Southwest Louisiana isn’t called Sportsman’s Paradise for no reason. Anglers are sure to spend an unforgettable time on our waterways. Plan a guided charter or be the captain of your boat as you navigate the waters. Whether freshwater fishing for largemouth bass on the Calcasieu River or saltwater fishing for redfish along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, you’re sure to reel in a good time. Angling adventures await! For a list of all boat launches in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, including GPS coordinates, Click Here.
RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Among the top three species to reel in, largemouth bass, crappie, and blue catfish reign supreme when it comes to freshwater fishing. Along the Creole Nature Trail, you’ll find the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, nestled in the heart of this aquatic haven, which offers a prime spot for anglers seeking the thrill of catching these freshwater giants. Additionally, the Calcasieu River is a hotspot for crappie enthusiasts, providing an ideal environment for this sought-after species. For those targeting the mighty blue catfish the possibilities are vast—from the tranquil waters of the Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers to the dynamic surroundings of the Intracoastal Waterway.
WILDLIFE REFUGE HOTSPOTS
Explore a variety of natural fisheries across the region’s nationally protected refuges:
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
This hidden gem is home to largemouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish, catfish, gar, and bowfin. Fishing here is often done with live bait. With around two miles of canal for bank fishing and one mile accessible by motorboat, it’s an intimate, peaceful setting for anglers. While there are no improved launch areas, motorboats can access the canal via the Gibbstown public boat launch on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Note: bank fishing areas are limited to paddle or electric trolling motors only.
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
A vast expanse offering 26,000 acres of freshwater impoundment and 99,000 acres of marshes and canals, Sabine is a top-tier fishery. Boat fishing is allowed from March 15 to October 15, while bank fishing along Louisiana Hwy. 27 is open year-round. Popular species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and gar, while saltwater species like spotted seatrout, flounder, black drum, and red drum also roam these waters. Find constructed fishing access at Northline, Hog Island Gully, and West Cove. Boaters should note the 40hp limit in freshwater impoundments and trolling/push-pole-only restrictions in marshes outside of designated canals.
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Known for its 16,000-acre Lacassine Pool, this refuge is a haven for bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, bowfin, and gar. Fishing is allowed from March 15 to October 15 in Lacassine Pool, Lacassine Bayou (2,000 acres), and eight miles of surrounding canals. A 40hp max applies to boats on Lacassine Pool.
Stretching along coastal marshlands, Rockefeller offers both freshwater and saltwater action. Here you’ll find largemouth bass, catfish, gar, shrimp, crab, red drum, spotted seatrout, and black drum. Freshwater zones benefit from stocked Florida-strain bass. There are two public boat launches:
East End Launch: Ideal for accessing freshwater interior canals. Closed Dec 1 – Mar 1 to protect wintering waterfowl.
Joseph Harbor Launch: Leads to salt-brackish waters with access to water control structures like LSU and Units 1–5. Subject to tide and weather conditions.
Note: Commercial take, crab traps, nets, and trawls are prohibited. Canoeing/kayaking is not allowed due to safety concerns with large alligators. In 2020, three fishing piers (two handicap-accessible) were added to improve access.
ACCESSIBLE ANGLING
Explore the waterways of Southwest Louisiana with Captain Paula aboard Self-Fish Dreams, a local nonprofit offering free fishing and cruising experiences for seniors, people with disabilities, and those unable to fish traditionally. Enjoy a two-hour trip through Contraband Bayou, Lake Charles, and Prien Lake, soaking up the scenery and casting a line in safe, serene settings.