I am booking a long awaited fishing/camping trip to caddo lake state park in late January/late February. I will be in a kayak and launching from the state park, mainly like to target crappie and all kinds of sunnies, . Also wouldn't pass on sandies . I've never been there TPWD maps show the water by the campgrounds as what appears to be a pond and what looks like a creek channel. Is this actually part of the lake or will I have a long paddle to Good fishing water?? Also, should I be concerned about fish consumption bans on any of those species since a ban is in place for other species?? Any suggestions for late winter tactics for this shallow lake? I'll be using worms and minnows under slip bobbers and bring plenty of jigs and small spinners. Any suggestions in general? I know i once read a gps is recommended Thanks in advance to those who reply c

Yak Blue, I have been fishing that river for many years and am very familiar with the area. I fish it mainly for crappie. I'll try to help you all I can. You are picking an excellent time for crappie on the river. I use jigs only and fish laydowns, brush tops, and deeper boatdocks. Fish outside or the end of layed down treetops. I mainly use a 10-12 ft. jigging pole 10-12 ft. deep and sometimes an ultralight casting Pan assassins (electric chicken, baby shad, or B-52 colors). Sometimes they will chase them and not hit a still jig. Sandies will anything white, chrome rattletraps with a black back)
The water is low so that pond is very low, but you are OK with a kayak. You can launch it there and its a short distance to the river. Alot of times you can do very well between the park and bridge. Just remember you have to fish slow. Be patient and I wouldn't be too concerned about consuming the fish. I think its mainly for big bass. I would save my money one the gps. It's not needed at all. Good luck and I might see you there.

Welcome aboard procraft

YakBlue, just to follow up Procraft's post. You won't need a GPS or map either if you launch at the state park and stay in the river. Just so you are not confused, you will be several miles from the actual lake (where you should have a map or you can easily get lost). It is definately worth the effort to take a day and go launch in the actual lake.

Thanks for the replies procraft and nick.
I see that there are quite a few boat ramps (fee required) somewhat close to the park. would you suggest going to one of the ramps and launch on the main lake if I had an extra day? Any suggested ramp in particular that is a paddles distance from good fishing? Once again, Thanks for the help.

Hwy. 43 is a public ramp and requires no fee. Down from there is the park ramp and the fee is $2 per person, but waived if you are a park guest. Yopu can catch fish all up and down through there. The next place towards main lake 7 or 8 miles away is Johnsons Ranch. Lots of good fishing in that area. That's your best bet for fishing. It offers more. The launch is $4. You may need a gps in this area if you go real far, but not a worry if you pay attention to the boat road signs. That area is the most productive area. I have limited my last two trips there. Good luck. Good jig colors can be Black/chart., oranges, pinks, brown/chart.etc.

Actually Johnson's Ranch is about 5 miles from park by road. And don't forget to go through Government Ditch near JR. It's real nice.

Bring a camera. That lake is one of a kind. It's older than time. My favorite lake by far.

You gonna love it !