What a Catch!

The weather has been absolutely perfect, Ascension.  Here’s a little suggestion to help you soak up that beautiful sunlight.

You probably already know that Gonzales’ Lamar-Dixon center is multifaceted. The exposition center is capable of seating several thousand people. They host loads of events, from circuses, rodeos, and equestrian events to car and boat shows, music concerts, and graduations. Recently, however, Lamar Dixon has been able to add fishing to their long list of services. There is now an 11.5 acre, 17-foot deep lake a little farther down South St. Landry Road. A group from the 2013 Leadership Ascension class will also be working this year towards constructing a circuit keep-fit course around the perimeter.

Richard Gautreaux, of the Ascension Recreation Department, explained that this lake hasn’t seen an abundance of visitors, but the ones he does see always come back. He wants to let Ascension know that this lake is here and available for their use.

“I really can’t say enough about it; it is gorgeous out there. I could go on and on, and I don’t see many people out there and those that I do see are there often. More people in Ascension should know about this treasure”

The lake is stocked and ready for a father-son fishing trip or a leisurely afternoon date on the gazebo.

“The lake was opened last year, but the word was spread only through people telling others. It has been stocked with large-mouth bass and blue catfish; it has a good population of bluegills in it, too. It had a huge number of bass but they were small and in need of new DNA, so the Wildlife and Fisheries Department donated fifty-nine 2-5 pound bass. These are to be put back when caught, but the ones that are less than 14-inches long can be harvested. In fact it is recommended that they be taken out.”

Boats may be launched nearly anywhere around the lake. You cannot, however, run a gasoline engine though, trolling motors only. There are also piers available for fishing use.

“It is just a nice place to go to, it is free, and it is a parish owned facility. It has access to a restroom and a nice gazebo and pier. We are currently making plans for other fishing piers. It is also wheelchair accessible and designed for such fishing.”

Occasionally, the boy scouts and other organizations are out there overnight for camping and other activities. There is a model airplane field right next to it, and they fly pretty regularly, which is also enjoyable to watch.

“Just so many don’t know where to go. It is just another form of recreation that the parish offers for folks, there is lots of baseball and football around but that’s just not for everyone.”

The lake is opened from daylight to dark every day.

Directions: Continue past the main entrance and Chapel entrance of the Lamar-Dixon Expo center on S. St. Landry Road. Immediately after the second concrete entrance (by the Chapel), there will be a gravel road. Take a right onto the gravel road and continue down past the shooting range until you get to a tree-lined gravel road on the left. Turn there and follow down to the lake.