Temperatures determine target spots
According to Capt. Chad Dufrene (985-637-6357), the trout are into inside waters in full force, and depending on just how cold it gets, the specks could be anywhere from Bakers Bay to Little Lake and Grand Lake — and all points in between.
“Generally the shrimp get scarce in November as the weather chills and the trout move closer inside to ride out the winter in the deeper marsh,” he said. “But the temperature really determines the specifics. Last year winter really didn’t show up at all so the shrimp never left. We fished all winter with live shrimp. If this winter is another no-show, then we’ll hunt trout under the birds on falling tides at the mouths of bayous pouring into all the bigger lakes. If the birds don’t show up, then fish current lines off points for specks and shorelines in the same lakes for reds.”
Dufrene said live shrimp under a cork is always the best bait, but plastics also will produce their share of action this month.
“Glow is the best color, by far, because it closely resembles the white shrimp the fish will be hunting,” he said. “I like the old H&H beetles, but anything in glow should attract their attention.”
Dufrene said Lake Campo, Pato Cabello, Four Horse Lake, Bakers Bay, Pointe Fienne, Lake Fausan, Grand Lake and Little Lake should all produce plenty frying-size trout this month, and spots further west like First and Second Bay and Wreck Bay will produce some good action also — as long as the river stays low.
“If reds are your target, the action right now is as good as it gets,” he said. “Dead shrimp under a Bomber Paradise Popper cork is the best bait, fished up against points, at cuts and corners and coves. Gold spoons and beetle-spins will provoke some good bites, also.”