Lake Fausse Pointe / Dauterive Lake

Size: 17,000 acres

Maximum Depth: 8 feet

Public Piers Available: 1

 Public Access Boat Launches Available: 4

Number of Artificial Reefs: 0

Common Fishing Species: Largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, red ear sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish

Additional Information:

Lake Fausse Pointe and Dauterive Lake are two separate lakes but function as one natural lake. Dauterive Lake is located north of Lake Fausse Pointe, about 30 miles southeast of Lafayette. Since this system is mostly shallow, the majority of crappie and largemouth bass don’t have to go far during spawning season. Large cypress trees provide viable habitat and can be found along the entire perimeter of the lake. A portion of the lake called Sandy Cove (known to locals as “the best spawning habitat in the world”) is a shallow area (2-4 ft.), which is home to multiple aquatic plant species. Submerged vegetation in this area provide ample cover for big spawning females. The bar pits near the state park are the deeper areas in the lake. These areas are also popular to anglers targeting bass and crappie. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, which provides many outdoor activities, is located on the shores of the lake.

Activities Available:

Fun Fact:

From January to May 2020, there were seven bass recorded weighing in between 8 - 10 lbs. The largest one, weighing 9.21 lbs., was caught on May 16.

Dewey W. Wills Wildlife Management area

Acreage: 63,984

Location: Located in LaSalle, Catahoula, Rapides parishes. Dewey W. Wills WMA is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Alexandria. The area is easily accessible via Louisiana Highway 28 East.

Owner: LDWF, LaSalle Parish School Board, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Description: The forest cover is a mixture of bottomland hardwoods. The major overstory species are overcup, nuttall and willow oak; bitter pecan; ash; and elm. The understory of the lower elevations is composed mainly of swamp privet, native grasses and forbs and seedlings of the overstory. On the higher elevations, the understory is composed of deciduous holly, hawthorn, smilax, swamp dogwood, peppervine, rattan vine, dewberry, blackberry, palmetto and seedlings of the overstory.

 Popular Game Species: Game species available on Dewey W. Wills WMA include deer, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, waterfowl and woodcock. Trapping is permitted for the following furbearers: raccoon, nutria, beaver, mink, bobcat, fox and coyote. LDWF maintains five concrete boat ramps. There is excellent recreational and commercial fishing in this area. Common recreational species include largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and other species of sunfish. Common commercial species include buffalo, carp, drum, gar, shad and catfish.

How to Enjoy: LDWF maintains four primitive camping areas. There is a deer youth and physically challenged season and deer youth lottery hunt. There is also a small game emphasis area. Additionally, the public can partake in a recreation alligator lottery.

Activities Available:

Forest Management on Dewey W. Wills WMA

Prior to establishing Dewey W. Wills as a WMA, the timber in this area was harvested, creating an open canopy. Through LDWF’s wildlife management program, livestock was removed from the area, stimulating understory production. The forest canopy has now closed and browse plants have been reduced. In recent years, a combination of conditions known as oak decline has developed on the area, killing a significant portion of overstory trees, primarily nuttall oaks.  LDWF has modified its forest management program to fight oak decline. 

Additional Information:

Lake Fausse Pointe / Dauterive Lake

For more information contact:

200 Dulles Dr. Lafayette, La. 70506

337-735-8699

www.wlf.la.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/inland-waterbody-management-plans

Dewey W. Wills WMA

For more information contact: 318-487-5885

www.wlf.la.gov/page/dewey-w-wills