The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)
Cameron Parish, Louisiana · 49,200 acres (76.8 sq mi)
65°F water, calm this morning.
About Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)
In Cameron Parish, Louisiana, Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) covers 49,200 acres; it is a brackish coastal lake. It sits on the Calcasieu River. Calcasieu Lake, locally called Big Lake, is a shallow brackish estuary that forms the natural outlet of the Calcasieu River to the Gulf of Mexico.
From end to end it runs about 28.1 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 144 miles. Prien sits right on the water.
- Size
- 49,200 acres (76.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 144 miles
- End to end
- About 28.1 miles
- Type
- Brackish coastal lake
- River
- Calcasieu River
- County
- Cameron Parish
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Fair
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Louisiana, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 65°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:36 am · sunset 5:17 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)
- Prienon the shore
- Hackberryon the shore
- Westlakeon the shore
- Lake Charlesabout 1.3 mi northeast
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Questions about Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)
What fish are in Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)?
Lakes like Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)?
49,200 acres, with about 144 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake)?
Prien is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) today?
The surface was about 65°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Calcasieu Lake (Big Lake) on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
