Bayou Caddy is a shallow, brackish estuary that holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round

Bayou Caddy sits just east of Waveland, Mississippi, where fresh water from the Pearl River meets the Gulf's salt influence. The water runs 2 to 6 feet deep across most of the system, with scattered oyster reefs, marsh grass, and sandy flats. You'll find redfish hunting the shallow edges almost any month, spotted seatrout in the deeper pockets and channels, and flounder buried in the sand during cooler months. The bayou also holds Spanish mackerel and occasional tarpon in summer, though most anglers come for the reds and trout.

Access is straightforward: launch from the public ramp at Waveland Park or from smaller ramps along the bayou's western edge. The water is protected from Gulf swells, making it fishable on days when offshore waters are rough. Tides matter here—incoming water pushes baitfish into the shallows, while outgoing tides concentrate fish in the deeper channels. Most anglers fish the two hours before and after high tide, though low-light periods at dawn and dusk often produce better than midday.

Key Takeaways

  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets, with redfish favoring shallow grass flats and trout holding in deeper channels and around structure.
  • Launch from Waveland Park or smaller ramps along the bayou's western side; the water is shallow enough for poling skiffs and accessible to wade fishermen.
  • Tides control feeding activity—fish most actively during the two hours before and after high tide, and during dawn and dusk year-round.
  • Soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp work across all seasons, though winter requires slower presentations in deeper water.

Seasonal patterns and what to throw

Spring (March through May) brings warming water and aggressive feeding. Redfish move into the shallowest flats to spawn, and they'll chase topwater plugs and soft plastics early and late in the day. Spotted seatrout scatter across the bayou but concentrate around the deeper channels and oyster reefs. Live shrimp under a popping cork works well for trout when the water is calm. Throw 3- to 4-inch soft plastics in natural colors—pearl, chartreuse, and tan—on 1/8-ounce jigheads in water shallower than 3 feet.

Summer (June through August) pushes redfish deeper into channels and around structure as water temperatures climb. Trout move to the deepest holes and stay there during the heat of the day. Fish early morning and late evening; midday fishing is slow. Soft plastics still work, but live shrimp becomes the go-to bait. Spanish mackerel show up in the deeper channels, and they'll hit small spoons and silver-sided plugs. Tarpon occasionally cruise the main channel at dawn—sight-cast large flies or live mullet if you spot them.

Fall (September through November) is often the most consistent season. Water cools, and both redfish and trout feed heavily in preparation for winter. The entire bayou becomes productive. Topwater plugs work well in the early morning, and soft plastics produce all day. Flounder move into the shallows as water temperature drops, and they'll take live shrimp or small mullet on the bottom. By November, water temperatures drop into the 50s, and fish slow down—switch to slower presentations and fish deeper channels.

Winter (December through February) concentrates fish in the deepest parts of the bayou and in the main channel. Redfish and trout move to 4- to 6-foot holes and feed less frequently. Live shrimp fished on the bottom near structure is your best bet. Flounder fishing peaks as they settle into deeper sand holes. Midday fishing is often better than dawn and dusk because the sun warms the water slightly. Dress for cold water and wind—the bayou is exposed to the north, and winter fronts can make conditions rough quickly.

Tackle and gear for shallow-water fishing

A 6- to 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line handles most situations in Bayou Caddy. Braid cuts through the shallow water and gives you better feel for the bottom and structure. Add a 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (12- to 15-pound test) to reduce visibility in the clear water. Redfish and trout in shallow water are leader-shy, so the fluorocarbon makes a real difference.

Carry a mix of soft plastics (3 to 5 inches), topwater plugs, and popping corks with live shrimp. A small tackle box with 1/8- and 1/4-ounce jigheads, a few spoons, and extra leaders covers most scenarios. Polarized sunglasses are essential—you'll spot redfish tailing in the shallows and trout cruising the flats. A shallow-draft skiff or poling skiff works best, but a kayak or wade fishing from the bank is productive if you're patient and move slowly.

Tides, weather, and timing

Bayou Caddy responds strongly to tidal movement. High tide pushes water into the shallow flats and marsh grass, concentrating baitfish and triggering feeding. The two hours before high tide and the hour after are prime time. Outgoing tide pulls fish into the deeper channels and around structure—fish the channel edges and holes during the last two hours of the falling tide. Slack tide (the brief period between tidal changes) is often slow.

Wind direction matters. A north or northeast wind pushes water out of the bayou and can make the shallows too thin to fish. A south or southwest wind raises water levels and pushes fish into the grass. Check the forecast before you go; a strong north wind can turn a good day into a tough one. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, so watch the sky and head back to the ramp if storms approach.

Where to focus your casting

The shallow flats on the western side of the bayou (near Waveland Park) hold redfish year-round, especially where marsh grass meets open water. Fish the edges slowly, casting parallel to the grass line. The deeper channel that runs through the center of the bayou holds spotted seatrout, particularly around the old pilings and oyster reefs. Fish these areas on the incoming tide when baitfish move in.

The eastern end of the bayou, near the Pearl River mouth, is brackish and holds both redfish and trout. The transition zone where fresh and salt water mix often concentrates fish. Flounder settle into the sandy areas between the flats and the channel—fish the edges of these sand patches on the falling tide. Early morning light makes spotting these areas easier.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is fishing too fast. Bayou Caddy's shallow water and clear conditions reward patience. Cast, let the bait or lure sit for a moment, then work it slowly. Redfish and trout in 2 feet of water spook easily, so approach quietly and cast ahead of where you think the fish are rather than directly on top of them.

Ignoring the tide is another trap. Fishing slack tide or the falling tide when the water is thin wastes time. Plan your trip around high tide, and you'll spend more time with active fish. Finally, many anglers use line that's too heavy. Fifteen-pound braid with a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader is plenty for redfish and trout here—heavier line spooks fish in clear, shallow water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wade fish Bayou Caddy?

Yes. The western flats near Waveland Park are ideal for wading, especially during low tide when water drops to 1 to 2 feet. Move slowly, watch for redfish tailing, and cast ahead of them. Wear polarized glasses and wade during incoming tide when fish move into the shallows.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Fall (September through November) is most consistent because water temperatures are moderate and fish feed actively. Spring is excellent for redfish on topwater. Summer is slow during the day but productive at dawn and dusk. Winter requires patience but produces flounder and deep-water redfish.

Do I need a boat to fish Bayou Caddy?

No. Wade fishing and kayaking are productive, especially on the western flats. A shallow-draft skiff or poling skiff lets you cover more water and reach deeper structure, but you can catch plenty of fish from shore or a kayak if you're willing to move slowly and fish the tides.

What size redfish and trout are common here?

Redfish typically run 18 to 28 inches, with occasional fish over 30 inches. Spotted seatrout average 15 to 22 inches. Both species are abundant enough that you'll see multiple fish in a day if you're fishing the right tide and time of day.

Is Bayou Caddy fishable year-round?

Yes, but winter is slower. Fish are concentrated in deeper water and feed less frequently. You'll catch fewer fish but can still find redfish and trout if you fish the channels and holes during midday when the sun warms the water slightly.