Plaquemines Parish. Forty-five minutes from New Orleans. / Louisiana Redfish
Tailwaters Fly Fishing TravelLOUISIANA REDFISH FLY FISHING
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, fly fishing destination. We hate bad mouthing the redfish fishing 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, by far. The Louisiana marsh is home to the biggest, most plentiful, and least educated redfish imaginable . . . less than one hour from the New Orleans airport.
After dozens of trips down to the marsh over the years, we have established relationships with the best and most recognized fly fishing guides in southeast Louisiana. All our captains are 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 a year 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 10-40 feet, making this one of the most user friendly destinations for anglers of all skill levels.
Anglers stay in single or double occupancy accommodations (mostly single) at the antebellum mansion / converted Inn called the Woodland Plantation. Woodland, and owner Foster Creppel, offer up the epitome of Southern hospitality, comfortable accommodations, incredible food, a well stocked bar, and a lively atmosphere.
Location: Plaquemines Parish. Forty-five minutes from New Orleans., Louisiana Redfish
Species: Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Jacks
Seasonality: Year Round
Rates: from $2,700, $2,700 for 3 Nights / 3 Days Fishing (Based on Private Room / Shared Guide).
The Louisiana coastal marsh is a 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 beats anywhere we have seen or even heard of. It is simply stunning how rich, vibrant, and full of life the marshes are south of New Orleans. Around every corner, in every bay, creek, or backcountry pond, there are large, plentiful, and eager redfish. From the popular fall-winter fishing for the bull reds (often exceeding 30 pounds) to the reliable spring-summer fishing for tremendous numbers of 5-15 pounders, the Louisiana Gulf coast is a saltwater fly angler’s paradise.
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 skinny water, sight casting to individuals, small pods, and often tremendously large schools of fish. Casts are typically in the 10-30 foot range, making it a fishery that anglers of any skill level can have great success.
Episode 2: Woodland Plantation | Tailwaters Fly Fishing Podcast on World-Class Redfish Fishing
The Woodland Plantation – a historic, antebellum mansion converted into a lively bed and breakfast – is THE best place to stay when fishing the Louisiana marsh. Originally established as a working plantation in 1834, the Woodland is now a family owned and operated hotel with over twenty bedrooms, each with private baths. In addition to the “Big House,” the Plantation also has five other buildings on the property for smaller groups to enjoy a private house or condo-style accommodations. 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 a charming social gathering spot for guests.
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 muffuletta sandwiches.
Fishing is the predominant activity at Woodland, but we can arrange for waterfowl hunts and regional tours. Nearby Delta National Wildlife Refuge is a bird watcher's dream, and - of course - guests are only 45 minutes from the heart of New Orleans.
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, enjoy the laid back atmosphere at the Woodland, and then take the party to New Orleans for a night. In the words of owner and operator Foster Creppel, “as long as they don’t break anything and pay the bar tab, they can do whatever they want.”
Before you book
A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payments are due 60 days from departure. Cancellations must be received 60 days in advance to receive a refund minus a $150 cancellation fee per rod. Cancellations received within 60 days from departure are non-refundable unless a replacement angler is found. Trips can be rescheduled in the event of bad weather, however the final decision about a “rain check” is purely up to the discretion of your guide. There are no refunds or credits given for used space or services at the Woodland Plantation.
Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.
The easiest way to reach the Woodland Plantation is to fly commercially to New Orleans (MSY) and simply rent a car for the 45 minute drive down to the Plantation. The drive is actually very easy and rental cars are affordable.
Some anglers may prefer having a driver provide ground transportation to/from the Woodland and the airport. With your flight plans in hand, we can arrange for local professional Darin LeCount or one of his drivers to provide ground transport to/from the airport or New Orleans. Cost of one way transfers are $140 in a mid sized SUV. For larger parties, we have a fantastic chauffeur service that operates several vehicle types ranging from a standard sedan to a 40 passenger bus. Please inquire for rates and details.
