What You'll Find at Washington Street Pier

Washington Street Pier is a public fishing pier that runs into the Mississippi Sound just off downtown Bay St. Louis. It's a working pier—shrimpers and commercial boats still use it—so you're fishing alongside active waterfront traffic, not in a cordoned-off recreation zone. The pier is free to walk and fish from, and it draws both locals and visitors year-round because it holds redfish, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, and occasional tarpon depending on the season.

The pier itself is concrete, about 600 feet long, and wide enough for multiple anglers to work without crowding. You can fish from the railings on both sides, and the depth drops off gradually as you move seaward—shallower near the shore, deeper toward the end. The bottom is mostly sand and mud, which holds baitfish and crustaceans that attract the species you're after. Tidal flow through the pier can be strong during incoming and outgoing tides, which concentrates fish but also makes casting and holding bottom more demanding.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington Street Pier is free and open to the public, located at the foot of Washington Street in downtown Bay St. Louis, accessible by car with street parking nearby.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the most reliable catches year-round, with Spanish mackerel and tarpon showing up seasonally in warmer months.
  • The pier is a working waterfront, so commercial traffic is constant; stay alert and keep your gear clear of moving boats and lines.
  • Tidal movement is strong enough to affect your presentation, so fish the incoming tide for the most consistent action and easier casting.
  • Live shrimp and mullet work better than cut bait here because the current carries scent quickly and live bait stays in the strike zone longer.

Best Times to Fish and What to Target

Spring and fall are the most productive seasons at Washington Street Pier. In spring (March through May), redfish move into the shallower water around the pier as they feed on spawning shrimp and mullet. Spotted seatrout follow the same pattern and are often caught in the same areas. Water temperatures in the 65 to 75 degree range seem to trigger the heaviest feeding, so aim for the warming trend after a cold snap.

Summer (June through August) brings Spanish mackerel and occasional tarpon, though the heat and afternoon thunderstorms can make midday fishing uncomfortable. Early morning and late evening are better bets. Fall (September through November) mirrors spring—redfish and trout return as water cools, and the action can be excellent from September through October before the water drops below 60 degrees.

Winter fishing is slower but not dead. Redfish and trout don't leave; they just move deeper and feed less frequently. You'll catch fewer fish, but the ones you do catch tend to be larger. Midday is better than dawn in winter because the sun warms the water slightly and triggers feeding.

Tackle and Bait That Work Here

Light to medium spinning tackle is standard at Washington Street Pier. A 6.5 to 7-foot rod with 10 to 15-pound braided line gives you the sensitivity to feel bottom and the backbone to handle redfish in current. Fluorocarbon leader (20 to 30-pound test) is worth the extra cost because the water clarity here is moderate to good, and leader-shy redfish will refuse obvious monofilament.

Live shrimp is the gold standard. A 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook through the horn keeps shrimp alive longer and hooks fish in the corner of the mouth, which means fewer lost fish. Live mullet (4 to 6 inches) works when shrimp are hard to find or when you're targeting larger redfish and tarpon. Cast near pilings, along the edges of the pier, and into the deeper water at the end. Let the current work the bait; you don't need to work it constantly.

Artificial lures work too, especially topwater plugs and soft plastics in the 3 to 4-inch range. Redfish and trout will chase a walking topwater at dawn and dusk, and soft plastics rigged on a 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jighead let you cover water quickly and feel the bottom. Stick with natural colors—mullet, shrimp, and pearl patterns—because the water isn't so murky that bright colors help.

Tides, Currents, and How They Change Your Approach

Tidal flow through Washington Street Pier is significant enough to change where fish hold and how you present your bait. The incoming tide pushes water and baitfish toward the pier, concentrating redfish and trout along the structure. The outgoing tide drains the shallows, and fish move to deeper water at the end of the pier or along the channel edges. Most anglers find the incoming tide more productive because fish are actively feeding and moving into the shallows.

The strongest current runs during the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide. During these windows, you'll need heavier weights to hold bottom—1/2 to 1 ounce depending on how far out you're casting. Slack tide (the brief period between incoming and outgoing) is easier to fish but often slower because fish aren't being pushed to feed as aggressively.

Check tide tables for Bay St. Louis before you go. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publishes tide predictions for the area, and most fishing apps include them. Plan to fish the two hours before high tide through the first hour of the outgoing tide—that window is usually the most reliable.

Practical Details: Parking, Hours, and What to Bring

Washington Street Pier is located at the foot of Washington Street in downtown Bay St. Louis, right where the street meets the waterfront. Street parking is available nearby, and there's usually room unless a festival or event is happening downtown. There's no formal parking lot, so arrive early if you're going on a weekend or holiday. The pier is open during daylight hours; there's no official closing time, but fishing after dark requires a flashlight and awareness that the pier can be slippery when wet.

Bring more water than you think you'll need—the pier offers no shade, and the sun reflects off the water and concrete. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh and gives you a place to sit. Sunscreen and a hat are essential. A small tackle box with extra hooks, weights, and leader material will save you a trip back to the truck if you break off or lose gear. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish and read the water.

The pier can get crowded on weekends and during peak season, so arrive early if you want elbow room. Respect other anglers' space and keep your lines clear of their casts. The working waterfront means commercial boats and shrimpers use the pier too—stay aware of your surroundings and move your gear if a boat is approaching.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Louisiana requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not a resident fishing from public piers. A short-term license (three days) is available and costs less than a full-year license. You can purchase one online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or at most bait and tackle shops in Bay St. Louis.

Size and bag limits apply to redfish, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel. Redfish must be 16 to 27 inches (with a few exceptions for larger fish), and you can keep three per day. Spotted seatrout have a 10-inch minimum and a 25-fish daily limit. Spanish mackerel are 12 inches minimum with a 15-fish daily limit. Tarpon is catch-and-release only in Louisiana—no harvest. Check the current regulations before you fish because limits change, and ignorance of the rules won't protect you if you're over the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Washington Street Pier at night?

Yes, but you'll need a flashlight and should be aware that the pier can be slippery and less crowded after dark, which means fewer eyes around if something goes wrong. Redfish and trout feed at night, so fishing can be good, especially during a new moon when the water is darker.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or is the pier enough?

The pier is enough. You don't need a boat—the pier extends far enough into the sound to reach water where redfish and trout hold. A boat gives you more options and lets you reach deeper channels, but the pier is productive on its own.

What's the best bait shop near Washington Street Pier?

Several shops in Bay St. Louis sell live shrimp and tackle. Ask locals or check online reviews for the closest option. Most shops open early and close by mid-afternoon, so plan ahead if you want to buy bait the morning you fish.

Is the pier crowded in summer?

Yes, especially on weekends and during school vacation. Arrive early if you want space to cast comfortably. Weekday mornings are usually quieter than weekend afternoons.

What do I do if I hook a tarpon?

Tarpon must be released in Louisiana. Keep your drag set to slip line if a large fish takes your bait—tarpon are powerful and will break light tackle. If you hook one, enjoy the fight, keep the line tight, and guide it back to the water once it's tired. Don't try to land it on the pier.