Big Lake conditions?

[wacotiger]

Go to the weirs if you haven't been before. I would launch at Hebert's Landing and it will save you a long boat ride. Check each weir on your way out. If the water is coming out (i.e., the weir is open and water flowing out of the marsh into Big Lake), try to fish it. I have the best luck at Grand Bayou Weir (it is the 3rd one from Hebert's). It is normally the only one that you can drive a boat through, except during duck hunting season (so in Mid-November, you won't be able to drive a boat through). You can fish the point just outside the weir on the right on Big Lake side at Grand Bayou. Bring live shrimp just in case you can't get them to bite on a white or chartreuse Gulp. Should be able to get live shrimp at Hebert's Landing, but call ahead just in case. Bring a lot of lead heads for the gulp (extra corks and circle hooks if you are fishing live bait) as you will have a lot of snags if you have't fished it before. Try casting in the area where the water is flowing out. You can also catch reds all around the weirs as well. Arrive early in the morning to beat the other boats. If there are more than 3 boats, fish the outlying areas or drive to the next weir. There are 5 weirs. Weekends have the biggest boat traffic issues. Bring a good net in case the fish are big bulls. I haven't fished the weirs this year yet, but best time in past years has been middle-end of October until the end of January or February. Cold fronts help the water flow out of the marsh. Normally, great fishing for reds in November - December, so November 15 should be good if we get a few more cold fronts. Good luck.