Lake St. Catherine

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Lake St. Catherine
image_lake =
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location = Louisiana
coords = coord|30|07|43|N|89|44|19|W|type:waterbody_region:US|display=inline,title
type = brackish water
inflow = Fort Pike Canal, Sawmill Pass, Marques Canal, Unknown Pass, Miller's Ditch, Catherine Pass and Counterfit Pass
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
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islands = New Orleans East Land Bridge
cities =

Lake St. Catherine ( _fr. Lac Sainte-Catherine) is a brackish-water lake between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne in Louisiana.Between Lake St. Catherine and Lake Borgne was the original Town of Lake St. Catherine established between Unknown Pass and Miller's Ditch it was settled for railroad workers, trappers, hunters and fishermen. The 1915 Hurricane destroyed the town and thirty-five people lost their lives by remaining in the town. It was rebuilt with a number of hunting and fishing clubs being established along with the railroad workers and the Rigolets Train Station. During the depression clubs like the Winchester Club, which was for gentlemen only, The Rosemary and St. James Place were boarding houses for families and sportsmen to stay and hunt and fish the area. There were a number of African-American family who owned camps in the area prior to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Some of their family members worked for the railroad and helped maintain the line. The town was built next to the railroad track; the last known resident of the town was Mr. Acy. The entire area was heavily damaged during Katrina; a lot of the privately owned places will return.

To the north, between Lake St. Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain is a nine mile long populated island known as the New Orleans East Land Bridge which had been well-populated since the 1920's, with several marinas, taverns, and restaurants, boat yards and docking facilities. Pre Katrina the area total population was seven hundred and fifty four not counting the weekend camp owners. On a Labor Day weekend the total population of the area would reach two to three thousand with friends and family all joining together for the last big weekend before winter.

The New Orleans East Land Bridge is made up of five distinct residential areas: the Rigolets, Chef Pass, Greensditch, Lake St. Catherine, and Fort Pike Subdivision; all of which border Highway 90 in New Orleans East.

Lake St. Catherine is a shallow lake. Inlets that feed into it include: Fort Pike Canal, Sawmill Pass, Marques Canal, Unknown Pass, Miller's Ditch, Catherine Pass, and Counterfit Pass. The lake has excellent fresh water and salt water fishing and is also abundant in crabs, clams, and shrimp. Ponds off the main lake are ideal during hunting season for ducks and geese.

ee also

* Fort Pike Bridge