What Empire Jetties Offers
Empire Jetties sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, about 80 miles south of New Orleans. The jetty system—two long rock structures built to stabilize the river channel—creates a unique fishery where saltwater species move in and out with the tide and seasonal patterns. You can fish from the jetties themselves, from boats anchored nearby, or from the surrounding shallow water. The structure attracts redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, and tarpon, depending on the time of year and water conditions.
Access is by boat only; there is no road to Empire. The nearest launch is at Empire Marina, about 5 miles upriver. The jetties are exposed to Gulf weather and current, so conditions change fast. Water clarity ranges from stained to murky depending on river flow and recent rain. Summer brings heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter can produce excellent fishing but requires cold-weather gear and respect for rough water.
Key Takeaways
- Empire Jetties is accessible only by boat from Empire Marina, and you should check tide and weather forecasts before heading out because conditions change rapidly at the river mouth.
- Redfish and spotted seatrout are the most consistent targets year-round, with tarpon and Spanish mackerel arriving in warmer months.
- Fish the jetty edges and the deeper channels between them during incoming tide, when baitfish and predators move with the current.
- Bring extra fuel, a working radio, and a GPS unit because the area is remote and weather can turn quickly.
When to Fish Empire Jetties
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, weather is more stable than summer, and both redfish and seatrout are actively feeding. Tarpon show up in May and June as water warms, and again in September and October on the way back out. Spanish mackerel arrive in late spring and stay through early fall.
Summer fishing is possible but demanding. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and dangerous on open water. Early morning trips before the heat builds are your best bet. Winter can be excellent for seatrout and redfish, but water is cold, wind is common, and you need a boat that handles rough conditions. Many anglers avoid winter jetty fishing because the risk-to-reward ratio is steep.
Tackle and Bait for the Jetties
Live bait is the standard choice. Mullet, menhaden, and shrimp work for redfish and seatrout. Tarpon respond to large live mullet or mackerel. Bring a cast net if you can throw one, or buy bait at Empire Marina before you launch. The marina usually stocks what is working that week.
For tackle, a 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line handles redfish and seatrout in the current. Tarpon require heavier gear—8-foot rods, 30-pound braid, and 50-pound fluorocarbon leaders. Artificial lures work too: soft plastics in natural colors, topwater plugs early and late, and small spoons in the deeper channels. The jetty rocks are sharp, so bring extra leaders and expect to lose a few rigs to the structure.
Reading the Tide and Current
Tide is everything at Empire. The incoming tide pushes Gulf water and baitfish upriver; the outgoing tide drains freshwater and sediment from the Mississippi. Fish position themselves to intercept baitfish moving with the current. The edges of the jetties—where the current breaks and swirls—are the most productive zones.
Slack tide (the brief window between incoming and outgoing) is often slow. Fish bite best during the first two hours of incoming tide and the first two hours of outgoing. Check tide tables for Port of South Pass before you leave. The tide runs harder at Empire than it does upriver because the jetties funnel the flow into a narrower space. A 2-knot tide at Empire feels like 4 knots when you are trying to hold position or cast.
Anchoring and Boat Positioning
The jetties have deep water on the Gulf side (15 to 25 feet) and shallower water on the river side (8 to 12 feet). Most anglers anchor on the river side, where the current is slightly less fierce and you have better control. Use a GPS waypoint to mark your spot; the jetties look similar along their length, and it is easy to drift into the wrong section if you are not paying attention.
Anchoring in current requires a heavy anchor and enough scope (rope) to keep your boat from swinging into the rocks. A 35-pound anchor is minimum; many anglers use 50 pounds. If you are uncomfortable anchoring in moving water, fish from a drifting boat instead, casting toward the jetty as you move with the current. This method covers more water but requires more fuel and boat control.
Safety and Navigation
Empire Jetties is remote and exposed. Cell service is unreliable. Carry a VHF radio and know how to use it. File a float plan with someone on shore—tell them where you are going, when you will return, and what to do if you do not check in. Wear a life jacket, especially if you are fishing alone or in rough water.
The jetties themselves are slippery and unstable. Do not walk on them unless you are experienced and the water is calm. Waves can sweep you off without warning. If you fish from the jetty, wear a life jacket and stay away from the edge during incoming tide, when the current is strongest. The rocks are covered in barnacles and sharp shells; wear shoes with good grip and consider gloves.
Weather changes fast at the river mouth. A forecast of "light wind" can mean 15 knots by afternoon. Keep an eye on the sky and head back to the marina if conditions worsen. The run back upriver is slower and rougher than the run down, so do not wait until you are uncomfortable to leave.
Getting There and Launching
Empire Marina is the only practical launch for Empire Jetties. It is located in the town of Empire, about 5 miles upriver from the jetties. The marina has a boat launch, fuel, ice, and bait. Call ahead to confirm they are open and to ask what bait is in stock. The run from the marina to the jetties takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on water conditions and your boat speed.
Fuel up before you leave the marina. There are no fuel docks at the jetties, and the return trip burns more fuel than the trip down because you are fighting the current. Bring extra fuel in a portable tank if you plan to fish for more than a few hours or if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide to fish Empire Jetties?
No, but a guide is worth considering if you have never fished the jetties before. Guides know the productive spots, can read the current, and handle the boat in rough water. They also know which species are biting that week and what bait is working. If you are an experienced boater and angler, you can go on your own, but bring a GPS unit and a detailed map.
What is the best time of day to fish?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is usually best because the water is calmer and fish are actively feeding. Evening can be good too, especially in summer when afternoon heat slows the bite. Midday is often slow, and afternoon thunderstorms make the jetties dangerous. Plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon.
Can I fish the jetties in winter?
Yes, but conditions are harder. Water is cold, wind is common, and rough seas can make the boat ride uncomfortable. Winter seatrout and redfish fishing can be excellent, but you need a boat that handles chop and a willingness to deal with cold spray. Many anglers skip winter jetty trips because the risk is high and the season is short.
What should I do if my engine fails?
Call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Give them your location (use your GPS), the number of people on board, and your situation. Do not try to paddle or drift back upriver; the current is too strong. The Coast Guard monitors the area regularly and can reach you quickly. This is why carrying a working radio is essential.
Are there fish in the shallow water around the jetties?
Yes. The flats and shallow channels on the river side of the jetties hold redfish and seatrout, especially during incoming tide. You can fish these areas from a shallow-draft boat or by wading if the water is calm. The shallow water is less dramatic than the jetty edges but often less crowded and easier to fish.