BIG LAKE
Winter patterns on Lake Calcasieu are continuing to produce good numbers of both quality reds and speckled trout. One of my favorite sources on Big Lake is Mary Poe, as in Capt. Mary Poe. She is a straight - shooter, both with her fishing information as well as her shot gun. For many years Poe has been a part of Big Lake Guide Service and knows the habits of Big Lake's fish population as well as anyone. She had just returned from a very successful fishing trip earlier this week and provided some excellent info for local anglers.
For reds, Poe says the weirs at Lambert, Grand Bayou and Bayou Connine Bois are stacked with fish and all of their guides and customers caught easy limits of reds. Berkley Gulp! is what most of their parties were throwing for reds. Favorite Gulp! among Big Lake regulars include 3 and 4 inch Gulp! Shrimp, Pogy and Swimming Mullet. Top colors include New Penny, Root Beer Gold, Nuclear Chicken (Glow) and Bone Jack. The high scent dispersion is one of the factors for Gulp's success.
With water temperatures dropping into the mid-to upper 50s, Captain Poe is using one-eighth and one-quarter ounce lead head jigs in order to slow the rate of fall. Most fish will hit the bait when it descends after the angler has lifted the lure. In warmer water conditions, the standard size lead head on Big Lake is three-eighths ounce.
The lady pro angler also reported catches of limits of trout. For trout she suggested the northern part of the lake and highly recommended the Turner's Bay area. "The water condition has been beautiful," Poe added. For trout, the Gulp! was also mentioned but stated that Sand eels were excellent and similar soft plastics like Stanley Wedgetails. For trout, the lighter sinker was also suggested. Most Big Like Guides use 12 pound test and many use Trilene Big Game. However, Fluorocarbon lines are gaining popularity such as Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon as well as other brands such as Stren. These lines have little stretch, are very sensitive, durable and sink better than monofilament lines.
Fishing for trout in January requires some adjustments in technique and requires us to slow down and cover the area. Slow falling and suspended baits are the ticket. Most big trout anglers fishing in the winter will seek out areas with hard, sandy bottoms as well as oyster reefs. Allow the wind to drift you over these areas so trolling motor will not spook those big trout. If you catch a trophy, make a quality photo, release the fish and please send us a copy.
