April 10, 2013

Wow, I can't remember when I have been so ready for the sun to shine and things to warm up. I know in only a few short weeks the heat will return for good, but I'm ready for it. It has been extra cool this spring so far and all I have to show for it is a sub par tan on the back of my hands.

While all this cool weather has delayed the consistent fishing for a little bit this spring, the good days have been rather productive for the last month or so.   Light winds on a few select days have allowed access to all areas of the lake and have resulted in big catches of both specks and redfish. Windy days force those efforts to protected areas and have made the results suffer a bit as well.  So fishing has been somewhat inconsistent, which is exactly normal when conditions are poor as they have been for the last month.  Good news is that we are working our way out of that weather pattern with each sunrise and expectations are again high that great fishing is on the horizon.

An early surprise this season has been the large schools of redfish which have been prowling the open waters of Calcasieu Lake.  Typically these fish begin to show themselves in early to mid May but have been munching on baitfish in open waters since early March.  Trout have also been schooling under birds since late February, which isn't unheard of, but is surprising considering the amount of freshwater runoff from the tremendous winter rains in January.

Heavy north winds have helped push the remaining flood waters through the system and Calcasieu Lake has cleaned up.  Salty waters have made their way all the way to the north end of the lake and continue making its way further north into the estuary.  While the spring winds will still hamper some of our near term trips if they get too strong, that salty push will be just as helpful in improving our odds even in poor conditions.  One positive effect from the strong southerly winds we will experience this month is the inshore push of menhaden fry and shrimp that will come with those higher spring tides and salty push.  We haven't seen the normal evidence of these annual migrations yet as water temperatures have remained below average with the chilly conditions of late.  However the gusty southerlies of the last couple of days are just the beginning of that push.

It is apparent that we had some shrimp in the system in March from all of the schooling action and their numbers will increase this month.  We should see more bird action later this month as shrimp populations rise.  Some trophy trout are being caught in addition to the numbers mentioned above.  Topwaters have accounted for the majority of these sows and that action should prevail for another solid month and a half. 

If you are a weekend fisherman and want to make a trip this year, you better hurry as our weekends are going fast. If you want a short notice trip when you see a good weather window, give us a call as we might have a spot open and we stand ready. 

For those of you wanting to enjoy some great fishing, excellent food and a fun, family friendly lodge atmosphere, we are the answer. Whether you are entertaining clients, gathering with friends or getting the family together for that once a year fling, get on the phone now.  Now is the time to make some reservations and get your crew down to Calcasieu Lake for a good time you won't soon forget.

For fishing, our 240 LTS Triton Boats with 225/250 HP Mercury Optimax motors are pure fishing machines. They easily and safely get you to the fish and back in all conditions. We provide excellent fishing equipment, both casting and spinning gear, just in case you don't have your own or don't want the hassle of lugging it along. Our staff of experienced, personable and hard working guides enjoy their jobs and do their best to put your group on fish. Whether you're a novice or avid fisherman you will enjoy their efforts to put YOU on the fish.  Our lodging facilty is also an exceptional asset and is available for our excellent full service packages or do it yourself groups up to 20 persons.

Book Now For Great Fishing!!!

Erik and Tina Rue

Staff of Calcasieu Charter Service