What You'll Find at Big Lake and Calcasieu Lake

Big Lake and Calcasieu Lake are two connected saltwater systems in Cameron Parish, southwest Louisiana, separated by a narrow strip of land but fished as a single destination. Calcasieu Lake is the larger body—roughly 20 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest—while Big Lake sits to the east and opens into it. Both are shallow, brackish-to-saltwater bays where freshwater from the Calcasieu River mixes with Gulf tides, creating habitat that shifts with the seasons and water levels.

The lakes hold redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and black drum year-round, with tarpon and Spanish mackerel showing up in summer. Shrimp and crab are abundant, which keeps the predator fish concentrated and hungry. The water is rarely deeper than 8 feet, and much of it is 2 to 4 feet—ideal for wading, poling a shallow-draft boat, or casting from a kayak. Visibility is usually poor to moderate, so fish rely on vibration and smell rather than sight.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Lake and Calcasieu Lake are shallow, brackish bays best fished in spring and fall when water temperatures and salinity are stable and fish are most active.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary target species, with flounder and black drum available depending on season and water conditions.
  • Access is limited to public boat launches at Creole, Holly Beach, and Johnson's Bayou; private land surrounds most of the shoreline.
  • Shallow-draft boats, kayaks, and wading are all viable, but navigation requires local knowledge or a GPS because the bottom is soft mud with few landmarks.
  • Louisiana saltwater fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and redfish have a daily bag limit of three fish per person.

When to Fish: Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and redfish move shallow to spawn and feed. Spotted seatrout follow the same pattern, and both species are aggressive. Tides are moderate and predictable, and the weather is generally calmer than summer. Catch rates are high and consistent.

Summer (June through August) brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and strong tidal swings. Fish move deeper or into channels to escape warm, thin-oxygen water. Early morning and late evening are the only productive windows. Tarpon and Spanish mackerel arrive, but they are not the primary draw for most anglers.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring. Water cools, oxygen levels rise, and fish return to the shallows to feed before winter. Redfish and seatrout are active, and flounder move in from deeper water. October and early November are peak months. By late November, water temperatures drop and fish slow down.

Winter (December through February) is slow. Fish are lethargic, and cold fronts can shut down fishing for days. Water temperatures in the 40s and 50s push redfish and seatrout into deeper channels and bayous. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience and local knowledge of where fish concentrate.

Access Points and Launch Locations

Public boat access is limited. The main launch is at Creole, on the north shore of Calcasieu Lake, where a public boat ramp and parking are maintained by the state. This is the most popular and reliable access point. From Creole, you can reach most of Calcasieu Lake and Big Lake within 20 to 30 minutes of running.

Holly Beach, on the south shore, has a public launch as well, though it is smaller and less developed than Creole. It provides access to the southern end of Calcasieu Lake and is closer to the Gulf passes if you want to fish near the inlet.

Johnson's Bayou, at the eastern end of Big Lake, has a public launch that serves anglers fishing the upper reaches of Big Lake and the Calcasieu River. This area is shallower and more influenced by freshwater, so fish species and behavior differ from the main lake.

Most of the shoreline is private land or marsh. Wading access is limited to public areas near the launches and designated public fishing areas. Do not wade onto private property without permission.

Species, Seasons, and What to Target

Redfish are the primary target. They are present year-round but most abundant and aggressive in spring and fall. They feed on shrimp and crabs in shallow water and are caught on live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. The daily bag limit is three fish per person, with a 16-inch minimum size. Redfish in these lakes average 3 to 6 pounds, though fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly.

Spotted seatrout follow similar patterns to redfish but prefer slightly deeper water and are more sensitive to temperature swings. They are most active in spring and fall and bite aggressively on small soft plastics and live shrimp. The daily bag limit is 25 fish per person, with a 12-inch minimum.

Flounder are bottom feeders that move into the lakes in fall and winter, especially around deeper channels and drop-offs. They are caught on live shrimp and small baitfish. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person.

Black drum are present year-round and are most active in spring and fall. They are powerful fighters and can exceed 20 pounds. They feed on crabs and are caught on live fiddler crabs and shrimp. There is no daily bag limit on black drum in Louisiana, but a 14-inch minimum applies.

Tarpon show up in summer (June through September) and are a bonus for anglers targeting other species. They are large, acrobatic, and require heavy tackle and patience. Most anglers do not target them specifically in these lakes.

Boat Types and Navigation

Shallow-draft boats are ideal. Skiffs with 18 to 24 horsepower and a draft of 12 to 18 inches can navigate most of the lake and reach productive flats. Kayaks and canoes are popular and effective, especially for wading anglers who want to cover ground quietly. Larger center-console boats can fish here but are limited to deeper channels and the main lake body.

Navigation is challenging because the bottom is soft mud with few visible landmarks. GPS is essential. Depth finders help you avoid running aground, but they are not foolproof—the bottom changes with tides and storms. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, hire a guide for your first trip or fish with someone who knows the water. Local knowledge of shallow-water routes and productive flats is worth the investment.

Tides are moderate but important. High tide pushes fish onto shallow flats; low tide concentrates them in deeper channels and holes. Tide tables for the Calcasieu Lake area are available online and should be checked before you launch. Tidal range is typically 1 to 2 feet.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers 16 years old and older must have a Louisiana saltwater fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, at tackle shops, and at some launch facilities. A three-day license is available if you do not want to commit to an annual license.

Redfish have a daily bag limit of three fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size. Spotted seatrout have a 25-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum. Flounder have a 10-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum. Black drum have no daily limit but a 14-inch minimum. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in Louisiana.

Shrimp and crab can be harvested for personal use with a saltwater license, but there are size and quantity restrictions. Check the current Louisiana fishing guide before you harvest crustaceans.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring polarized sunglasses—they cut glare and help you spot fish in shallow water. Bring a push pole or shallow-water anchor if you are wading or poling. Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the lake offers no shade and the sun reflects off the water. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or late evening.

Expect soft, muddy bottom that can trap a boat if you run too shallow. Expect poor water clarity; you will rarely see more than a foot or two down. Expect wind—the lake is open and exposed, and afternoon wind can make fishing difficult. Expect mosquitoes in summer and fall, especially near marsh edges.

The nearest services are in Creole and Cameron, about 20 to 30 minutes from the lake. Gas, food, and tackle are available, but selection is limited. Bring what you need before you launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Big Lake and Calcasieu Lake?

Not if you have a GPS and local knowledge or are willing to fish the main lake body and marked channels. If you want to find shallow flats and productive areas quickly, a guide will save you time and frustration. Guides are available through tackle shops in Creole and Cameron.

What is the best bait for redfish here?

Live shrimp are the most reliable. Cast nets are allowed in Louisiana, and you can catch your own shrimp in the shallow water near the launches. Soft plastic shrimp and topwater plugs also work well and do not require live bait.

Can I fish from shore?

Wading is possible near the public launches and designated public fishing areas, but most of the shoreline is private. Wading access is limited. A boat or kayak gives you much more water to explore.

What months are worst for fishing here?

December through February are slowest. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, and fish move into deeper channels. Fishing is possible but requires patience and knowledge of where fish concentrate during winter.

Is there a tackle shop near the lake?

Yes, tackle shops are in Creole and Cameron, both within 20 to 30 minutes of the main launches. They sell bait, tackle, and local information. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially in winter.