What Elmer's Island offers and how to fish it

Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge is a 3,000-acre barrier island in Plaquemines Parish at the mouth of the Mississippi River, about 90 miles south of New Orleans. The refuge sits where the river meets the Gulf, making it one of Louisiana's most productive saltwater fishing grounds. You can fish the Gulf side, the bay side, and the interior ponds, each holding different species and requiring different approaches.

Access is by boat only — there is no bridge or causeway to the island. Most anglers launch from Venice, Louisiana, about 25 miles north, or from marinas in lower Plaquemines Parish. The boat ride to the island takes 45 minutes to over an hour depending on where you launch and which part of the refuge you target. The island itself is undeveloped and protected; you cannot camp there, but you can fish the shorelines and wade the shallow flats during daylight hours.

The refuge is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Fishing is open year-round, but conditions and species availability change dramatically with the seasons. Summer brings heat and calm water but also low oxygen in some areas. Fall and winter offer the most stable fishing, with cooler water and active fish. Spring can be excellent but unpredictable, with high water from river discharge affecting salinity and fish location.

Key Takeaways

  • Elmer's Island requires a boat to reach; the nearest public launch is at Venice, about 45 minutes away by water.
  • Redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon are the primary targets, with seasonal availability shifting which species are most reliable.
  • You must have a valid Louisiana fishing license and saltwater stamp; charter captains can provide these details if you are unsure.
  • The island's shallow flats and interior ponds are best fished at high tide, when deeper-draft boats can access more water.
  • Weather and water conditions change rapidly at the river mouth; check forecasts and tidal predictions before heading out.

Species you will find and when

Redfish are the most consistent target year-round. They school in the shallow flats on the bay side and around the interior ponds, especially during fall and winter. Spring and early summer also produce redfish, though they tend to move deeper when water temperatures spike. Sight-casting to tailing redfish in 2 to 4 feet of water is the classic approach; spin tackle with 1/4-ounce jigs or topwater plugs works well.

Spotted seatrout are abundant in the deeper channels and around structure like oyster reefs and submerged logs. They bite best in fall and winter, when water temperatures drop below 75 degrees. Spring can be good early in the season, but by June trout move to deeper water offshore or into the river. Light tackle and small shrimp or mullet imitations are standard.

Tarpon show up in late spring and summer, typically May through August. They roll and feed in the deeper channels and along the Gulf side of the island. Tarpon fishing here is sight-based and requires patience; you are looking for rolling fish and casting large flies or live mullet ahead of them. This is not beginner fishing, and many anglers hire guides specifically for tarpon.

Flounder are present year-round but most reliable in fall and winter. They hold in deeper channels and around structure. Live shrimp or small mullet fished on the bottom works best. Sheepshead appear in cooler months and feed on crustaceans around pilings and oyster beds; they require light tackle and small baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp.

Seasons and water conditions

Fall (September through November) is often considered the best time to fish Elmer's Island. Water temperatures cool, salinity stabilizes, and redfish, trout, and flounder are all active. The weather is generally more predictable than summer, though tropical systems can develop. September can still be hot and slow; October and November are prime.

Winter (December through February) brings cold water and strong winds, but fishing can be excellent on calm days. Redfish and trout concentrate in deeper holes and channels. The downside is weather — cold fronts can shut down fishing for days, and the water can be rough. Many anglers still make the trip because the fish bite hard when conditions allow.

Spring (March through May) is variable. Early spring can be productive, but high river discharge in April and May can lower salinity and push fish around. Late May and early June often see a brief window of excellent tarpon fishing before summer heat sets in. Plan for unpredictable conditions and check water levels before committing to a trip.

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season. Heat stresses fish, oxygen levels drop in some areas, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early morning fishing is essential. Tarpon are the main draw for experienced anglers willing to work in the heat. Most recreational anglers avoid summer unless they are specifically targeting tarpon or are willing to fish very early and very late.

How to get there and what you need

The most common launch point is Venice Marina in Venice, Louisiana. From New Orleans, take US 90 south through Plaquemines Parish; Venice is at the end of the road, about 90 miles from the city. The marina has fuel, tackle, ice, and boat rentals. The run to Elmer's Island takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on sea state and which part of the island you target.

Other launch options include marinas in lower Plaquemines Parish, such as those near Port Sulphur or Empire. These are closer to the island but have fewer services. If you do not own a boat, charter captains operate out of Venice and other nearby marinas; a half-day charter typically costs between $400 and $600, and a full day between $600 and $900, though prices vary by captain and season.

You will need a Louisiana fishing license and a saltwater stamp. These are available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, at most bait and tackle shops, and at many marinas. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting. Charter captains can advise you on licensing requirements and often handle the details for their clients.

