Known as an important cultural, tourist, industrial, and gaming center of southwestern Louisiana, the city of Lake Charles lies on Prien Lake, Lake Charles, and the Calcasieu River. It's also famous for being the city with the biggest number of casinos in Louisiana, and home to numerous galleries and museums, but Lake Charles fishing is no less famous among passionate anglers. Located only around 30 miles from the Gulf and having access to some of the most prolific brackish lakes in the area, it boasts an incredible variety of productive fisheries. 

 

In addition to Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River, Lake Charles fishing guides might also take you to the famous Calcasieu Lake (also known as the "Big Lake" locally), Calcasieu Ship Channel,  Black Lake, and Moss Lake. These prolific waters are all about light tackle fishing for Speckled Trout and Redfish throughout the year, but you also have a chance at reeling in Flounder, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Black Drum, and Cobia, depending on the season. Testing the bite of various Lake Charles fishing spots will definitely be something to write home about. 

 

 

With an average depth of 5 feet, this brackish lake offers excellent Redfish, Trout, and Flounder fishing. It's especially good for late fall and winter Trout angling – it's possible to limit out on Specks before you know it. They average 2–3 pounds, but it's not uncommon to catch 5-pounders during November and December. Moving water spots can be very productive for topwater fishing, and you can expect to land both Reds and Specks there. 

 

Deepwater spots ranging 15–50 feet deep can be home to schools of lunker Trout. When water temperatures drop to 50 degrees, Specks and bait fish often move to these deeper, warmer spots. And the best way to spot them? Look for the birds flying above feeding schools of Trout.

 

 

Lake Charles fishing charters also give you the opportunity to fish Prien Lake, located around 6 miles southwest of Lake Charles. This brackish lake is open for both commercial and sportfishing, and the species that reside here are Trout, Redfish, Black Drum, and Flounder. 

 

Bigger Specks and Reds can often be found in the shallows in the southern part of the lake, along with the western area of the lake along the ship channel. The waters are usually calm since the area is more protected from the wind than Calcasieu Lake. During November and December, Redfish are found near the shoreline – they can be a good indicator of large Trout schools. Specks are usually located in deeper waters (18–22 feet), along with Sand and Silver Trout. 

 

Kayak Redfishing is also very productive at the lake, and there are various honey holes, including a very deep one northwest of the bridge near the boat launch. This one is famous for producing an incredible amount of Reds, and the Specks can also be found nearby.

 

 

Lake Charles is the biggest city on the Calcasieu River, which provides some interesting river fishing opportunities, both saltwater and freshwater! The upper stream is known for Bream and Spotted Bass fishing, the middle part of the river is reserved for Catfish, Largemouth Bass, freshwater Drum, and Crappie, while the lower stream is all about Redfish, Trout, and Flounder.  

 

 

Calcasieu River flows into the northern part of the Calcasieu Lake around 10 miles south of Lake Charles. Known as the "Big Lake" among locals and famous for its Speckled Trout fishing, you'll also find incredible Redfish and Flounder action in this brackish lake. Apart form record-breaking Trout (three out of 10 Louisiana record Trout were caught here), you might even encounter some Tripletail, Cobia, Sheepshead, and Black Drum in these rich waters. Yes, Calcasieu Lake is a true Mardi Gras for all saltwater enthusiasts! 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to keep your catch when fishing in the Lake Charles area, you'll need a Basic Fishing License (for all anglers 16 and older). In case you're fishing below the saltwater line, you'll also need to acquire an LA Saltwater License.

 

 

Full day trips take seven-to-eight hours and usually cost $600–$850 for a party of three to four passengers. A lot of local charters offer pickup service from famous casinos, such as L'Auberge du Lac Casino and Golden Nugget Casino, for an additional charge. 

 

Half days are normally four-to-five hours long and will cost you around $450–$600. If you want to go straight from the casino to the boat, half day trips with pickup included cost $525–$600. Interested in wading? Full days can be booked for about $750.

 

 

Interstate 10 connects Lake Charles to New Orleans to the east and Houston to the west. If you're coming by car, you'll also have other highways at your disposal, such as U.S. Highway 90, U.S. Highway 171, Highway 165, Highway 90, as well as Louisiana Highway 14. 

 

Flying in? If you're coming from Houston and Dallas, use Lake Charles Regional Airport located on the south of the city. For all the other flights, use Chennault International Airport, also located in Lake Charles.

 

After an incredible day of Lake Charles fishing, make sure to check out some of the city's 30 parks, local museums and galleries, or casinos, if you're feeling lucky.