| |
Hunting and Fishing in Louisiana
|
Caney Lake State Park
Welcome all fishermen! Long known as one of the premier trophy
bass-fishing lakes, Caney Lake can boast that nine of the
state's top ten bass were caught in these waters. So cast your
line and reel them in--enjoy a great day on the fish-filled
waters of Caney Lake. Located on a peninsula in this grand lake,
the park offers two boat launches and a fishing pier that cater
to all types of sportsmen. Waterskiing is another way to enjoy
the clear waters of the lake, which was created by damming Caney
Creek in 1986. Don't forget to look back at the lakeshore to
appreciate the beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest
surrounding the lake and the birds and animals that make the
forest their home. For information call: (888)677-2263
Chicot State Park
Fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking programs--Chicot
has all this and much more. The park covers over 6'400 acres of
rolling hills and water in South Central Louisiana. The cool,
clear waters of Lake Chicot have yielded record catches of
largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and red-ear sunfish.
Fishermen will enjoy the convenient boathouse, three boat
launches and boat rental facilities. Chicot also boasts a unique
combination of natural resources on land. Mature hardwood
uplands and extensive beech-magnolia forest areas add to the
beauty of the cypress-tupelo forested lake environment. Large
numbers of deer, raccoon and other wildlife live in the
surrounding woods. A "Guide to Birds of Louisiana" is available
for bird watchers. The 300-acre Louisiana State Arboretum, an
area devoted to a living, natural exhibition of over 150 species
of plant life native to Louisiana, is located one-and-a-half
miles to the main entrance. For information call: (888)677-2442
Fairview-Riverside State Park
Once you've strolled under the moss-draped oaks, waterskied on
the smooth, clear Tchefuncte River, or wet a line in the waters
of nearby Lake Pontchartrain, you've begun to sample the many
outdoor opportunities offered by Fairview-Riverside State Park.
The cool, crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River yield
bass, bluegill, white perch, and bream near the park area, and
channel catfish, speckled trout, and redfish where the river
meets the lake. Fishing from the river bank, the pier, or a boat
offers unmatched delights for even the most casual fisherman.
Crabbing in the lake and the river is also popular. For
information call: (888)677-3247
Grand Isle State Park
Since the days of Jean and Pierre Lafitte, who carried on their
notorious smuggling business in these waters, Grand Isle has
been on the route of commerce and industry. French exploration
of the islands and subsequent settlement of sugar plantations
occurred in the 1730's. Just before the Civil War, Fort
Livingston was constructed across the Barataria Pass from Grand
Isle State Park. It was part of a United States defense system
begun by President James Monroe and protected the Barataria
approach to New Orleans. Today most business activity consists
of shrimpers and other fishing boats carrying their cargo to New
Orleans and markets throughout the area. And ever present are
the offshore oil rigs dotting the horizon, busily extracting
energy sources from below the Gulf, and incidentally providing
superb fishing spots around their supporting structures. Over
280 species of fish are known to make their home in the waters
off the coast of Grand Isle. Brown pelicans--the state bird of
Louisiana--dive into the water. Seagulls appear to float on the
wind above the shore. Crabs nimbly scamper out of reach of the
children chasing them with their nets. Peaceful lagoons and
ponds provide more opportunities for fishing--in the water or
from the lagoon's pier, equipped with a fish-cleaning station.
For information call: (888)787-2559
Lake Bruin State Park
There are over 3,000 acres of water surface on Lake Bruin' and
the visitors to Lake Bruin State Park have access to every acre
for incomparable fishing, superb water sports and fine outdoor
living. But mere acreage statistics could never do justice to
this beautiful, clear oxbow lake that was once part of the
Mississippi River or its majestic cypress trees that have stood
here since DeSoto explored the river. The 53-acre site was
originally established in 1928 as a fish hatchery. The system of
levees which contained the fish can still be seen today from our
elevated roadways that wind through the park. On July 10, 1956,
legislation was signed authorizing the development of the park.
Initially called Lake Bruin Wayside Park, the name was later
changed to Lake Bruin State Park. The park is water-oriented and
is widely known for excellent fishing, boating, and waterskiing.
The old cypress trees in the lake and beautiful sunsets over the
water are special bonuses for park visitors. Three large fishing
piers, a year-round boat launch, and a boat shed for docking
make things convenient for the casual or serious fisherman.
Rental boats are available. Largemouth bass fishing is popular
all year round' but the best months are April, May, June,
September and October. Crappie (white perch) are taken around
the piers and mats in the early spring. Bluegill fishing is best
in the shallower waters at both ends of the lake. For
information call: (888)677-2784
|
|
|
|
|
|
