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Woodland Plantation

Southern Marshes on West Side of Mississippi River
45 Minutes South of New Orleans



The marshes south of New Orleans should be recognized as one of the world’s most prolific year-round saltwater fisheries. We are very excited to promote this region as a premier, yet totally affordable and convenient destination. We hate bad mouthing the redfishing in the Lone Star State, however the fact is the marshes south of New Orleans are the most impressive inshore fishery we have seen in the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana marsh is home to the biggest, most plentiful, and least educated redfish imaginable… only 45 minutes from the New Orleans airport.

After dozens of trips down to the marsh over the years, we have established relationships with the six best fly fishing guides on the west side of the Mississippi River. This is not a “bubba” trip in the least. Our guides, (Captains) Bryan Carter, Shane Mayfield, Alec Griffin, Kirby LaCour, Rich Waldner, and Bobby Warren, are all highly skilled fly fishing guides with proper skinny water flats skiffs. They collectively have been fishing the marsh for decades and spend an average of 200+ days on the water. All fishing in the marsh is true sight casting to redfish in shallow water. Casting must be accurate, but nearly all presentations are within 10-25 feet, making this one of the most user friendly destinations for anglers of all skill levels.

Anglers stay in single or double occupancy accommodations at the antebellum mansion / converted B&B, the Woodland Plantation. The Woodland, and owner Foster Crepple, offer up the epitome of Southern hospitality, comfortable accommodations, incredible food, a well stocked bar, and a lively atmosphere.

It is almost too good to be true… The travel involved is simple, it is totally affordable with classy accommodations, and the redfish fishing is the best there is anywhere. PERIOD.


The Louisiana coastal marsh is an absolutely fantastic sight fishing venue. You simply have to experience it to believe it, but the numbers and size of the reds found in the marsh rivals anywhere we have seen. In our experience, there are few saltwater destinations located in the continental United States that has held up so well despite all human development and Mother Nature’s storms have done to destroy it. It is simply stunning how rich, vibrant and full of life the marshes are south of “The Big Easy”. Around every corner, in every bay, creek, or backcountry pond there are large, plentiful and eager redfish (red drum). From the popular winter fishing for the bull reds (often exceeding 30 pounds) to the reliable spring and summer fishing for tremendous numbers of 5-12 pounders, the Louisiana Gulf coast is a saltwater fly angler’s paradise.

The marsh is a huge labyrinth of small islands, channels, ponds, bayous, bays, and flats that seems to go on endlessly to the Gulf of Mexico. Another amazing facet to the fishery is the fact that nobody else fishes it! The area is accessed by our guides’ top of the line skiffs (Hell’s Bay, Burton, East Cape, Maverick). Nearly all of these areas can only be reached with a proper flats boat, so you almost never see other anglers while you are out; guaranteeing consistent shots for uneducated reds when conditions are favorable.

All fishing is done from the boat as the muddy flats are too soft to wade. However, all anglers are amazed at the sight of redfish cruising in as little as 5-6 inches of water. The water in the marsh is a bit off color when compared to other fisheries such as the Laguna Madre in Texas, but all of your fishing is done sight casting to individual or small pods of fish. Casts are typically in the 10-25 foot range, making it a fishery that anglers of any skill level can have great success. Just pick up the line, one false cast, and bang’em on the head and they will eat it!

NOTE: If you or anyone in your party are not fly anglers, you can certainly enjoy phenomenal fishing with your traditional casting or spinning rods. We also can organize trips with the best conventional gear / spin fishing guides in the gulf.

Summertime Fishing:
Everyone is seduced by the idea of giant bull reds in the wintertime. But don’t overlook the summer fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions of happy medium sized reds and the weather is normally more predictable. Our captains also frequently find huge schools of hundreds of large bull reds gathered together in pre-spawn ritual. This fishing can be more exciting and consistent than the wintertime bull red fishing!

Other Species:
Although the fly fishing guides mainly target red drum (redfish), the marsh is also loaded with speckled trout, sheepshead, and enormous black drum. In the summer months it is also very common to run into schools of cooperative jack crevalle as well.

Inshore / Offshore Exploratory Fishing:
Some of our guides are currently exploring the opportunity to consistently combine trophy redfishing with other species such as Cobia, Tarpon, Jacks, and Red Snapper. The Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Mississippi is rich with these other species, although calm conditions must be present to enjoy success for both schooling bull reds and these other species. Inquire for details if you are interested in exploring something totally unique.

Offshore Options:
Want to combine a few days of redfish with some offshore fishing for Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, and much more. Although there are no offshore captains well versed in fly fishing for these other species, they are learning. One of our fly fishing guides can accompany you on an offshore charter to lend a hand in targeting these species on conventional gear and on the fly.


The best place to stay when fishing the marsh is a historic, antebellum mansion converted into a lively bed and breakfast called The Woodland Plantation. Originally established as a working plantation in the 1834, the Woodland is now a family owned and operated hotel with fifteen bedrooms each with private baths.

