Calendar

Trip Name: Choupique Bayou Day Trip

Trip Date: Saturday, Feb. 20th, 2010

Skill Level: Beginner  

Leader: Greg Engelsman , cell phone 318-308-0467

Fishing Time:  7:00a.m. till 2:00p.m. 

Meeting Place: We will meet at Choupique Bayou launch between 6:30-7 am.  We will fish until 2 pm.  You are welcome to stay longer, just be sure to notify the trip leader that you will be staying longer and where you will be.

Trip Description:  Choupique Bayou is a tributary of Calcasieu Lake, that flows into the NW end, or used to, prior to being cut off by the the Ship Channel and Intracoastal Waterway.  The Bayou meanders around a good bit, and has lots of marsh access for reds and flounder.  The launch is basically in the middle of the fishable area, and you can go west(upstream) or SE(downstream).  There are trout in the main bayou, catchable on gulp under popping cork, or topwaters early, and you may even see birds working.  There are also a few dead end canals and pipeline canals for winter trout fishing, all upstream from the launch.   The mouths of the various cuts into the marsh are good for flounder, and you can ease back into the marsh for the redfish.   There is much tidal influence on this bayou, and you can get into some really ripping water, like being in the West Cove canal when it is going in or out.  This spot is less affected by recent rains than most of northern Big Lake. 

Tackle To Bring/Bait: Popping corks, Gulp, market bait, favorite tout tails

What to Watch For: Gnats/horse flies, depending on the time of year so bring a head net.  Calcasieu Tides (can be hard to predict, and this is 20 miles north of the jetties, so at least an hour or two delay in high and low tides from Lighthouse wharf), the wind (under 15 kts), weather and temperature.  Dress appropriately, always wear your PFD.  Be prepared to renew your membership if it is due and to resign your waiver. Guest must sign waiver, to be downloaded from http://www.lafayettekayakfishing.com/images/stories/GuestWaiver.pdf

Additional Notes:  Paddling distance is around 2 miles downstream, the where the mouth empties into the ICWW, which tends to get muddy from all the boat traffic.  The other way, upstream, one can go for a substantial distance, but the water becomes fresher once past the salt ditch about 4 miles upstream, that comes in from the south, and connects with the intracoastal.   This round trip would make for a beginner level trip.  There can be some boat traffic in the main bayou, but mostly crabbers and fishermen heading into Turner’s Bay.

 How to Get There: How to Get There: From I-10 in Sulphur, take exit 20 toward Cameron. Turn left on LA-27 S about  8 miles.  Right on Chilly Westlund Rd. L. on Hedin Rd. to launch. 100 ft. Launch is just before bridge over the Bayou, before you hit the intracoastal.  We will meet on the left side in the parking lot.   Launch is $2 in the honor box.   Take lots of pictures - fish or no fish

How to Sign Up (Members):  It is preferred that you register for a login account on this website and then use the registration button below to have your name added.  You may also manually register by calling the trip leader (or sign up at a monthly meeting) and provide: name, email address, cell number, waiver.

Guest Participants:  Guests are welcome but must register as described above and must sign the guest waiver form and hand to the trip.  Waiver may be downloaded here- http://www.lafayettekayakfishing.com/images/stories/GuestWaiver.pdf.  Some members have spare kayaks for those without.  Your best bet is to post an inquiry on the “Let’s Fish” forum.

What to Pack/Bring:
VHF Radio or Cell Phone for communication and emergency contact

First Aid Kit

Dress Warm if cold, layer for warmth

Change of clothes

Waders, if cold or wading

Lunch, Water, snacks

Kayak Drift Sock

Stake Out Pole Anchor/Anchor

Sunscreen

Towel/Rag
Ice

Recommended Reading:

Recommended guidelines for participants:
Make sure trip leader or an officer has your emergency contact

Notify the trip leader if you have any potential concerns, including health issues

If inexperienced, then buddy up. Make sure the trip leader knows your experience level

Communicate with the trip leader, if you are unsure of your skill level required

Member dues are current

Guests are invited to participate (with signed waiver)

Have performed deep water entries

Carry a first aid kit

Wear a life jacket

Inform the trip leader of your float plan if planning to fish alone or longer then the designated times.

Sign in and sign out at the launch site. Inform the trip leader if you will be launching in a different place or fishing past the listed end time.

Expenses/Fees:  None

GPS Coordinates: GPS Coordinates:

Latitude               Longitude            UTM Northing  

NAD 83 30.09739              -93.36037             465277 3329631.7           

NAD 27 30.09718              -93.36021             465291.2              3329428