BIG LAKE Wind has been a major factor on the Big Lake fishery as about 50% of the days the past week have seen winds from 15 to 30 mph with even higher gusts, at times. As winds allow, fishing continues to be excellent for both reds and specs. Yesterday (Tuesday) morning I was able to contact Captain Kevin Broussard of Hackberry Charters who was on the water and very excited to be fishing again after having multiple cancellations due to recent high winds. Broussard reported good conditions and lots of trout have been caught in Prien Lake as well as Lake Charles.
Further south, Turners Bay continues to produce excellent fishing for specs. Captain Broussard also stated that trout up to 8 pounds have been taken from West Cove when winds allow anglers to fish that area. Winds will also muddy that portion of the fishery which can have a strong impact on the quality of fishing.
For bigger trout, Broussard says they are looking for bait (mostly mullet) and slowly working areas with sandy, hard bottom. He suggests working/drifting these areas with suspending baits such as Corkys or Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad. Corkys and Jerk Shad are best worked very slowly allowing them to look natural.
Do not over work these baits if you want to catch big trout. Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon is a great line choice with this type of fishing as the line sinks, has very little stretch and is very sensitive to feel subtle bites that often come in cold-water conditions.
Speaking of surface water temperature, readings now on Calcasieu Lake have plummeted to 59-60 degrees which is a 6-8 degrees drop from last week. The Weirs continue to give up reds, providing wind conditions allow anglers to get to the area. Gulp! Swimming Mullet (3 and 4 inch) in New Penny, Nuclear Chicken and Natural Shrimp also continue to produce solid catches of both reds and trout. Sand eels in chartreuse/black are also a steady producer. Now is the perfect time to catch that trophy trout!