The fishery in Southeast Louisiana is truly year round. When the weather is good and the conditions are nice, the good fishing normally follows. The late fall and winter months (November – March) are known as the bull redfish season, when the most 20-30+ pound fish are around in the shallow marsh and mud flats. This is also the most popular time to visit, and our guides are normally completely booked months or even a year in advance.
While winter tends to book up with anglers searching for giant bull reds, don’t overlook the late spring, summer, and early fall fishing! The marsh is loaded with zillions of happy, medium sized reds often tailing in super shallow water. The late spring, summer, and fall weather is normally much more predictable as well, without the cold fronts. Anglers often find huge schools of large bull reds gathered together crashing bait on the edge of the gulf and marsh in the late summer when the river is down.
CLICK HERE for the Ultimate Guide to Redfish in Louisiana that goes into much more detail about seasonality you should find very useful when selecting your dates.
Contact Tailwaters
Contact our travel team to discuss dates, availability and a trip to Woodland Plantation.
Trip details and availability are confirmed with the travel team.
Join David Leake, Travel Director at Tailwaters Fly Fishing Company, as he dives into one of the most iconic destinations in the Gulf — Woodland Plantation in Louisiana.
This pre-trip planner & outfitting guide is your go-to resource for questions about your trip from now until you return home safely.
Price : $2500 for 3 Nights / 3 Days Fishing (Based on Private Room / Shared Guide). Shorter and longer packages are available.
For nearly twenty years the travel department at Tailwaters has sent thousands of anglers down to southeast Louisiana on redfish trips.
Check out the recent cover story from the September 2013 issue of The Angling Report. Editor, Don Causey, writes an interesting and accurate update on the fishery and some of the redfish guide politics there.
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Fly Fishing for Redfish in Louisiana The Ultimate Guide If you have taken interest in fly fishing for redfish in Louisiana, join the crowd!
Plaquemines Parish. Forty-five minutes from New Orleans., Louisiana Redfish
Southwest Louisiana offers arguably the best redfish fishing on the planet. It is also a year round fishery. However, there are a few key nuances to understand when packing your bags for Louisiana depending upon the time of year you are planning to visit.
Generally speaking, the southern Louisiana marsh has a very mild climate most of the year. However, if you are fishing in the autumn or winter months you should be prepared with cold weather gear! There is a common misconception that “it cannot be that cold in Louisiana.” Trust us … it can be bonechilling cold on a windy wintery day on the marsh. Rods, reels and tackle setups remain the same year round for the most part - other than swapping out warm and cold water lines seasonally.
Whether it is in-store, online, or through a virtual outfitting appointment, we would love to lend a hand getting your gear organized for a trip to the marsh!
Seasonality & Climate for Louisiana Redfish
Winter Fishing (December 1 - March 1)
Be prepared for cold weather! Make sure to have long pants, fleece jackets and/or vests, rain jacket, long underwear, a warm hat, and proper gloves. Temperatures can easily drop below freezing in the winter, and early morning boat runs can be frigid. Although you should also be prepared for milder conditions, you can never have too many clothes during the winter months. Dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather as well.
Spring Fishing (March 1 - May 15)
You can expect a combination of cooler days and milder days during the spring months. Typically, anglers experience cooler mornings that dictate a jacket and long pants in the morning followed by warmer conditions as the sun comes up. Be prepared with layered clothing to shed and put back on accordingly.
Summer Fishing (May 15 - September 30)
The key to staying comfortable on the marsh in the summertime is to remain cool while protecting yourself from the sun. Lightweight clothing with plenty of ventilation is recommended. Odds are you will probably get wet when running in the boat or during a rain shower. You want your fishing clothing to shed water and dry quickly in the humid air.
Fall Fishing (October 1 - December 1)
Fishing in the early fall (September - mid October) can still be quite warm. Similar to the springtime fishing, come prepared for both cooler and warmer weather. By November 1st we recommend you bring some warmer jackets and expect to wear long pants almost every day. When the first major cold fronts arrive in November, temperatures can plummet quickly from day to day. Be prepared for both mild and cold weather fishing as anything could happen with your forecast.
