Sabine and Calcasieu both are making up for lost time

Despite some terrible early season weather, constantly changing winds, and some relatively hard run off from heavy rains the conditions on both our local lakes are ahead of schedule. On several trips in the last week I could not believe the amount of bait in our estuaries or the clarity of the water, both were impressive to say the least. The main bodies of the lakes as well as the surrounding marshes are full of life, the early season shad populations and shrimp numbers are enough to give even the most skeptical angler cause to smile.

There is no doubt that the mild winter we had really helped out this situation, the marshes are months ahead of schedule on the amount grasses present and baitfish production. During one scouting trip I could not help but marvel as I watched clouds of small baitfish and small shrimp scurry among the lush grass. Needle fish as long as your arm are thick in the bayous along with a very healthy population of mullet and crabs. The stage is set for some excellent fishing and perhaps some better quality fish than we have seen in a couple of years.

Both Sabine Lake and Calcasieu have become a little more angler friendly in the past week thanks to some drop dead gorgeous weather. Anglers from across the river have started seeing some really good trout show up on main lake reefs in the open water. There have been several good trout caught including a couple in the 7 to 8 pound class. Unlike earlier in the year when school trout were the norm it appears the better fish, over 3 pounds, are becoming much more common than they have been in recent memory.

Sabine Lake anglers who have been pinned to the shorelines due to high winds are discovering hungry trout and reds as far up as the north end of the lake on occasion. Water clarity and bait have not been an issue; one local angler told me “I could see shell on the bottom in nearly 5 feet of water in some places”. I couldn’t agree more as I verified that statement last week while fishing the south end of the lake near the Causeway. The water was gorgeous on the incoming tide change and the fish were right there as well on the big reef.

Since we have had a break in the winds there have been plenty of anglers take advantage of the jetty fishing, the results have been good there as well. Big redfish and drum are still crushing crab and mullet, the speckled trout are also showing in good numbers. I have even gotten reports of some other species that usually show up later like Spanish mackerel and triple tail. If that doesn’t get your attention you may need to check your pulse, these fish will put on a show if you are fortunate enough to get into a hungry a bunch.

The upcoming summer looks extremely promising and the conditions should do nothing but reinforce the potential. With much more predictable weather on the horizon all anglers should be really looking forward to their next trip on the water.