From my viewpoint, the problems with Lake Charles is similar to the problems with all the other local lakes in this area. Each lake has it's own unique problems but share common issues. These lakes cycle from productive to non-productive over a course of time. I've noticed as they age, the cycle is becoming slower to rebound and quicker to crest. Specific to Lake Charles and it's problem with crappie, I think there's a very good argument to be made that the issue is directly related to the lack of predatory fish in the ecosystem. The lack of a healthy population of blue and flathead catfish is taking it's toll. Let me explain a little further. 30+ years ago, the lakes were that much younger with better nutrient levels and a vastly larger amount of structure (trees, bushes, lilly pads, aquatic grass, etc.). All of which helped keep the lakes up-cycle higher and for longer periods. Back then, stringers of large crappie, bream and bass were commonplace. And...the population of predatory fish including sizeable crappie, largemouth bass, blue cat and flathead helped keep the ecosystem in check. Specific to Lake Charles, there was also a time when it had a healthy population of Hybrid white bass in it that were a tremendous benefit to keeping bream and crappie populations in check.
Anyway, over the past decade or two, the changes to the ecosystems have not only included the most visible and notable reduction of timber (structure) in these lakes, but through newer fishing techniques, the apex predator populations have been decimated. Largemouth bass fishing is as popular now as it was 20 years ago. But the average bass fisherman is far better equipped with knowledge and equipment than ever before. Making them much more proficient. Some examples of what I'm describing in regards to bass fishing are Mallard lake (fished extensively by fisherman from near and far following the report of a state record catch), Lake Ashbaugh (large numbers of large fish in both size and stingers during the 80s led to club and benefit tournaments being held every weekend with most of the catches being kept or unsuccessfully returned to the water, following weigh-in.) And Lake Hogue (again, large fish and large stringers led to club and benefit tournaments with low return to water rates). All of what I just described is what turned the lakes' cycle downward. They've all cycled up and down since those days but you get the idea of what I'm describing.
And last but not least is the catfish. 20+ years ago, catfisherman were a different breed. Most used rod and reel. Some used a modest amount of limb lines or yo-yo's. And even fewer would set out a couple of trotlines. Yes, they did catch fish and reduced the overall population to some degree in these area lakes. But today, it's way different. I've personally witnessed one boat on Lake Charles with two men put out approximately 200 "floats" or "noodles" or new style "jugs". Same thing, just different names. And it's common place to see more than one boat running some form of jugs on any of these lakes. Now, ask yourself what the difference in the success rates might be between running let's say two 25 hook trotlines and drifting 60 floats across the lake. The overall population of catfish in these lakes compared to the days of "pre-float" usage is almost non-existent. And, ask yourself this. If two men are using the allowable 30 "floats" each, do you think the 10 fish limit per man is being honored? What if those same two men are running over 100 "floats" and camping out all weekend?
Everytime word gets around that the AGFC has stocked a local lake with catfish, you can bet it will be covered with "floats". Now, before I draw some negative comments on this, let me state. I own some floats. I've even put them out in hopes of catching a few fish. But, I also know for a fact through personal knowledge that these lakes are being fished for commercial purposes.
So what's the solution? I know that Brett is stocking large quantities of shad in some local lake such as Hogue in an attempt to boost growth. I've mentioned that the tilapia stocking program of years ago were very successful but he tells me that the cost of that program has exceeded funding. Limit the lakes to rod and reel only? That would definitely shift the apex predator population up, which in turn would help with the bream and crappie population. But it would surely upset a lot of folks. I don't have all the answers but I'm not sure that all the problem is being identified.