What You'll Find in the Jourdan River

The Jourdan River flows into the Mississippi Sound just east of Bay St. Louis, and it holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and largemouth bass depending on where you fish and what season you choose. The lower river—the part closest to the sound—is brackish and tidal, running through marsh and shallow flats where redfish hunt in 2 to 4 feet of water. The upper river, inland from the tidal zone, transitions to freshwater and holds bass in deeper holes and around cypress trees. Most anglers fish the lower river for reds and trout because the access is easier and the fish are more predictable on the tides.

The Jourdan is narrow—rarely more than 100 feet across in the lower sections—so you do not need a large boat. A shallow-draft skiff, kayak, or even a canoe works well. The river mouth opens into the sound, so you can also fish the flats and deeper channels just outside the river if the river itself is too crowded or if you want to target larger trout.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower Jourdan is tidal and brackish, with redfish and spotted seatrout in shallow flats and marsh edges; the upper river holds freshwater bass around structure.
  • Shallow-draft boats, kayaks, and canoes are ideal because the river is narrow and water depths range from 1 to 6 feet depending on tide and location.
  • Access points include public boat ramps near Bay St. Louis and informal launches along the river; check current conditions before launching because water levels and tidal flow vary.
  • Redfish bite best on incoming and high tides when they move into shallow water; trout hold in slightly deeper channels and are active year-round.
  • The river mouth and adjacent sound flats offer larger trout and occasional tarpon in summer, though the river itself is more reliable for consistent action.

Tides, Water Levels, and When to Fish

The Jourdan responds to the Mississippi Sound tides, which are diurnal—one high and one low per day—rather than the semidiurnal pattern of the Atlantic coast. High tide pushes water up the river and onto the flats, bringing redfish into shallow marsh and grass beds where they hunt baitfish. Low tide concentrates fish in the deeper channels and holes, making them easier to locate but also easier to spook in clear water.

Incoming tide is usually the most productive time, especially in the two hours before high water. Redfish will move into water so shallow you can see their backs, and they feed aggressively. Outgoing tide can be good too, particularly if you fish the main channel where trout stack up as water drains from the flats.

Water levels fluctuate with rainfall and seasonal runoff as well as tides. After heavy rain, the river rises and becomes more turbid, which can actually improve fishing because redfish rely more on smell and lateral-line detection. In dry periods, the river clears and becomes more challenging, especially in the shallows where fish spook easily.

Species, Tackle, and Techniques

Redfish are the primary target in the lower Jourdan. They range from 15 to 30 inches and fight hard in shallow water. Use 7- to 8-foot medium-power spinning rods with 15- to 20-pound braid and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Cast live mullet, pinfish, or shrimp near marsh edges and grass beds on incoming tide. Sight-casting to tailing fish—those feeding with their tails above water—is exciting and productive if you can spot them in the shallow flats.

Spotted seatrout prefer slightly deeper water than redfish, usually 3 to 6 feet, and they school in channels and around oyster reefs. They respond well to soft plastics—3- to 4-inch shrimp imitations in natural colors—and small topwater plugs early and late in the day. Trout are present year-round but bite more consistently in cooler months (October through April).

Largemouth bass inhabit the upper river and backwater areas with cypress, tupelo, and submerged timber. Fish 6- to 7-foot medium-heavy rods with 15-pound braid and a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. Throw soft plastics around structure, or use small crankbaits in the deeper holes. Bass bite best in spring and fall, though they are catchable year-round in the deeper, cooler sections.

The lower river is also home to catfish—both channel and blue cats—which are active at night and during low-light periods. Cut mullet or chicken liver on simple bottom rigs will produce steady action if you want to fish after dark.

Access Points and Launch Conditions

The most reliable public access is the Jourdan River Boat Ramp near Bay St. Louis, which has a paved launch, parking, and restroom facilities. This ramp is maintained by the city and is open year-round, though water levels can affect launch conditions during drought or after heavy rain. Call ahead or check with local bait shops to confirm conditions before you drive out.

Several informal access points exist along the river itself—small pull-offs and private property where locals launch kayaks and canoes. These are not official ramps and may not be available depending on the landowner, so ask permission before using them. The river mouth, where the Jourdan meets the sound, is accessible by boat from the main ramp, and the flats and deeper channels just outside the river mouth offer good fishing if you want to explore beyond the river proper.

