Some of the best fishing in Louisiana can be found in the southwestern part of the state, although places like the Mermentau and Calcasieu rivers do not get the same amount of attention as other streams. Both hold fresh and saltwater species and both have interesting name origins.
Mermentau River
Like many Louisiana waterways, the Mermentau’s name derives from a Native American word. The Atakapa Indians occupied southwestern Louisiana when French settlers began moving into the area in the late 1700s. One of the Atakapa chiefs was named Nementou and his village was located on the Mermentau River.
Early records show that the river was originally called the Nementou, after the chief, but a transcription error later changed it to Mementou, and over time Mementou morphed into Mermentau.
Many who fish the Mermentau launch their boats at the Grand Chenier Park boat ramp. “Chenier,” a word frequently encountered in the South Louisiana marsh country, comes from the French word “chene” (oak). Chenier means “oak grove,” so Grand Chenier translates to “big oak grove.”
Cheniers are ancient beaches and sand dunes that were left inland when Louisiana’s coastline slowly moved southward as river sediments built up new land. Cheniers stick up out of the marsh like isolated islands. Oak trees grow on them because of their higher elevation and people have always lived on them to avoid floodwaters.
Calcasieu River
The Calcasieu River was originally known to the early Spanish explorers as the Rio Stondo, or “Deep River,” but French settlers renamed it for an Atakapa chief whose name was translated to mean “Crying Eagle.” Sources disagree as to exactly what were the original Atakapa words that meant “crying eagle.” Some say it was “katosh (eagle) yok (to cry),” while others claim it was “Quelqueshue.” Whatever the case, over time the Indian phrase became corrupted into Calcasieu.
Whisky Chitto and Lacassine
One well known tributary of the Calcasieu River is the Whisky (or Ouiska) Chitto. This beautiful, sandy stream is popular for both fishing and canoeing.
In the Choctaw Indian language, “oski” means cane and “chito” means big. Ouiska Chitto is a derivation of the two words meaning “big cane creek.” It’s easy to see how early European settlers could have mistranslated that into Whisky Chitto. Today, both names are used on maps.
A community, bayou and national wildlife refuge in southwestern Louisiana all use the name Lacassine. It probably derives from the French term “la cassine,” which means a small, isolated house out in the country.
According to tradition, a local Indian chief had such a house where the community of Lacassine is today. The name was probably first used for that area and then the bayou and refuge followed suit.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
When exploring southwestern Louisiana, check out the Sam Houston Jones State Park north of Lake Charles. Named for our 46th governor, this 1,087-acre park has mixed pine and hardwood forests and abundant wildlife. The five hiking trails are particularly popular for birdwatching and geocaching, and two boat ramps provide fishing opportunities on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River.
The park also has cabins; a lodge for housing large groups; glamping tents; premium camp sites and RV hookups with electrical, sewer and water service; and restrooms with shower facilities.
