Where to Fish in the Lake Charles Area

There are quite afew places you can fish easily as a visitor to the Lake Charles area. Please make sure you have the proper licenses. In this area of Lousiana, anything north of the Intracoastal Canal requires only a freshwater Louisiana license, while anything south of the Intracoastal Canal will require a freshwater and a saltwater license. Both excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing are available. The closest fishing to the GCC Expo 2008 is of course the seawall and boardwalk right by the Lake Charles Civic Center itself. Usually species such as redfish, speckled trout, sand trout, etc. are caught here, but if the salinity is low enough due to rain, catching a bass or two here is not unheard of. If you are bringing a boat, boat ramps abound, and you'll probably find a launch near where you wish to fish. The nearest boat ramp to the Lake Charles Civic Center can be accessed by proceeding north on Lakeshore Drive which will turn westward and parallel I-10 on the northside of the freeway. Do not enter onto I-10, but stay to the right. A Calcasieu parish boat launch is located right under the I-10 bridge approach on the east side of the Calcasieu River. If you are going to bank fish, there are still quite a few places available. Descriptions of parks with boat launches and the possibility of bank fishing are described below:

Calcasieu Parish Parks

There are quite a few Calcasieu Parish Parks located on the water and having at least some bank fishing opportunities. There are many boat ramps available as well. For those fishing from the bank, it hould be noted that it is illegal to fish or crab within 50 feet of a boat ramp by Calcasieu Parish law. A list of Calcasieu Parish parks which offer fishing opportunities are listed below:

CALCASIEU POINT LANDING
3955 Henry Pugh Road
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Store: (337) 479-1536
Parkkeeper: (337) 479-1791

 This park is located at the north end of Calcasieu Lake on the eastern shore. Consequently the most commonly landed species here are saltwater fish such as redfish, specks, flounder, black drum, etc.

Park Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Launch Ramp: 24 hours daily

Directions: From the Lake Charles Civic Center take either Broad Street or Clarence Street eastbound to Ryan Street. Turn right on Ryan Street and proceed south, getting on I=210 eastbound *just after the insection of Prien Lake Road). Once on I210 exit at the Nelson Road Exit #4 and turn left heading south approximately 1.8 miles to Country Club Road (LA 384). Turn right on and proceed west on Country Club Road approximately 1.9 miles to Big Lake Road. (LA 384 turns south) Turn left and proceed south on Big Lake Road and travel approximately 4.4 miles to Henry Pugh Road. (Located just south of the LNG Plant). Turn right and proceed west onto Henry Pugh Road. Landing is located 1.1 miles at the end of the road.

Facilities:
HOLBROOK PARK
868 Holbrook Park Road
Sulphur, Louisiana
(337) 527-7605

 This park is located on the west fork of the Calcasieu River, but access to bank fishing in the park is extremely limited. The small lake within the park has good bank access. typical catches here are bass and panfish.

Park Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Directions: From the Lake Charles Civic Center proceed on Broad Street to Highway 171 (Martin Luther King) and turn left. Proceed north on Highway 171 crossing English Bayou and the Calcasieu River. At the first stoplight past the Calcasieu River Bridge turn left on Highway 378 and follow the signs towards Sam Houston Jones State Park. At the intersection of Sutherland Road turn right. (Turning left will take you to the Sam Houston Jones State Park). Follow Sutherland Road approximately 2 3/4 miles to Dunn Ferry Road. Go approximately 2 1/2 miles to Holbrook Park Road. Turn right onto Holbrook Park Road. Entrance to the park is on the right side of the road where the road takes the first curve to the left. Holbrook park is located at the end of this road.

Facilities:

INTRACOASTAL PARK
7955 Intracoastal Park Road
Sulphur, Louisiana
(337) 762-3182

This park is located directly on the south side of the Intracoastal Canal. Thus commonly caught species here include redfish, specks, flounder, black drum, etc.

Park Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Midnight)

Directions: Via Interstate 10 - Take the Louisiana Highway 27 Exit south from Sulphur for approximately 11 miles until you reach the Ellender Bridge. After crossing the Ellender Bridge, turn right at the foot of the bridge onto the service road. The road will circle back under the bridge and lead into the park.

Facilities:
LaFLEUR PARK (210) BEACH
2937 Kiwanis Drive
Lake Charles, Louisiana
(337) 721-3540

LaFleur Park (also indformally known as I-210 park) is on Prien Lake. Fishing around the ?i-210 bridge and on the north shore past the boat ramp often yields croaker, redfish, specks, flounder, black drum, etc.

