Lake Martin in Louisiana

Trip Overview

Lake Martin is located about 5 miles south of Breaux Bridge, La. The lake is relatively small, about 200-300 acres is my guess. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the lake is open and the rest is in cypress and tupelo trees and brush.

One of the outstanding features of this lake is that it is a major rookery. Thousands of white and blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills and other species of birds nest there each year until about the end of July. They are easily viewed from the road and many are only 20 yards away.

Another outstanding feature is the huge number of alligators that inhabit the lake. While kayaking with my girlfriend last Sunday, 5/15/05, I was thumped by an alligator that was apparently under my boat. Other than being startled, it was no problem.

This is a beautiful lake with exquisite views of trees and wildlife. Good fishing to for bluegills.

Comments:

Weather is best in the spring or fall.

Accommodations:

Breaux Bridge has several good restaurants, antique shops and a good flea market. This is the heart of Acadiana and you will probably hear Zydeco music and the locals speaking French. Motels and B & B's are in the area. Pat's Seafood restaurant in nearby Henderson is on the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin and has terric seafood in the Cajun tradition.

St. Martinville, La. is about 10 miles south of Lake Martin and is the home of the Evangeline Oak immortalized in Longfellow's poem.

Fees:

None.

Directions:

From I-10 at the Breaux Bridge, La. exit, head south and go about 2 miles to the traffic light. Turn right and cross Bayou Teche. At the traffic light, turn left and go about 5+/- miles to the sign on the right that says "Lake Martin". Turn right and go about 1-1/2 miles to the lake then turn left on the gravel road, the lake will be on your right. Go about 1 mile and you will see the birds on the right. You can launch easily from the bank, but not near the birds.

Breaux Bridge is about 11 miles east of Lafayette, La. and 50 miles west of Baton Rouge.

Resources:

Louisiana state map.