Why Delacroix?
Delacroix sits where the Biloxi Marsh and the Delacroix Island marsh complex converge — a network of canals, bayous, ponds, and open lakes that stretches southeast from New Orleans toward Lake Borgne and the Gulf. The marsh receives significant freshwater influence from the Mississippi River system while staying brackish enough to hold saltwater species year-round.
This unique salinity balance is why Delacroix produces both redfish and speckled trout in numbers that draw anglers from across the Gulf Coast. The marsh is shallow — most of the productive fishing happens in 1–4 feet of water — which makes it ideal for kayaks, shallow-draft skiffs, and aluminum flats boats. A pirogue can access areas that no other vessel can, which means uncrowded fishing even when the launch is busy.
The community itself is a working fishing village. Generations of Cajun families have fished and trapped this marsh. Local guides have intel that no fishing app can replicate — but the patterns are well-established, and knowing the fundamentals puts you in the fish.
Target Species
Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are the primary draw at Delacroix. Schooling reds (slot fish, typically 16–27 inches) are found in the ponds and lakes throughout the marsh. In summer, they push onto shallow grass flats during high tides and can be sight-fished in crystal-clear water. Fall brings the famous redfish schooling season — large pods of fish up to 100+ individuals feeding aggressively on the surface. Bull reds (over 27 inches) move through the lower marsh and into Lake Borgne during September and October for the offshore spawn.
Speckled Trout
Speckled trout move through the Delacroix marsh system in spring and fall when water temperatures are in the 60–75°F range. They prefer slightly deeper water than reds — edges of channels, dropoffs into ponds, and grass bed transitions. The popping cork rig is the local standard. In winter, trout retreat to deeper lakes and canal intersections and bite best on warm-water afternoons after several days without cold fronts.
Flounder
Flounder are present in the Delacroix area spring through fall, with the annual fall run producing some of the best gigging and casting action in south Louisiana. September and October are prime flounder months as fish migrate from the back marsh through the passes and into the Gulf to spawn. Fishing cut bait or live mud minnows on the bottom near pass entrances and canal mouths is the most consistent method.
Other Species
Sheepshead hit oyster reefs and hard structure throughout the lower marsh and Lake Borgne, particularly in winter. Black drum and drum runs occur in spring. Largemouth bass are present in the fresher upper marsh areas and backwater ponds. The diversity of species accessible within a 20-minute boat ride of Delacroix launch is hard to match anywhere in Louisiana.
Reading the Delacroix Marsh
Tides and Wind Matter More Than Clock Time
Delacroix is wind-tide dominated. Unlike the offshore Gulf where tidal cycles are predictable, the Delacroix marsh responds strongly to sustained wind direction. A strong south wind pushes water into the marsh, flooding the grass flats and moving redfish up shallow. A strong north wind drains the marsh, pushing fish into deeper channels and lakes.
An incoming tide (or water being pushed in by south/southeast wind) activates shallow feeding zones — grass flats, marsh ponds, and the edges of shell reefs. An outgoing tide concentrates fish at drain points: canal mouths, pass openings, and lake edges where baitfish funnel out.
Tide timing tip
Fish the first two hours of incoming water on the shallow grass flats for redfish. As tide peaks and starts falling, move to the pond and lake edges to intercept fish flushing out. Ask BayouCast's AI for the current wind and tide forecast to plan your day.
Marsh Ponds vs. Open Lake
The back-marsh ponds hold redfish year-round but require navigating through the canal system — often involving low bridges and shallow cuts. Open Lake Borgne and the large lakes north of Delacroix hold trout, drum, and sheepshead in deeper water. The canals and channels between them are travel routes and feeding zones during tidal movement.
Proven Techniques
Popping Cork Rig
The Louisiana inshore standard. A noisy popping cork 18–24 inches above a jig head tipped with a Cocahoe minnow (Matrix Shad, Gulp! Shrimp) produces speckled trout and reds in the same setup. Pop every 3–5 seconds, let it sit, pop again.
