Cooler Weather, Hungry Fish and Open Dates Make Now the Time to Fish Louisiana’s Calcasieu Estuary
SULPHUR, La. (Oct. 21, 2026) — The temperatures are cooling down, but the fishing is heating up in southwest Louisiana. Speckled trout and redfish are keeping rods bent throughout the Calcasieu Estuary, and Fishing Tom Guide Service still has a limited number of dates available for anglers ready to take advantage of some of the best fishing of the year.
Fishing Tom’s trips take place throughout the Calcasieu Estuary, an incredibly diverse fishery that includes the Calcasieu River, Lake Calcasieu—known locally as Big Lake—Black Lake and the Ship Channel extending to the Gulf of Mexico.
Fall is an especially exciting time to fish these waters. As water temperatures begin to drop, shrimp and other forage move through the estuary and gamefish respond by feeding aggressively in preparation for winter. Speckled trout and redfish are providing plenty of action, while flounder, black drum and sheepshead add opportunities for a mixed bag.
“The bite is on, and this is one of my favorite times of the year to fish,” said Capt. Tom Adams of Fishing Tom Guide Service. “The cooler weather is comfortable, the fish are feeding and we’re seeing some great action. We’ve been putting plenty of speckled trout and redfish in the boat, and we still have some dates open. If you’ve been thinking about coming down to fish with us, now is the time.”
Recent Fishing Tom trips back that up. Anglers have been putting limits of redfish and speckled trout in the boat, including a recent outing that produced 45 specks in short order.
Fall conditions can also create some of the most exciting fishing of the season. Shrimp and baitfish moving through the estuary attract hungry trout and redfish, and diving birds can signal feeding fish below. Bull redfish move into the system during the fall, while speckled trout can be found throughout the estuary. As the season progresses, flounder also begin their fall migration toward the Gulf.
And the fishing is only part of the appeal. Crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures make fall an ideal time to spend a day on the water, whether you are an experienced angler looking to fill the cooler or a newcomer who simply wants to experience Louisiana saltwater fishing with an experienced guide.
Fishing Tom Guide Service welcomes anglers of all experience levels and provides personalized guided trips throughout the Calcasieu Estuary.
A full-day guided fishing trip is $750 for one to three anglers, with a fourth angler available for an additional $250. Lodging is available for $50 per night, making it easy for anglers traveling from outside the area to turn a day of fishing into a fall getaway. Non-resident anglers can purchase a three-day Louisiana fishing license for $25.
With the holiday season approaching and prime fall fishing underway, remaining dates are limited. Anglers interested in getting on the water are encouraged to book now.
The weather is right. The fish are biting. It’s time to load the boat.
For reservations and more information, visit FishingTom.net or call 318-675-9114.
Fishing Tom Guide Service, led by Capt. Tom Adams, provides professionally guided saltwater fishing trips throughout southwest Louisiana’s Calcasieu Estuary, including the Calcasieu River, Lake Calcasieu, Black Lake and the Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico. Specializing in speckled trout, redfish and flounder, Fishing Tom Guide Service welcomes anglers of all experience levels for memorable days on one of Louisiana’s most productive coastal fisheries.
