John's Journal...

The South's Sleeper Lunker Lakes

Caddo Lake, Louisiana

Click to enlargeEditor’s Note: If you want to catch bigger bass than you’ve ever caught, then consider fishing secret spots. Most anglers know that if they can find the areas with little fishing pressure, they’ll Click to enlargehave better chances of locating and taking bigger bass than if they fish where everyone else fishes. We’ve investigated some overlooked hotspots that home secret big bass.

Source: District Biologist James Seales

The Scoop: Caddo Lake, a natural lake dammed-up in 1914, near Uncertain, Texas, Oil City, Louisiana, and Mooringsport, La., covers 26,800 acres. First stocked with bass in 1981, Caddo has approximately 60% cover, dominated by aquatic vegetation. You’ll find a public boat launch in Earl G. Williamson Park 318-995-7139. Contact the Northwood Bait & Tackle Company. at 318-929-3615. For a list of guides, outfitters and lodgings, visit www.caddolake.com. For a map, go to www.clidata.org/ramsar/ramsar.pdf. You can purchase a 1-day non-resident trip license for $5, a 4-day license for $15 or a season license for $60 by calling 225-765-2887.

Lake Record: The bass record at Caddo weighed 16.01 pounds.

When, Where and With What to Fish for a Big ‘Un: You’ll have the best opportunity to catch a lunker bass the first week of March close to the Click to enlargeLouisiana/Texas state line on the north side of the lake with large plastic worms and jigs.Click to enlarge

Gear Tips: Use a fairly-heavy stiff rod and 14- to 17-pound-test line.

For more information on the area, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 318-676-7594, or check out www.wlf.state.la.us. To learn more about Caddo Lake, go to http://caddolakefishing.com, or email caddoguide1@att.net. For a map of the lake, visit www.clidata.org/maps.htm.

Tomorrow: Lake Bill Waller, Mississippi


Check back each day this week for more about "The South's Sleeper Lunker Lakes"

Day 1: Lake Victor, Florida
Day 2: Dodge County Public Fishing Area (PFA), Georgia
Day 3: Caddo Lake, Louisiana
Day 4: Lake Bill Waller, Mississippi
Day 5: Lake Arrowhead, Texas

 

Entry 444, Day 3