Dogwood Lodge
Louisiana, Biloxi Marsh
Dogwood Lodge is a premier floating liveaboard fishing lodge in Louisiana’s Biloxi Marsh, just 45 miles southeast of New Orleans. Known for world-class redfishing, fly and spin sightfishing, and conventional inshore fishing, Dogwood Lodge offers anglers direct access to the Gulf region’s most productive waters. Nestled in over 210,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands, the Biloxi Marsh is managed by the Biloxi Marsh Lands Corporation and includes 90,000 acres of private marshland leased for exclusive fishing and hunting experiences. Whether casting to trophy bull reds or enjoying a day of duck hunting, guests can unwind aboard Dogwood Lodge in comfort, surrounded by the serene beauty and unmatched fishing opportunities of southern Louisiana.
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Dogwood Lodge works with skilled, local fishing guides and outfitters who specialize in inshore redfishing throughout the Biloxi Marsh. With expert knowledge of the marsh’s tidal bays, shallow flats, canals, and backwaters, these guides know exactly where to find trophy redfish in this highly productive coastal fishery.
The Biloxi Marsh covers a vast area, with fishing conditions that change seasonally and with shifting tides and water levels. Guides’ local expertise is crucial for locating productive spots, especially when pursuing trophy bull reds—massive red drum that can exceed 20–30 pounds during the winter months.
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Dogwood Lodge fully accommodates both fly and spin fishing. Their guides are experienced in fly casting for sighted redfish in shallow flats as well as spin fishing with light tackle and conventional lures.
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Redfish (Red Drum): The marquee species, including trophy bull reds over 20–30+ pounds, especially in winter.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout): Abundant in shallow flats, bays, and estuaries, ideal for both fly and spin anglers.
Flounder: Common along canals and deeper flats, often targeted with light tackle.
Sheepshead: Found around structure such as docks, pilings, and oyster bars.
Black Drum: Usually in similar areas as redfish, especially near oyster beds.
Other Inshore Species: Including croaker, ladyfish, and occasional jack crevalle, depending on season and tides.
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Dogwood Lodge features six private guest rooms, each with two twin beds and a private bathroom, providing comfort and privacy after a full day of fishing or hunting. Guests can also unwind in two outdoor deck seating areas, ideal for morning coffee or evening drinks while enjoying the serene sights and sounds of the surrounding Biloxi Marsh.
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Year-Round Fishing: The Biloxi Marsh provides productive fishing in every season, making it an ideal destination for anglers any time of year.
Peak Redfishing: The most popular and rewarding period for targeting trophy redfish, especially bull reds, is fall through early winter (October–March). During these months, water clarity and seasonal patterns create prime sight-fishing conditions for large red drum.
Seasonal Variety: In spring and summer, anglers can enjoy excellent action for speckled trout, jack crevalle, and other inshore species. Fishing conditions shift with tides and water temperatures, offering exciting opportunities year-round.
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Inshore Guided Fly Fishing + Lodging Package
Two-angler minimum required per booking.
Two anglers per boat.
Price per person:
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing – $4,950
6 nights / 5 days guided fishing – $4,175
5 nights / 4 days guided fishing – $3,400
4 nights / 3 days guided fishing – $2,625
3 nights / 2 days guided fishing – $1,850
Guided Inshore Conventional Fishing + Lodging Package
Two-angler minimum required per booking.
Price per person:
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing – $5,250
6 nights / 5 days guided fishing – $4,425
5 nights / 4 days guided fishing – $3,600
4 nights / 3 days guided fishing – $2,775
3 nights / 2 days guided fishing – $1,950
Wade Fishing at the Chandeleur Islands (Add-On)
Available only with inshore conventional fishing packages.
Additional $150 fuel charge applies.
Live bait, if available, costs $25–$50 per person per day.
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Fly Fishing Gear
Rod Weight:
8‑weight rod – ideal for inshore redfish and speckled trout in the Biloxi Marsh.
9‑weight rod – recommended for larger bull reds or when casting bigger flies in windier conditions.
10‑weight rod – suited for trophy bull reds, jacks, and other larger saltwater species.
(An 8–10 weight fly rod covers nearly all marsh fishing situations.)
Reels & Lines:
Saltwater‑rated fly reels with smooth, strong drag systems.
Weight-forward floating fly lines are standard for marsh sight-fishing.