The Woodland is located right along the west bank the Mississippi River forty-five minutes from New Orleans and ten minutes from the usual boat launch. It is everything you would expect in a 180 year-old southern mansion including quiet bedrooms, rocking chairs on the porch, and a swamp with alligators out back. Note a rendering of the Woodland Plantation “big house” is actually represented on the label of the Southern Comfort Whiskey bottle.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Woodland Plantation is their "Spirits Hall" dining room and bar. Once a Catholic church located downriver, Foster moved, refurbished, and converted it into the charming social gather spot for guests. Ironically, the modified pulpit is now a well stocked bar. The ball game is always on the television, and someone is always available to share a drink or memories from your fishing day on the marsh.

Foster and his staff kick out incredible food you would expect from a proper fishing lodge. Oysters on the half shell, fried shrimp, gumbo, blackened redfish or “puppy drum”, beef, pulled pork and every other Cajun masterpiece imaginable. Homemade desserts range from pecan pie to bread pudding or ice cream. Boat lunches are usually sandwiches or creatively presented leftovers, however make sure to request Foster’s muffaletta sandwiches.


The Woodland Plantation has 15 bedrooms.


The easiest way to reach the Woodland Plantation is to fly commercially to New Orleans (MSY). From New Orleans, anglers are met at the baggage claim by a private chauffer that provides ground transportation 45 minutes south to the Woodland Plantation.

Note on Ground Transfers: Depending on the number of people in your party, ground transfers can be provided in a comfortable sedan, van, or stretched limo. Note a surcharge applies to bookings with ground transfers with less than two passengers.

Rental Car Options
Some anglers prefer to rent their own car. Car rental weekend rates are usually around $50 per day for a mid-sized sedan. In the event you would prefer to rent a car, it is possible to pro-rate the ground transfer costs out of the trip package. Inquire for details if you would prefer to rent a car or drive on your own.


After dozens of trips down to the marsh, we have found the majority of our clients prefer to organize the trip into one of the following itinerary options:

2 Nights / 2 Days of fishing
3 Nights / 2 Days of fishing
3 Nights / 3 Days of fishing
4 Nights / 3 days of fishing

NOTE: In the interest of time, many anglers opt to head home following the conclusion of the last day of fishing. If you are pressed for time, it is possible to fish a full day and return home the same day as indicated in the 3 night / 3 day and 2 night / 2 day packages.

Day 1
Travel commercially to New Orleans. We provide luxurious ground transportation with a private driver for the 45 minute transfer to the Woodland Plantation.

Day 2-3
Two full days of fishing with continued overnight at the Woodland Plantation.

Day 4
Last full day of fishing. Most clients fish a full day, clean up at the Woodland, and head back to New Orleans in time for an evening commercial flight home around 8:00PM. Earlier flights can easily be accommodated, however you must get off the water a few hours earlier than normal. If you would like to fish a full 8-9 hour day, plan on departing New Orleans no earlier than 7:30PM.


The fall and winter months (November - March) are known as the bull redfish season, when the most 20+ pound fish are around in the shallow marsh. This is also the most popular time to visit, and our guides are normally completely booked months in advance.

Everyone is seduced by the idea of giant bull reds in the wintertime. Don’t overlook the summer fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions of happy medium sized reds, and the weather is normally more predictable. Our captains also frequently find huge schools of hundreds of large bull reds gathered together crashing bait on the edge of the marsh. This fishing can be more exciting and consistent than the wintertime bull red fishing!


BACHELOR PARTIES

The Woodland Plantation is a perfect venue for any type of group. From individual clients to larger corporate outings or even weddings, Foster and his staff can handle it all. Also know that there is no better destination to consider for a bachelor party. We have organized multiple bachelor parties for groups of guys looking to get away, eat and drink well, do some fishing, and enjoy the laid back atmosphere at the Woodland. In the words of owner and operator, Foster Crepple, “as long as they don’t break anything and pay the bar tab, they can do whatever they want.”


2 Nights / 2 Days of fishing
Based on shared room / shared guide…………………………$850 per person
Based on private room / shared guide…………………………$975 per person

3 Nights / 2 Days of fishing
Based on shared room / shared guide…………………………..$1000 per person
Based on private room / shared guide………………………….$1170 per person

3 Nights / 3 Days of fishing***
Based on shared room / shared guide………………………….$1325 per person
Based on private room / shared guide…………………………$1500 per person***

4 Nights / 3 days of fishing
Based on shared room / shared guide…………………………$1500 per person
Based on private room / shared guide…………………………$1680 per person

***The 3 night / 3 day fishing package is by far the most popular and practical

NOTE: Shorter and Longer trips are also available of course. Please inquire for rates and details.

NOTE: Please also inquire for single / private angler rates. The above rates are only applicable for bookings with two anglers per boat / day.


Accommodations, Meals, and non-alcoholic beverages at the Woodland Plantation; Guided fishing; Flies and Leader Material


Commercial Airfare to New Orleans; Rental Car; Alcoholic Beverages; Gratuities for Guides and Woodland Plantation Staff; Fishing License (Approximately $10)


Full Pre-Payment is due at the time of booking. Cancellations must be received 60 days in advance to receive a refund minus a $150 cancellation fee. Cancellations received within 60 days from departure are non-refundable unless a replacement angler is found.

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