Bring a shallow-draft boat if possible — a skiff or flats boat works best. The interior ponds and bay-side flats are only 2 to 4 feet deep at high tide. A poling skiff lets you access water that larger boats cannot reach. If you are renting, ask the marina about draft and whether the boat is suitable for the flats. Bring extra fuel; the run to and from the island burns gas, and you do not want to run dry on the way back.

Tides, weather, and safety considerations

Tides at Elmer's Island are driven by the Gulf and the Mississippi River. High tide typically provides the best fishing access to the shallow flats and interior ponds. Low tide can strand you in some areas and make navigation tricky. Check tide predictions for the area before you go; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides tide tables for Port Fourchon and other nearby reference points.

Weather at the river mouth changes fast. The Gulf can go from calm to rough in an hour, especially in summer when afternoon thunderstorms develop. Check the marine forecast from NOAA before leaving, and do not hesitate to head back early if conditions deteriorate. The run back to Venice in rough water is uncomfortable and can be dangerous in a small boat.

The river discharge affects salinity and fish behavior. High water in spring and early summer pushes fresh water into the bays, which can move fish around or make them less active. Monitor river levels through the U.S. Geological Survey or the Army Corps of Engineers; high discharge days are often slower than moderate-flow days.

Wear a life jacket, carry a radio or cell phone (though reception can be spotty), and file a float plan with someone on shore. The island is remote, and help is not nearby. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. The sun reflects off the water and the flats; sunburn happens fast.

Tackle and technique for different targets

For redfish, use a 7- to 8-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braid. Sight-cast to tailing fish in the shallows with 1/4-ounce jigs tipped with shrimp, or throw topwater plugs early and late in the day. Redfish are not leader-shy in the murky water at Elmer's Island, so a 20-pound monofilament leader is fine.

For spotted seatrout, drop down to 10- to 12-pound braid and a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. Use 1/8-ounce jigs with soft-plastic shrimp imitations, or cast small topwater plugs over deeper structure. Trout have softer mouths than redfish; keep your drag set light and do not horse them.

For tarpon, you need heavier gear: 9- to 10-foot rods, 20- to 30-pound braid, and 80- to 100-pound fluorocarbon leaders. Tarpon are strong and abrasive; light tackle will break. Sight-cast large flies (8 to 12 inches) or live mullet ahead of rolling fish. This is specialized fishing; consider hiring a guide if tarpon are your target.

For flounder, fish the deeper channels with live shrimp or small mullet on a basic Carolina rig or simple weighted hook. Flounder are bottom feeders and do not require fancy presentations. A 6- to 7-foot medium rod and 12- to 15-pound line are adequate.

Regulations and what you need to know

Louisiana has specific size and bag limits for each species. Redfish must be between 18 and 27 inches (with some exceptions for larger fish); the bag limit is three per person per day. Spotted seatrout must be at least 12 inches; the bag limit is 25 per person per day. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in Louisiana waters — you cannot keep them. Flounder must be at least 12 inches; the bag limit is 25 per person per day.

These regulations change periodically, so check the current rules through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before you fish. Bag limits and size restrictions are enforced, and violations carry fines.

The refuge itself has no special restrictions beyond state fishing laws. You can fish the shorelines and wade the flats during daylight hours. Camping and overnight stays are not permitted. Respect the wildlife — the island is home to nesting birds and other protected species. Stay out of designated nesting areas, which are typically marked with signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Elmer's Island?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area or targeting tarpon. Guides know the tides, the structure, and where fish are likely to be in different seasons. If you are comfortable navigating by GPS and reading shallow water, you can fish on your own. Many anglers do both — hire a guide once to learn the layout, then return on their own.

What is the best time of year to go?

October and November are consistently good for redfish, trout, and flounder with stable weather. May through August is best for tarpon but requires early mornings and heat tolerance. If you want reliable fishing with reasonable weather, plan for fall.

Can I fish from shore?

The island is accessible only by boat. You cannot wade to it from the mainland. Once you reach the island by boat, you can wade the flats and fish the shorelines, but you must have your own boat or hire a charter to get there.

What happens if the weather turns bad while I am out there?

Head back to Venice immediately. The run back takes 45 minutes to an hour in calm water and longer in rough conditions. Do not wait out a storm on the island — there is no shelter. Check the forecast before you leave and monitor conditions throughout the day.

Is there anywhere to eat or refuel on the island?

No. The island is undeveloped. Bring all the fuel, food, and water you need. Refuel at Venice Marina before heading out, and pack lunch and snacks for the day.