November’s best bets in a ‘yak

FRESHWATER

Where: Chicot Lake (Chicot State Park)

What: Bass, sac-a-lait (white perch)

How: This decades-old lake within the state park is nearly 2,000 acres, and has three different boat launches that provide kayak anglers easy access to all sections of the lake. The man-made lake was impounded in 1942. While Chicot is not known for abundant catches, large bass are regularly caught, and this time of year sees less angling pressure. The lake record is over 13 pounds. The park can be used for day access, but cabins, lodges and both improved and primitive camping sites are available for rent.

Look for schooling bass feeding on shiners and throw Rat-L-Traps or other silver crank baits on the edges of the bait. Plastic worms rigged Texas or wacky style are also a good bet. Weedless jigs are also great for punching through the heavy vegetation that covers many areas. Chicot is a beautiful lake for ‘yaking and catching with many areas of flooded timber. With good weather and a few days exploring, you should be able to locate where the bass are holding.

Launch: There are three launches within the park that provide access to the myriad of coves, fingers and open water areas. Park Entrance: 3469 Chicot Park Road in Ville Platte. Park entrance fee: $3.00

Insider tip: Talk to friendly locals at the ramps to get pointed in the right direction. If you camp, the raccoons are abundant and are pros at stealing food and drinks. Keep everything safely stored to prevent being robbed.

www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/chicot-state-park/

SALTWATER

Where: Pointe-Aux-Chênes

What: Speckled trout, redfish

How: While good fishing can be had year-round, the trout get thick in this abundant marsh as the temperatures drop. With a good mix of bays and lagoons edged by deeper bayous and holes, Point-aux-Chenes has all of the water structure necessary to hold trout no matter what level they are holding. On warmer days, look for trout spread across the flats where live bait or plastic tails under a cork will do the trick. Don’t overlook topwater baits that many mistakenly store away after summer. When the water temps drop, the trout bunch up in the holes or deep canals. This is when a depth finder really shines to locate these concentration spots. Tightline plastic tails and work them up the ledges feeling for light bites.

Launch: PAC Kayak Rentals. $5.00 for a specially designed kayak launch that is simple to use. Ice, bait and tackle available onsite. Camping sites and houseboat available for rent. Mothership kayak service. 179 Paw Paw Ct. in Montegut. Check with owner Eddie Mullen before your trip to get the latest scoop on what’s hot and what’s not.

Isle de Jean Charles Marina (Theo’s) is at the end of Island Road. Backdown launch, $5.00 fee. Theo will send you to the fish. 571 Island Road in Montegut.

Insider Tip: Be on the lookout for the beautiful wild horses that roam the area. The horses were abandoned long ago, yet thrive eating marsh grass. They make for some great photos.

www.packayakrental.com

Facebook: Isle De Jean Charles Marina

*Due the lag time from information to print, weather conditions can change the bite so check in regularly with LouisianaSportsman.com for the latest updates.

About Chris Holmes 252 Articles
Chris Holmes has kayak fished in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and many places in between.