Louisiana Outdoors A to Z Slidell is a launching point for The Rigolets, a waterway connecting Lake Pontchartrain to Lake Borgne and the Gulf of Mexico. The result is low-salinity water, prime grounds for speckled trout. Highway 82 runs along the coast in Vermilion and Cameron parishes. Use it as a thoroughfare to angling in Vermilion Bay and stops along Calcasieu Lake. On the border of Texas, Toledo Bend Reservoir stands like a siren call for bass fishermen. The Sabine River Authority operates several recreational areas along the reservoir, including the full-service Cypress Bend Park. In Natchitoches, try Cane River Lake alongside historic downtown or Sibley Lake with its crappie, catfish and bass. North of town, Grand Ecore nestles close to the Red River, which is routinely ranked in Bassmaster ’s list of 100 best bass fishing locations. Follow the river to Alexandria, then pick up fresh bait and set out for Cotile Lake Recreation Area or Buhlow Lake. n PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) Fishing in Houma ©Matthew Noel ; Charter fishing in the Gulf of Mexico; Ride the Bull kayak fishing tournament ©Ride the Bull ; Family fishing in Southwest Louisiana ©Lake Charles CVB/ Monsour Photography EQUESTRIAN I By Kristy Christiansen PHOTOS: Horseback riding tour at Splendor Farms ©Carl Bordelon Photography ; tour at Chemin-A-Haut State Park ©Ron Carr f you’re a rider longing for a horseback view of the state, saddle up and trot on down to one of Louisiana’s scenic equestrian trails. Tour the rocky outcroppings and pristine creeks in Kisatchie National Forest; explore the state’s diverse topography at Bogue Chitto, Chemin-A-Haut and Hodges Gardens state parks; or ride the Tammany Trace, Louisiana’s premier rail-to-trail network running along Lake Pontchartrain’s north shore. Need a few lessons to start out? Farr Park in Baton Rouge, Splendor Farms in Bush and Collins Natural Horsemanship north of Ruston will have you riding like a cowboy in no time. Or, you can learn from watching the pros at a horse show—fairs and expo centers from Monroe and Ruston to Sulphur and Gonzales feature equestrian events throughout the year. Next, pick your favorite horse and try your luck at the racetracks. Bet on a good time at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Delta Downs in Vinton, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City and Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. n Find more inspiration for your next equestrian adventure by visiting LouisianaTravel.com/ activities/horseback-riding http://LouisianaTravel.com 17
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