Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced depending on route taken

Area Description:  West Cove is part of Calcasieu Lake, aka Big Lake.  it's one of the most popular spots for club members.  It’s a great place to fish year round but can be especially good for big trout in May/June.  It has lots of options for fishing redfish, trout, flounder and croaker.  Many flounder may be caught in the West Cove Canal itself all along the banks and points.   There are some marsh opportunities off of this canal.  Just take the first big cut on the right and this bayou goes way back.  It does get shallow and you may want to carry a GPS if you plan on really exploring this area. 

Once in the water you will have the option of fishing the canal or heading into West Cove.  The cove is full of reef. Generally the western end is fairly shallow w/ less reef.  The further east you head the more reef you will find.  The southern bank has several washouts all along the coast to the old camp canal. Fish the banks and points for redfish, croaker and flounder.  Definitely be on the lookout for birds working out in the main water of the cove.  If you are up for long paddling, you can really make a long day out of it as there is lots of water to cover.  Just be very careful of the winds.  You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of West Cove as it’s a big body of water.

Look for boats fishing where there are no birds.  This could indicate a local fishing a good reef.  There is a huge reef Northeast from the old camp canal heading towards Rabbit Island.  Either look for boats, birds or feel for reef with stab pole/chain on a rope or use your depth finder.  It's fairly deep reef (4-6') and trout will hit topwater baits at this depts.  Look for bait over these reefs and you’re sure to find fish.  Fish the drops offs of the shell ridges and find fish suspended along the ridges.  Plastics, Plastics under corks, top waters, corky style baits, live or dead bait all work.

What to Watch For: Calcasieu Tides (can be hard to predict), 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.  Greg will have forms available or they be downloaded from the website.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced depending on route taken

Notes: Paddling distance is approximately 1 mile from West Cove launch to West Cove and another 1 to 2 miles to Old Camp Canal on the south shoreline.  This round trip would make for a beginner level trip.  There are lot of crab traps at the mouth of the canal on western end of the cove.  If you are peddling you will need to be cautious that you do not get tangled.  There can be some boat traffic in the canal but most boaters are nice

How to Get There:  From I-10 in Sulphur, take exit 20 toward Cameron. Turn left at Ruth St  2.2 mi, Continue onto LA-108 W/LA-27 S about 26 miles.  Look for the Brown and White West Cove Public Boat Launch Sign. There are 2 launches. 

Notes:  Holly Beach is just a few miles South.