Lake Charles Fishing Charters & Guides

Lake Charles, Louisiana

The state of Louisiana is known for creole culture, cajun food, bayous, Mardi Gras, and some of the nicest people in the world. All are found in the fifth largest city of the state, Lake Charles, as well. The city is located in southwest Louisiana, just 30 miles east of the shared state line with Texas. This close proximity to the Lone Star State has also influenced the city of Lake Charles, adding a bit of country to the bayou. If you love nature (and who doesn’t?!) then you’ll love the nearby Creole Nature Trail. This trail travels through Lake Charles and nearby cities and includes 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches. There are boat launches, birding spots, and scenic overlooks where navigators can view wetlands, marshes, and wildlife such as waterfowl, alligators, and so much more. Visitors to Lake Charles have a variety of recreational options to choose from. It’s known as “the festival capital of Louisiana” and the Louisiana Pirate Festival is just one of the many favorites held here. Golfing, shopping, and visiting the many restaurants of the area are also options. Or, grab your rod and reel and go fishing. During the colder months, hunting is an option as well. There’s a little bit of everything for those who choose to reside or visit Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Fishing Near Lake Charles

Lake Charles anglers have several bodies of water to choose from when heading out to fish. On the shores of the city include Calcasieu River, Lake Charles (the body of water), Bayou Contraband, Prien Lake, Moss Lake, and Calcasieu Lake. Or head out farther to the bountiful Gulf of Mexico, located just 55 miles south of Lake Charles. If you’re looking for some freshwater fishing, consider Calcasieu River. This 200 mile long river flows south from Vernon Parish to the Gulf of Mexico. Anglers should head north of the Interstate 10 overpass and fish the cuts to the east near Old Town Bay, Moss Bluff Bay, and Watermelon Bay for productive bass trips. Largemouth bass is a favorite species to target among Louisiana anglers, and Calcasieu River provides plenty of opportunity to reel in your next trophy. Lake Charles, the lake, is located just off the shores of Lake Charles, the city. With the freshwater source of the Calcasieu River, and the saltwater source of the Gulf of Mexico, this is just one of many brackish bodies of water near Lake Charles (the city). This mixture of water creates a habitat that allows for largemouth bass and redfish to thrive. Black drum, trout, and flounder are other saltwater species found in the lake. Prien Lake and Calcasieu Lake also offer fantastic fishing grounds near Lake Charles. There’s more salinity in these lakes, so there are more redfish, trout, and flounder found here. Prien Lake is often referred to as “Little Lake,” while Calcasieu Lake is known as “Big Lake.” We’ll give you one guess as to which one is bigger. If you’re looking for gator trout, head to the Big Lake (Calcasieu Lake) where local anglers have come to expect trout 5 to 8 pounds. There’s a healthy bag size of 25 limit on trout. Redfish and flounder are also popular species found throughout both lakes. For even more fishing, head to the Gulf of Mexico where a variety of species can be found. Those inshore favorites previously mentioned are found here, as well as cobia, Spanish Mackerel, king mackerel (also known as kingfish), mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, and much more. The farther out into the Gulf you go, the larger the fish! Plan for at least a six hour trip for your family’s next Gulf of Mexico fishing excursion.

Visiting Lake Charles

While many Louisiana anglers travel near and far to fish near Lake Charles, Texas anglers also travel the 2+ hours to experience Lake Charles fishing. Lake Charles is located just off Interstate-10, making traveling to the area very easy. Once in the city, go off the beaten path and enjoy the nearby waterways. Highway 27 runs parallel with Calcasieu Lake and loops around the lake along the Gulf Coast. Take this road to head to the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy the beach or surf fishing. When your family is visiting Lake Charles, plan a few days of adventure. Visit the museums, hit the links, and of course spend a day or two fishing. There’s certainly plenty of options to choose from: freshwater species, inshore, and offshore species. Not sure where to start? Consider booking a trip with a local fishing charter that can lead the way. They’ll also have all the gear you need, and can help you learn new techniques or target new-to-you species. It’s a memorable day with your family when fishing Lake Charles, Louisiana.