What You'll Find in Bayou Caddy

Bayou Caddy is a narrow, winding backwater system that feeds into Bay St. Louis from the north, running through marsh and cypress swamp for roughly 15 miles before it widens into the bay proper. The water is shallow—rarely deeper than 8 feet in the main channel, often 2 to 4 feet across the flats—and stained dark from tannins and organic matter. This is not a place to run a center console at speed; it is a place to pole, drift, or work a trolling motor on the lowest setting.

The fishery here is almost entirely warm-water species: redfish, spotted seatrout, largemouth bass, and catfish dominate. Redfish are the draw for most visiting anglers. They hunt the shallows year-round, and Bayou Caddy's narrow channels and grass beds create the kind of confined water where a single cast can produce a strike. Seatrout move in and out with the tides and seasons, most abundant in fall and spring. Bass live in the cypress and along the deeper bends, especially where current picks up.

Key Takeaways

  • Bayou Caddy is a shallow backwater system best fished by poling or drifting, not by running a fast boat.
  • Redfish are the primary target and are present year-round in the shallow flats and grass beds.
  • Water depth ranges from 2 to 8 feet, so a shallow-draft boat or kayak is far more effective than a deep-V hull.
  • Tides matter significantly—incoming water pushes fish into the shallows, while outgoing water concentrates them in the deeper bends and channels.
  • The best access is from Bay St. Louis proper; launching from the public ramp at the marina and running north into the bayou takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Boat Choice and Launch Access

A shallow-draft skiff—18 to 22 feet with a poling platform—is ideal, but not necessary. Many anglers fish Bayou Caddy from kayaks, jon boats, or even canoes. What matters is the ability to navigate water 2 to 3 feet deep without running aground. A standard center console or deep-V hull will ground you repeatedly and is not worth the frustration.

Launch from the Bay St. Louis Marina public ramp, located on the north side of the bay near the bridge. The ramp is well-maintained, has adequate parking, and a tackle shop on-site. From there, run north into the bayou proper—the channel is marked and easy to follow. Once you enter the narrower sections of Bayou Caddy, slow to idle and switch to a trolling motor or pole.

If you do not own a boat, several charter captains operate out of Bay St. Louis and fish Bayou Caddy regularly. A half-day charter typically runs 4 to 6 hours and includes tackle and instruction. This is a good option if you are unfamiliar with the water or want to learn the tidal patterns and seasonal movements before investing in your own trip.

Redfish: Year-Round Shallow-Water Hunting

Redfish in Bayou Caddy are not large—most run 18 to 26 inches, with occasional fish pushing 30 inches—but they are aggressive and abundant. They hunt the shallow flats and grass beds, especially where the water is 2 to 4 feet deep and slightly stained. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but redfish feed throughout the day if the tide is moving.

Incoming tides push redfish into the shallowest water, where they hunt baitfish and crustaceans. Outgoing tides concentrate them in the deeper bends and channel edges. Plan your tide timing accordingly: fish the flats on the incoming tide, then move to the deeper water as the tide falls.

Effective lures include topwater plugs (especially early and late), shallow-running crankbaits, and soft plastics rigged on light jig heads. Live bait—mullet, menhaden, or shrimp—works well if you want to cover water and wait. Cast along the grass edges, around cypress knees, and into the narrow channels where redfish ambush prey. Sight-casting to tailing fish is possible on calm mornings when the water is clear enough to see the bottom.

Spotted Seatrout and Seasonal Patterns

Seatrout are present in Bayou Caddy but are more seasonal than redfish. Fall (September through November) and spring (March through May) are peak periods. During these windows, seatrout move into the bayou to feed on the abundance of baitfish, particularly mullet and silversides. Winter and summer see fewer seatrout, though some remain year-round in the deeper holes.

Seatrout prefer slightly deeper water than redfish—4 to 8 feet—and often hold near structure: fallen cypress, channel bends, and the edges of grass beds. They respond well to small crankbaits, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Early morning is most productive, and overcast days often outfish sunny ones. Seatrout are also more sensitive to water temperature; a cold snap in winter or a heat wave in summer can shut them down for days.

Bass and Catfish in the Deeper Bends

Largemouth bass live throughout Bayou Caddy, concentrated in the cypress swamps and along the deeper bends where current flows. They are not the primary target for most anglers here, but they are present and willing. Early morning topwater fishing around cypress trees can produce explosive strikes. Soft plastics and crankbaits work as well.

Catfish—both channel and blue cats—are abundant and often overlooked. They are excellent table fare and fight hard on light tackle. Fish for them at dawn or dusk with cut mullet or shrimp, anchored in the deeper holes. A 3 to 4-pound catfish is common; larger fish are possible but less frequent.

Tides, Weather, and Seasonal Timing

Tides in Bayou Caddy are modest—typically 1 to 2 feet of rise and fall—but they matter. The bayou is a tidal system, and water movement triggers feeding. Incoming tides push fish into the shallows; outgoing tides concentrate them in deeper water. The best fishing often occurs during the first 2 to 3 hours of an incoming tide or the last 2 to 3 hours of an outgoing tide, when water is actively moving.

Weather affects fishing significantly. Calm, overcast days are usually more productive than bright, windy ones. Wind makes sight-casting difficult and pushes fish deeper. Rain often improves fishing, especially if it follows a clear, hot spell. Water temperature is important: redfish feed actively year-round, but seatrout slow down in winter and summer extremes.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons. Summer is hot and can be slow midday, though early morning and evening remain productive. Winter is fishable but requires patience; water temperature drops, and fish move to the deeper holes and slower to feed.

Tackle, Technique, and What to Bring

A 6 to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line is standard. Braided line casts farther, is more sensitive, and handles the shallow water better than monofilament. A 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25-pound test) reduces visibility without sacrificing strength.

Lures should be small to medium: topwater plugs 3 to 4 inches long, crankbaits that run 2 to 4 feet deep, and soft plastics on 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig heads. Redfish and seatrout are not line-shy in Bayou Caddy's stained water, so do not overthink it. Bring a variety and experiment until you find what the fish want on the day you are there.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. The bayou offers little shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Polarized sunglasses are essential for sight-casting. A push pole or trolling motor is necessary; a conventional outboard will ground you. If you are poling, wear shoes with good grip—the bottom is soft mud and slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Bayou Caddy?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the tides, seasonal patterns, or the location of productive flats and channels. The bayou is navigable and not dangerous, but knowing where to fish saves time and increases your odds of success. A half-day charter is a reasonable investment if you are visiting for the first time.

What is the best time of year to fish Bayou Caddy?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most consistent. Redfish are present year-round, but seatrout are more abundant and active during these windows. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday is often slow. Winter is fishable but slower.

Can I fish Bayou Caddy from a kayak?

Yes. Kayaks are excellent for Bayou Caddy because they are quiet, require no fuel, and can access very shallow water. The main drawback is limited range—you will be confined to the areas closest to the launch. A motorized kayak or a small jon boat gives you more flexibility.

What should I do if I run aground?

Shallow-draft boats ground occasionally in Bayou Caddy. If you run aground, shut off the motor immediately to avoid damage. Pole off if you can, or wait for the tide to rise. If you are truly stuck, call for a tow—several services operate out of Bay St. Louis. Avoid gunning the motor; it will only bury you deeper.

Are there restrictions on fishing Bayou Caddy?

Bayou Caddy is open to public fishing, but you must follow Mississippi state regulations for bag limits, size limits, and seasons. Redfish have a 18-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. Seatrout have a 12-inch minimum and a 15-fish daily limit. Check the current Mississippi Department of Marine Resources regulations before you fish; they change periodically.