Fish Woodland Plantation

Fishing

Travel

Rates

Destination Description

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.

Quick Facts

Location: Plaquemines Parish. Forty-five minutes from New Orleans.

Species: Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Jacks, and More

Seasonality: Year Round

Rates: $2,500 for 3 Nights / 3 Days Fishing (Based on Private Room / Shared Guide).

Shorter and longer packages are available. See RATES for details.

Contact Us

Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at the Woodland Plantation.

Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com

FISHING

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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.

TRAVEL

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.

WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY

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.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

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.”

2024 Rates

Lodging / Fishing	Shared Room / Shared Boat	Private Room / Shared Boat
2 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS	$1500 PER PERSON	$1695 PER PERSON
3 NIGHTS / 2 DAYS	$1800 PER PERSON	$2025 PER PERSON
3 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS	$2270 PER PERSON	$2500 PER PERSON
4 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS	$2575 PER PERSON	$2860 PER PERSON
4 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS	$3030 PER PERSON	$3275 PER PERSON
5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS	$3550 PER PERSON	$3675 PER PERSON

*** Note that most rooms at Woodland have one queen or king sized bed. Guests that are not sharing a room with a spouse or significant other are traditionally booked in single occupancy rooms.

CUSTOM TRIPS

Shorter and longer trips are also available of course. Please inquire for rates and details.

PRIVATE GUIDES

Please also inquire for single angler rates. The above rates are only applicable for bookings with two anglers per boat.

What's Included

Accommodations
All meals
Non-alcoholic beverages
Professionally guided fishing
All flies, terminal tackle, and loaner equipment

What's Not Included

Commercial airfare to New Orleans
Ground transportation (rental car or private driver)
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for guides and woodland plantation staff
Fishing license ($20)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

We highly recommend travel RIPCORD Travel Insurance!

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.