Spinning & Conventional Gear
Rod Size:
7′ medium to medium‑heavy spinning rods for redfish and other inshore species.
Reel Size:
3000–4000 size reels with corrosion-resistant saltwater drag systems.
(Perfectly matched to rod and line for most marsh fishing.)
Line & Leader:
Braided line: 20–30 lb for redfish.
Fluorocarbon leaders: 20–30 lb depending on water clarity and structure.
Why These Setups Work
Fly fishing: Short, precise casts to sighted fish require rods that handle heavier flies while maintaining accuracy.
Spinning tackle: Strong drag reels and heavier lines help control powerful runs from redfish and other coastal species.
Note: Dogwood Lodge guides typically provide rods, reels, and tackle for your trip, but many anglers bring their own gear to match these recommended setups for comfort and familiarity.
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Dogwood Lodge has six private guest rooms, each accommodating two people, so the lodge can host a maximum of 12 guests at a time.
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Fly & Spin Sightfishing: Guides use specialized poling skiffs, including Hells Bay and Chittum boats, ideal for stalking tailing redfish in shallow, skinny water. Each skiff accommodates two anglers and one guide for a personalized, hands-on experience.
Conventional Fishing: Guides operate 24–26 ft bay boats for three to four anglers, focusing on light-tackle action with lures or bait.
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1. Fly into New Orleans (MSY)
Arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to start your adventure.
2. Transfer to Hopedale
Rent a car or take a shuttle ($140 one-way for up to six passengers). The 45-mile drive takes about 75 minutes.
3. Arrival and Boarding
Hopedale is a quiet fishing town. Board Dogwood Lodge, enjoy a welcome dinner, and prepare for your fishing adventure, which begins the next morning.
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Fishing Package + Lodging Package Includes:
• Liveaboard Lodging and Wi-Fi
• Breakfast and dinner at the Lodge
• A sack lunch, sodas, and bottled water during guided trips
• House alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks at the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Use of rod and reel, tackle, lures, and bait
• Fish cleaning service
• Fuel.
All Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from New Orleans
• Roundtrip ground transfers between New Orleans and the Lodge
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Fishing license
• Flies
• Packing and shipping of your catch
• Alcohol during guided trips
• 6.45% lodging tax
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
Biloxi Marsh and Surrounding Area
The Biloxi Marsh is one of southeastern Louisiana’s largest and most ecologically significant coastal wetlands, spanning over 210,000 acres where freshwater estuaries meet the Gulf of Mexico. Managed by the Biloxi Marsh Lands Corporation, the area includes 90,000 acres of private marsh, featuring grasslands, meandering channels, and scattered cypress stands that support abundant wildlife.
Quiet communities like Hopedale offer a sense of isolation and southern charm, with opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and photography. Located just 45 miles southeast of New Orleans, the marsh feels remote yet accessible.
The marsh is also renowned for inshore fishing, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. Anglers can pursue trophy bull reds that often exceed 20–30 pounds, along with trout and other inshore species, in scenic and productive tidal bays, shallow flats, canals, and backwaters.
A Typical Fishing Day
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast aboard Dogwood Lodge before heading out for a full day on the water. The Lodge provides a packed lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks to enjoy while fishing. After returning in the afternoon, guests can unwind with appetizers, an open bar, and a freshly prepared dinner by the Lodge staff.
Conventional Lure or Bait Fishing
5:30 a.m.: Breakfast
6:30 a.m.: Depart aboard a 24–26 ft bay boat
Crew: 3–4 anglers per boat with a guide
Return: Between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Fly & Spin Sightfishing
7:00 a.m.: Breakfast
8:00 a.m.: Depart aboard technical poling skiffs such as Hells Bay or Chittum boats
Crew: 2 anglers per boat with a guide
Return: 4:00 p.m.
Main Lodge & Common Areas
The Dogwood Lodge is a 114-foot liveaboard vessel permanently docked at Hopedale Marina, offering a unique base for redfish and duck hunting adventures in the Biloxi Marsh. Originally a U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender, it was later converted into a multi-day river cruise vessel, combining maritime history with modern comfort. Guests enjoy private cabins with bathrooms, open decks with panoramic marsh views, and freshly prepared meals, making it both cozy and convenient. Its prime location allows immediate access to the marsh, creating a seamless blend of adventure and Southern hospitality.
