Lake Cataouatche is still the HOT spot for bass, bream and sac-a-lait
Lake Cataouatche continues to be a hot spot in the area for bass, bream, and sac-a-lait. Bass are being caught on white spinner baits, perch-colored crank baits and the traditional watermelon colored plastic worms.
Breams are being caught on worms, crickets and popping bugs with a fly rod. Sac-a-laits have been hitting tube jigs.
The best colors have been black and charteuse, blue and white, and my favorite red and white body with charteuse skirt.
Sac-a-laits have migrated from the shoreline to structure in the middle of the canals or grass beds in the middle of the lake.
If catfish is your cup of tea, fishing on the bottom with worm or shrimp is your best bet. Find one of the many cuts on the north shore of Lake Cataouatche and fish down current.
The Davis Pond Diverson has been running at 1800 cubic feet per second. That’s about average. Catfish will range from one pound to 10 pounds.
The red fish have slowed down a lot but it will not be long before they re-enter Lake Salvador. Best baits have been shrimp on a jig head around the main rig.
The south shore has produced some reds using a gold spoon and black and chartreuse cocahoe under a cork. Find the stumps on the south shore. Spec’s have not shown up in the lake.
Two spots to access the Lake Cataouatche and Lake Salvador area are Pier 90 and the state park in Westwego. Good fishing locations have been the cuts along the north shore of Lake Cataouatche, the Tank Ponds, the Netherlands, the Louisiana Cypress Canal, and the shoreline around the mouth of the Umbrella Canal.
This past weekend, I went crabbing in the Parish Canal along the St. Charles and Jefferson Parish line.
In two hours we caught over 12 dozen using chicken leg quarters and drop nets. We launched at the Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner at the end of Williams Boulevard and made a 2-mile westward boat ride. Fish the beginning of the canal and work toward the Interstate. But be careful, Lake Pontchartrain kicks up fast!
The saltwater action will pick up starting this June 13 and run all the way through June 23. Any saltwater fisherman knows the tide movement causes fish to become active.
Check out the Louisiana Sportsman this month on page 218. The location is calculated for Bayou Rigaud, which is located mid-way of Grand Isle on the inland side. Tide corrections are given for your favorite spot.
Tip of the week: Proper care for your catch
Louisiana’s anglers are accustomed to abundant catches of bass, bream, sac-a-lait and various saltwater fish.
A common problem, however, is improper handling of fish intended for the table.
Quickly ice down fish. This sounds elementary, but there are those who get swept up in the thrill of catching fish and forget this important step.
Fish should be placed on ice immediately upon being caught. Be sure you have ample ice before leaving the dock.
Take full advantage of your ice. This means pouring the ice out of the bag and making sure there is a layer of ice above and below the fish.
Fish placed in a ice and water slurry chill faster than those placed on ice alone. Leave water in your ice chest as long as an adequate amount of ice stays in the water. Water temperature will stay at or near 32 degrees fahrenheit and help keep fish cool.
Remember, while on the water, always wear a life jacket.
Tip of the week is courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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