We used to live in a little town near this refuge. And also my husband and I used to run crab traps that were located near this refuge. We were crabbing in what is known as West Cove. It is part of the coastal lake named Calcasieu. The name of this lake is an Indian word, which means Crying Eagle.

I haven't gone fishing on the refuge myself but my husband has two brother-in-laws who go quite often. You may use a 25-hp motor on a boat in the refuge, but nothing larger!
It would not be unusual for a fisherman to go into this area and catch over 50 bass in a relative short time. But of course he can only keep the daily limit for Louisiana!

This refuge is also the wintering grounds for thousands and thousands of Geese and Ducks. You can hear them from the lake especially when it is near time for them to start north. I enjoyed watching their antics when we would be running our crab traps. They call to each other making weird noises, before they suddenly take off with a loud flurry of wings. They circle around and return to the ground. They repeat the maneuver often, strengthening their wings, readying themselves for the long trek back to probably some place in Canada.

This area is known as a duck hunter’s paradise. I will write my experience in that area at a later time.

If you get a chance to visit this refuge, do by all means!

Written by
Eljoree or Ellen Guidry


Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: March-May
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview