They are definitely in the creeks now. Fished yesterday and caught one FAT 12 inch bass and a small crappie on the main lake.
GF wanna fish LA, closest I get is the Texas side of Caddo.
BC, lilly pads is frog territory. I used purple jelly worms back in the day. Still have a couple around somewhere,
I am not making the trip down this year due to having several other nationwide trips I have planned. However, next year my annual trip to the Gulf should be back on. I will let you know when I go if you want to go with me. I fished Big Lake south of Lake Charles last year and did alright, but it is nothing like Grand Isle. Big Lake would not be too far of a drive for you. For me it is the same distance to both.