Weedless Soft Plastics
For redfish in the grass and marsh ponds. A 1/4 oz weedless jig head with a 4-inch paddle tail in chartreuse, white, or root beer. Cast shallow, let it sink into the grass edge, short hops back. Ideal for sight-casting to tailing reds.
Live Shrimp Under a Float
Nothing out-produces live shrimp for speckled trout in the Delacroix marsh. A simple float, 2/0 kahle hook, and fresh shrimp under the surface. Fish current breaks, channel edges, and grass dropoffs. Best early morning and late afternoon.
Carolina Rig for Flounder
Flounder hold tight to bottom. A slip sinker (1/4–1/2 oz), 18-inch fluorocarbon leader, and a live mud minnow or cut mullet on a 1/0 hook, dragged slowly along canal bottoms and shell pads. The flounder run in September–October is ideal for this.
Topwater Lures (Fall Reds)
When redfish are schooling on the surface in fall, a walking bait (She Dog, Spook) or a chugger fished over the pod triggers explosive strikes. Cast ahead of the moving school, work the surface with a walk-the-dog action. Chaos at its best.
Gold Spoon (Classic Redfish)
The 1/4 oz Johnson silver minnow gold spoon is a Louisiana redfish icon. Weedless, castable, and effective in grass mats and on open flats. Slow steady retrieve with occasional twitches. Works year-round but especially productive in warm months.
Seasonal Patterns at Delacroix
Spring (March–May)
Water warms and trout return to the marsh from winter staging areas. Popping cork fishing picks up in April. Redfish scatter across the flats as grass grows. Sheepshead hit reefs in late winter and spring. Flounder become active and begin moving up from winter depths. Good all-around season with comfortable temperatures.
Summer (June–August)
Early morning is everything. By 9 AM on a summer day, surface temperatures push 90°F and fish become lethargic. First light through 8 AM produces quality redfish on the flats and trout in deeper canal edges. Summer is prime season for sight-fishing tailing redfish in the grass — polarized glasses and a quiet push pole are your best tools.
Fall (September–November)
The best fishing of the year. Falling temperatures trigger feeding binges. Redfish school in massive pods. Trout feed aggressively as they fatten for winter. The flounder run peaks in September and October. Fall cold fronts push fish into predictable locations — the day before a front and two days after the front passes are both prime windows. Bring extra tackle. You'll use it.
Winter (December–February)
Cold fronts make fishing unpredictable but not impossible. Trout stack in deep canal intersections and main lake holes. Redfish retreat into slightly deeper water but can be found on warm-water afternoons in protected southern-facing ponds. Sheepshead hit oyster reefs and hard structure throughout the system — one of the most consistent winter targets in south Louisiana.
Getting There & Launching
Delacroix is accessed via LA-46, heading southeast from Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish. The drive from New Orleans is roughly 40 minutes. The main public boat launch is at the end of the road in Delacroix, a free concrete ramp that can accommodate trailered boats. Arrive early on weekends — especially during peak fall season — as the launch can get backed up.
Local marinas and outfitters in the Delacroix area offer bait, ice, and gear. Charter services operate year-round — many of the guides who grew up fishing this marsh offer half-day and full-day trips that provide access to areas most visiting anglers never find.
Before you go, check the BayouCast gear marketplace for quality used inshore tackle from Louisiana anglers — shallow-water rods, spinning reels, and the exact soft plastics that work in this marsh.
LDWF Regulations
Delacroix falls under standard southeast Louisiana LDWF regulations.
Redfish: 5 per day, 16–27 inch slot (one over-slot per day allowed).
Speckled trout: 25 per day (15 per day January–March), 12-inch minimum.
Flounder: 10 per day, 12-inch minimum. Gigging seasons may have additional restrictions.
Always verify current limits at LDWF.Louisiana.gov or ask BayouCast's AI advisor for the current season's rules.