Park Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Directions: From the Lake Charles Civic Center proceed East via either Broad or clarence Streets to Ryan Street and turn right. Continue down Ryan until just past Prien Lake Road and get on I-210 eastbound. Once on I-210exit at the Nelson Road Exit and turn left and go south to the red light at West Prien Lake Road (opposite Wal Mart). Turn right and continue to the intersection where there is a stop sign. Turn right and proceed approximately 1/4 mile down Prien Lake Road towards 210. Turn left at Kiwanis Drive. This road leads directly into the park.

Facilities:
PRIEN LAKE PARK
3700 West Prien Lake Road
Lake Charles, LA
(337) 477-4344

 Prien Lake Park is newly expanded and renovared, and there are several places within the park are amenable to fishing. Te expansion and renovations were dedicated April 5, 2008. Species often caught from this location include croaker, redfish, specks, flounder, black drum, etc.

Park Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Directions: From the Lake Charles Civic Center proceed East via either Broad or clarence Streets to Ryan Street and turn right. Continue down Ryan until just past Prien Lake Road and get on I-210 eastbound. Once on I-210exit at the Nelson Road Exit and turn left and go south to the red light at West Prien Lake Road (opposite Wal Mart). Turn right and continue to the intersection where there is a stop sign. Turn left and proceed approximately 1/4 mile down Prien Lake Road. Park is located on the right side of the road. The park has been expanded and improved and is much larger, containing new buildings, walkways and bank fishing areas. The improvements and new buildings wetre vopened and dedicated April 5, 2008.

Facilities:
Riverside Park
1700 Miller Avenue
Westlake, LA
(337) 721-3700

 This park is near the Calcasue River saltwater barrier. Traditionally a mix of saltwater and freshwater species are caught at this park (bluegill, bass, specks, redfish, black drum. gaspergou, etc.)

Park Hours: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Directions: Via Interstate 10 - take Westlake Exit off Interstate 10. Turn North onto Sampson Street. Go to Old Spanish Trail (first red light past railroad tracks). Turn East (right) and go to the end of the road past school to Miller Avenue (red light). Turn North (left) onto Miller Avenue. Park is located approximately 1 1/2 miles on the east (right) side just past a small bridge.

Facilities: WHITE OAK PARK
5584 River Road
Lake Charles, Louisiana
(337) 433-5104

 This park is located on the Calcasieu River, well upstream from the saltwater barrier. The major species of fish caught here are bass and panfish.

Park Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Directions:From the Lake Charles Civic Center proceed to I-10 and get on I-10 eastbound. Take the Cameron /Chloe Exit (EXit 36) off I-10. Go north off the interstate on Pujol Road to the intersection. At the intersection, take a right (east) onto River Road. Go approximately one (1) mile and the entrance to the park is on the left opposite Charles Breaux Road. Via LA Highway 171 - On LA Highway 171 at the red light between the Calcasieu River Bridge and the English Bayou Bridge, turn east onto LA Highway 3059 (Old Town Road). Continue on LA Highway 3059 approximately three (3) miles. When LA Highway 3059 turns south, continue straight onto River Road. Follow River Road approximately one (1) mile to park entrance located on the left opposite Charles Breaux Road.

Facilities:


Louisiana State Parks

There is only one Louisiana State Park within a reasonable distance of the Lake Charles Civic Center: Sam Houston Jones State Park. This park is in the Moss Bluff area north of Lake Charles. The park is on the west fork of the Calcasieu River. There are also pond systems within the park. At the moment, the larger pond system s been drained for work on a boardwalk, but part of oit mat still be fishable (the smallest portion or "bridge pond". A bit farther down the road there is a smaller pond between the road and the west fork of the Calcasieu River (the other pond system is on the opposite side of the road). his smallpond has produced some surprisingly large bass over the years aw well as lots of panfish. These bass are quite wary, since they've seen nearly everything. The river is also accessible since there is a wooden seawall running a great distance in the park.

Sam Houston Jones State Park
107 Sutherland Road
Lake Charles, LA 70611-3900
337-855-2665,888-677-7264
For reservations, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA (877-226-7652) toll free.
Email: samhouston@crt.state.la.us

 Directions:From the Lake Charles Civic Center proceed to I-10 westbound and take LA 171 north toward Deridder. Turn west onto LA 378, then north (right) onto Sam Houston Jones Parkway. From I-10 eastbound, take LA 378 east then north (left) onto Sam Houston Jones Parkway. GPS Coordinates: N 30.30068; W 93.2555. Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

Entrance Fees: $1 per person; Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children age 3 and under

Reservable Facilities:
Standard Cabins, 6 available, 2 are ADA compliant, $70/night, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double bed and 2 bunk beds
Standard Cabins, 6 available, $70/night, sleeps up to 6 people with 1 double beds, 2 single beds and 1 sofa sleeper

Camping:
Visitors who hold a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport (Available through the National Park Service) are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).