Parking at the main ramp is usually adequate, but on weekends during good weather it can fill up. Arrive early or fish on weekdays if you prefer solitude. The ramp area is relatively safe, but do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Visit

Spring (March through May) brings warming water and active feeding. Redfish move into the shallows as water temperatures climb above 65 degrees. Trout are still active but begin to move deeper as water warms. Bass spawn in backwater areas, making them aggressive but also more vulnerable to overfishing, so practice catch-and-release if you target them during this period.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow in the river itself. Redfish and trout move to deeper channels and the sound flats, where water stays cooler. Early morning and late evening are the only reliable times to fish. Tarpon occasionally enter the river mouth during summer, particularly after heavy rain, but they are unpredictable and require heavy tackle and patience.

Fall (September through November) is excellent. Water temperatures drop, and both redfish and trout feed aggressively. This is the most consistent season for action and the best time to visit if you are planning a trip. Bass also bite well as water cools.

Winter (December through February) is mild compared to northern states, but water temperatures do drop into the 50s. Redfish bite, but they are less aggressive and more concentrated in deeper holes. Trout remain active and are often larger in winter. This is a good season if you do not mind cooler weather and want fewer crowds.

Bait, Lures, and What Works Year-Round

Live bait is the most reliable choice for redfish and trout. Mullet (both finger mullet and larger specimens), pinfish, and live shrimp are available at bait shops in Bay St. Louis and nearby towns. Live bait works in all seasons and in all water conditions, though it requires keeping a livewell or bait bucket in good condition.

Soft plastics—particularly 3- to 4-inch shrimp imitations and small swimbaits in natural colors—are effective for trout and bass and require no maintenance. Topwater plugs produce strikes in shallow water early and late in the day, especially in fall and spring. Spoons and small crankbaits work for trout in deeper channels.

For redfish, natural-colored soft plastics and live bait outperform bright or flashy lures. Redfish hunt by smell and feel, so they respond better to realistic presentations than to flashy colors. Trout are more visual and will chase topwater and flashy lures, particularly in low-light conditions.

Nearby Waters and Alternatives

If the Jourdan is crowded or conditions are poor, the Pearl River lies just to the east and offers similar redfish and trout fishing in a larger system with more access points. The Mississippi Sound flats and deeper channels just outside the Jourdan mouth hold larger trout and redfish and are worth exploring if you have a boat capable of handling open water.

Freshwater lakes inland from Bay St. Louis—including Madisonville Lake and smaller impoundments—hold largemouth bass and catfish if you want to escape the brackish water and tides. These lakes are less crowded than the Jourdan and offer a different fishing experience, though they require a short drive from the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish the Jourdan?

No, but a guide can save you time if you are unfamiliar with the tides and fish locations. The river is small and relatively easy to navigate on your own, especially if you fish the lower sections near the main boat ramp. Local bait shops can point you toward productive areas and current conditions.

What is the best tide for redfish?

Incoming tide is usually best because redfish move into shallow water to feed as water rises. The two hours before high tide are most productive. Outgoing tide can work too, especially in the main channel where trout concentrate, but incoming tide is more reliable for sight-casting to shallow-water redfish.

Can I fish the Jourdan from a kayak?

Yes, kayaks are ideal for the Jourdan because the river is narrow and shallow. You can access areas that larger boats cannot reach, and you move quietly, which helps when sight-casting to redfish. Bring a paddle leash and wear a personal flotation device, and be aware of tidal current, which can be strong during incoming and outgoing tides.

What size redfish are in the Jourdan?

Most redfish range from 15 to 30 inches, with occasional fish over 35 inches. The river holds plenty of slot-sized fish (18 to 27 inches in Mississippi), which are excellent fighters and good eating if you choose to keep them. Larger fish are less common but present, especially in the deeper channels and the sound flats just outside the river mouth.

Is there a license requirement?

Yes, Mississippi requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (3 days or 7 days) or an annual license through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Saltwater and freshwater licenses are separate, so confirm which you need based on where you plan to fish.