to Lake Charles and back frequently for my job. On my way back to Houston I usually detour through Sulphur down Hwy 27 all the way to Holly Beach and then West to the LA/TX border.

I agree, the marsh area along 27 looks awesome. I saw lots of birds working last week. There are plenty of channels with parking areas and even restrooms. I didn't know that there were motor restrictions on the refuge side. Is the fishing any good on the West side of 27 or should you just stick with the east side toward Calcasieu Lake?

Any local expertise would be greatly appreciated.

CajunDude · Post by **CajunDude** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:36 am

Marsh Paddler,
I often fish the marshes west of Calcasieu Lake from my yak. My favorite put in spot is Hog Island Gully. I fish the marshes between the highway and West Cove. I have fished the lake itself on occasion but actually prefer to target reds in the shallow marsh waters.

I'm not really familiar with the no-motor zones. Are these on the western side of the hwy between Calcasieu and Sabine Lake?

marsh paddler · Post by **marsh paddler** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:08 pm

The refuge marshes are basically divided into two ecosystems: fresh water on the west side of highway 27( contained by a levee system )and salt to brackish on the east of 27 on out to West Cove. Both are good fishing for obviously different species. Motor restrictions are on the saltwater side within the marsh outside of the main boat canals. I have fished from Port Isabel to Mississippi and I sense that alot of Tx. fishermen aren't used to the numbers of trout and reds that are in the Calcasieu estuary. I prefer to paddle down south in Tx. because the water is prettier the further you go from La., but if numbers and size are what you're after, go La. Calcasieu muddy water paddling. Suggestion: Put in on the east side of 27 at the nature walk on the refuge, the northern most boat ramp( saltwater access). Just past the rocks on your right (50) yds. take the small marsh creek headed south and have a fit! Please take a compass (or GPS):ALL MARSH CANALS LOOK ALIKE AND IN A SEA OF GRASS THERE ARE NO LANDMARKS. Hint: Place a few crab nets strategically and run them intermittently. The crabs are huge. Check at the refuge headquarters on the way down. They are great people and there are refuge rules. IF YOU ARE USED TO TAKING YOUR DOG; DON'T! Can you spell ALLIGATOR? I promise you or your yak won't have a problem unless you try to feed one close to the boat, but let me assure they view any dog in the water as free lunch. A few thousand duck hunters down here will testify to it. Have fun!

CajunDude · Post by **CajunDude** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:42 pm

I agree with you about the place being a "sea of grass." I once got lost deep in the marsh with a tide going out very quickly. Fortunately I was able to locate the "way out" before I ran out of water. Now I take laminated aerial photos with me to prevent getting lost.

marsh paddler · Post by **marsh paddler** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:44 pm

CajunDude: Have you ever used a GPS and logged in waypoints along the deeper water routes? I did this once at low tide. It sure helps when you cross the marsh lakes that have one lane that's 8" deep within 300 acres of 1".

Mrs Backlasher · Post by **Mrs Backlasher** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:09 pm

Hey, Marsh Paddler,

Why not register and be one of us? It only takes a few moments to set up your Profile. Then we can get to know you. Someone going that way may want to send you a note and an invite to go fishing -you never know!

We have TKF members from all over, and as you saw, from Louisiana. If you keep up with the activities going on, you may be in our area and can drop in on one of our events.

How about it?

Mrs. B

CajunDude · Post by **CajunDude** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:46 pm

Marsh Paddler,
I don't have a GPS but I think that is a great idea. I'll add it to my wishlist.