Hiking Trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park:


National Wildlife Refuges

There are several national wildlife refuges in southwest Lousiana. It should be noted that when using a boat with motor in the pools within a national wldlife refuge, the motor horsepower is limited to 25 hp. Be aware that motorized craft are allowed only in designated areas.

Cameron Prairie Wildlife Refuge
1428 Highway 27
Bell City, LA 70630
(337) 598-2216
FAX: (337) 598-2492
E-mail: cameronprairie@fws.gov

This refuge has very recently opened for fishing. This ias a freshwater area, with bass and panfish as the main angling targets. Recently, however, the former East Cove unit of the Sabine WildlifeRefuge has been transfewrred to this refuge (on the east side of Calcasieu Lake). The former East Cove Sabine unit is brackish water.

Directions: From the Lake Charles Civic Center, proceed north on Lakeshore Dr. and go under the I-10 bridge approach, and enter on I-10 eastbound. Take I 10 eastbound 5.8 miles to Exit 36 southbound (toward Creole/Cameron) onto E. Ward Line. Proceed southbound for 6.1 miles and turn left on Gerstner Memorial Dr. (Highway 14), and proceed for 5 miles. when you reach Holmwood, proceed south on Highway 27 for 11 miles. This is the location of the freshwater unit. If you go over the Gibbstown bridge, you've gone too far.

Open sunrise to sunset.

Lacassine Wildlife Refuge
209 Nature Road
Lake Arthur, LA 70549
E-mail: lacassine@fws.gov
Phone Number: 337-774-5923

 Excellent spot for both boat and bank fishing. ass, bluegill and crappie are common.

Directions: The office/visitor contact center for Lacassine NWR is located at 209 Nature Road, Lake Arthur, LA 70549 and is open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If traveling west on Interstate 10, take exit 64 (Jennings)and travel south on Highway 26 to Lake Arthur, west on Highway 14 for 7 miles to Highway 3056, then south 4.5 miles. If eastbound on Interstate 10, take exit 54 (Welsh) and travel south on Highway 99 to Highway 14, east on Highway 14 for 3 miles to Highway 3056, then south 4.5 miles to the end of Highway 3056. Lacassine Pool, a 16,000 acre freshwater impoundment and major feature of the refuge, is at the end of Illionis Plant Road, 4.5 mile south of Highway 14. 3 miles east of Hayes.

Sabine Wildlife Refuge
3000 Holly Beach Highway
Hackberry , LA 70645
E-mail: sabine@fws.gov
Phone Number: 337-762-3816

 The Sabine Wildlife Refuge contains freshwater pools with bass and panfish (with boatlaunches) and a series of canals and two bat launches which access Calcasieu Lake, at the Hog Island Gully and West Cove access points. Both sites also allow bank fishing. The northernmost access for bankfishing is just about amile north of Hog Island Gully. The refuge completely opened for fishing for the first time since Hurricane Rita in the spring of 2008. The 1.5 mile Wetland Walkway also reopened this spring and winds through a freshwater marsh and provides an opportunity to view and photograph a variety of wetland wildlife, including many birds, and reptiles. For safety's sake, visitor's are asked to stay on the trail and to avoid close encounters with alligators and snakes that may be crossing or sunning near the footpath.

Directions: From Lake Charles Civic Center, get on I-10 west and proceed to Exit #20/CAMERON/SULPHUR toward LA-1256/CAMERON. Turn LEFT on LA-1256 S (south). Proceed south going over the Ellender Bridge over the Intracoastal Canal and the proceed through Hackberry and then south of Hackberry to the Sabine Wildlife Refuge. Approximare distance of trip: 39 miles.

Other

A last possibility is actually fishing the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, or the jetties at Cameron. Fishing the beaches with a flyrod is often an iffy proposition since water clarity is usually poor since the silt from the Calcasieu River and the Sabine River is usually beat back towards the beach by the prevailing southerly winds. Three straight days of north wind will clear up the water, but this is a rare event. If it does happen though, a true myriad of species are possible on the fly: speckled trout, sand trout, redfish. black drum, flounder, spanish makerel, bluefish, etc. To get to the beaches go like you would to the Sabine Wildlife Refuge and keep going until you hit Highway 82. At this point you will be at Holly Beach. Turning left will take you to the Cameron Ferry. If you take the Ferry across to Cameron, you can access the Cameron jetties. If you turn right on Highway 82 there is a lot of fishable beach. Continuing west you'll come to Constance Beach, Little Florida Beach, Dunn Beach and the the beach at Johnson Bayou. Going past that you will end up at the very southern end of Sabine Lake where Cameron Parish has a boat launch and a small park with no amenities. Across the bridge and just south of the road Texas maintains a very nice fishing pier (you'll need the appropriate Texas licenses).

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