An Erath angler's secrets to a successful fishing trip at Lake Arthur will leave you reeling!
As winter's waterfowl hunting season comes to a close, our expert angler, Trevor Huval, shifts his focus to the abundant fish in Lake Arthur, a hidden gem in Southwest Louisiana. Huval, an experienced outdoorsman, shares his passion for catching sac-a-lait and bass during the month of February. With a lifetime of fishing in this region, including the Mermentau River, he encourages fellow anglers to explore these waters and discover their own fishing adventures.
Huval's go-to lures are a game-changer. He swears by a hair jig crafted by Daniel Mire, the owner of D&M Custom Jigs in Maurice. This black and chartreuse beauty is fished about a foot below a cork, targeting the base of cypress knees. But that's not all; he also drops it alongside those cypress knees, a technique that's proven successful. His other favorite is a soft plastic minnow-type lure, the Bobby Garland Baby Shad in a unique monkey milk color. Huval describes it as an exceptional bait, one he tightlines without a cork.
"Sometimes they prefer the soft plastic jig, other times they go for the corked D&M Custom Jig," Huval explains.
This time of year, Huval recommends looking for clear water in the lake. He credits his early start in fishing and hunting with his parrain, Ryan Huval of Loreauville, for his expertise. February is prime time as sac-a-lait move into shallower waters to spawn, typically in depths of two feet or less, and mostly in 2 to 5 feet of water.
The consistent action is a highlight for Huval, who targets specific canals or ditches on the south end of the lake. He focuses on cypress tree-lined points on each side of the canal's mouth. "Once the water temperature reaches around 65 to 68 degrees, I start catching full-of-eggs females," he says. "Sometimes I can pull up to a tree and catch 25 in just 10 minutes! It's an incredible experience."
But here's where it gets controversial... Huval also mentions that heavy rains can push the fish away. He advises anglers to be mindful of weather conditions and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Additionally, Huval highlights the presence of drains and houseboats along these canals, which can attract and hold sac-a-lait.
While he prefers clear water, Huval assures us that even in muddy conditions, Lake Arthur delivers. He shares his experience fishing the lower end of the Mermentau River north of Louisiana Highway 14, where he's had some memorable days.
"The Mermentau is home to some truly massive sac-a-lait. My biggest catch last year weighed in at an impressive 2 pounds, 8 ounces, and I even had it mounted! Limits are the norm rather than the exception here," he boasts.
And this is the part most people miss... Huval reveals that many overlook the Mermentau due to its constant muddiness. "I don't particularly enjoy fishing in dirty water," he admits, "but the sac-a-lait seem to thrive in these conditions. It's a challenge for the fishermen, but the fish are definitely there."
When it comes to targeting laydowns along the meandering river, Huval's strategy is unique. He finds that the newer deadfalls yield the most fish, contrary to popular belief. "The fresher laydowns seem to be more productive. I'm not sure why, but I stick with my trusted black and chartreuse D&M Jigs and the monkey milk-colored Bobby Garland Baby Shads."
Lake Arthur isn't just about sac-a-lait; it's also a bass fishing hotspot. Huval shares his go-to technique, a Texas-rigged black and blue Senko under a pegged 1/4-ounce weight, which has brought him success time and time again.
"The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recently stocked Lake Arthur with a bunch of Floridas. They really take care of that place, and bass fishing is exceptional there," he adds.
So, are you ready to explore the waters of Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River? With Huval's expert tips, you're sure to have a successful and memorable fishing trip. Remember, it's not just about the catch; it's the adventure and the stories you'll share afterward.
What do you think? Do you prefer clear or muddy waters for your fishing trips? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
