Lake Charles Fishing Calendar: What Bites Each Month on Calcasieu Lake
Plan your Calcasieu Lake trip by the month. See what species are biting, where to find them, and what techniques work fr...
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LAKE CHARLES
FISHING CHARTERS
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About
Lake Charles Fishing
Lake Charles is the center of Southwest Louisiana's legendary fishing scene, anchored by the Calcasieu Lake system — widely regarded as the best big trout lake in the country. Trophy speckled trout over eight pounds are caught here with regularity that no other fishery can match, while redfish, flounder, and sheepshead round out the year-round inshore action.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Lake Charles?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
G | P | P | P | G | F | F | F | G | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
F | F | G | G | G | F | F | F | G | P | G | F |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | P | P | P | G | G | G | P | P | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
G | P | P | G | G | F | F | F | F | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
P | P | P | P | P | G | G | G | P | P | P | P |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | F | F | - | - | - | - | F | F | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Lake Charles Fish Species
6+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Lake Charles
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Lake Charles Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Lake Charles.
Guest Reviews
5
based on 6 reviews
Lake Charles Fishing Reviews
Trophy Specks on Calcasieu Lake
Fished the south end of Calcasieu Lake and caught trophy speckled trout all morning. We landed five trout over 5 pounds including one that pushed 8 pounds. The Big Lake produces more trophy specks per trip than anywhere else in the state.
C
Captain Clay
March 2025
Speckled Trout
Calcasieu Redfish Were Biting Nonstop
Waded the shell pads on the west shoreline of Calcasieu Lake and the redfish were stacked up feeding. Threw soft plastics and caught over 20 slot reds before noon. Wade fishing the Big Lake is one of the best experiences in all of Louisiana.
C
Captain Sabrina
September 2025
Redfish
Big Lake Did Not Disappoint
Drifted the reefs on Calcasieu Lake and hammered the speckled trout on artificials. The fish were fat and healthy, most in the 2 to 4 pound range. Mixed in a few redfish near the shorelines. Lake Charles is home to one of the finest inshore fisheries anywhere.
C
Captain Dalton
April 2025
Speckled Trout
Redfish
Turner Bay Was Loaded With Reds
Fished Turner Bay on the south end of Calcasieu and the redfish were tailing in the shallows. Sight-cast to them with gold spoons and connected on most casts. We released over 30 reds and kept a few for dinner. The fishery in this lake is incredibly healthy.
C
Captain Theresa
August 2025
Redfish
Winter Trout Bite on the Big Lake
Fished the deep holes and channel edges on Calcasieu Lake and the winter speckled trout bite was on fire. Caught them on slow-sinking soft plastics. Several fish were over 6 pounds and fought hard in the cold water. Lake Charles in winter is a trout paradise.
C
Captain Grady
January 2025
Speckled Trout
Flounder and Sheepshead Rounded Out a Great Trip
Targeted flounder and sheepshead in the Calcasieu Ship Channel and both species cooperated beautifully. The flounder were on the bottom at the channel edges and the sheepshead were on the bridge pilings. Came back with a diverse and delicious cooler full of fish.
C
Captain Noelle
November 2025
Flounder
Sheepshead
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