Hopedale, Louisiana
Hopedale, Louisiana
Dogwood Lodge is your launch point into the Biloxi Marsh and the world’s greatest redfish grounds. These fish are found in big numbers, especially during winter when they invade shallow flats to feed on abundant forage, including crabs. On a good day, anglers get dozens of shots at aggressive reds ranging between 15 and 40 pounds. In addition, black drum are frequently encountered and range from 30 pounds or more.
Dogwood Lodge is unique, even by Louisiana standards. The “lodge” is a rebuilt buoy tender named Dogwood and was originally constructed for the Coast Guard. It’s now docked on the edge of Biloxi Marsh in Hopedale, about an hour’s drive from the New Orleans airport. When you visit Dogwood Lodge, expect incredible fishing, comfortable rooms, delicious food, and classic southern hospitality.
The lodge is surrounded by vast marshlands filled with bayous, cuts, flats and islands, all offering phenomenal shallow-water opportunities for redfish, black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle and speckled trout. This is the perfect location for anglers looking to explore the Biloxi Marsh and experience its shallow-water redfish options.
Dogwood Lodge is all about making the most of your time on the water. You wake up, eat a fantastic breakfast and jump right into a skiff with some of Louisiana’s best fishing guides. Many well-travelled anglers call Biloxi Marsh the best redfish destination in the world. The marsh is covered in grass flats, oyster beds, and clear, shallow water—the epitome of what perfect redfish habitat can be. Sprawling across hundreds of miles on the state’s eastern coastline, the marsh is a veritable maze of islands, channels, and backwaters. Redfish movements and feeding patterns vary with the season, tides, temperature, and winds, which makes Dogwood’s guide team particularly valuable.
Targeting Biloxi’s big, winter bull reds in clear, shallow water is a must for any dedicated fly fisher. Nowhere else can you consistently have shots at 20-pound redfish, all day long, with 30-pounders thrown into the mix. Because these fish see limited angling pressure they are super aggressive and make ideal targets for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Casts are usually short, meaning anglers new to flats fishing can be successful with 20-to 40-foot casts. Accuracy is important, but anything that lands in front of these bull reds usually gets crushed.
While winter is the best time to target bull redfish in the Biloxi Marsh, it serves up great options all year. Smaller redfish, large black drum, jack crevalle, and sheepshead—known locally as the cajun permit—can be targeted during all seasons.
During summer huge schools of migratory redfish are found around the edges of the marsh. A single school may provide hours of nonstop action. Monster jack crevalle also venture into the shallows this time of year. Hooking into a jack on a 9 or 10-weight rod can turn into an hour-long endeavor. Those fish are feisty.
Boats and Equipment
Dogwood guides fish out of 16-to 18-foot long modern flats boats. All gear is provided by your guide. However, feel free to bring your own tackle and flies.
It’s all about fishing.
Hopedale Marina is located at 7600 Hopedale Hwy, Saint Bernard, Louisiana. The Dogwood Lodge is the last boat on the right prior to the end of the road. Airport shuttles can be arranged at an additional cost. We advise renting a car so you have options if unfavorable weather blows in. Drive time from the New Orleans airport to the marina should take about an hour.
All non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of trip dates. Visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., the British Commonwealth, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community.
Check-in at Dogwood Lodge starts after 3 p.m. on arrival day. It’s requested that guests arrive before 7 p.m., which is when the lodge typically serves dinner.
Late arrivals should not expect dinner at the lodge; grab a bite to eat before arrival. Check-out is before 11 a.m. on departure day. If guests are fishing on their departure day, bags must be packed and moved out of rooms before heading out on the water.
Call us at Gil’s Fly Fishing International for more information.
At Gil’s Fly Fishing International, we are always happy to help you book a trip without charging any fees. We do not believe in extra payments, which is why even if you book a trip directly through the lodge, the amount will be exactly the same. Rates are based on double occupancy, in U.S. dollars.
Double Occupancy/US Dollars
3 nights / 2 days = $1,425 per person
4 nights / 3 days = $2,030 per person
5 nights / 4 days = $2,635 per person
6 nights / 5 days = $3,240 per person
7 nights / 6 days = $3,845 per person
Call Gil’s Fly Fishing International for single-occupancy rates
INCLUDED
Lodging
Guided fishing
Breakfast and dinner at the lodge
Bag lunch, sodas, and water during guide trips
Alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks at the lodge
Rod/reel, flies, and all other tackle is provided by guides
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Airport transportation (shuttles can be arranged at an additional cost, or guests can rent a car)
Lodge/staff tips
Guide tips
Fishing licenses (Louisiana charter fishing license, which can be purchased online in advance)
Alcohol during guide trips
Lodging taxes
Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit. The balance must be received before the start of your trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival in order to receive full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and non-refundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency at our discretion.
