Dogwood Lodge - Biloxi Marsh, Louisiana
Redfishing • Fly/Spin Sightfishing • Conventional Fishing
Dogwood Lodge is a floating liveaboard hotel nestled in the heart of Louisiana’s Biloxi Marsh, just 45 miles southeast of New Orleans. This unique lodge offers direct access to some of the finest redfishing and duck hunting in the Gulf region.
The Biloxi Marsh spans over 210,000 acres of prime coastal wetlands along Louisiana’s eastern edge, where freshwater estuaries meet the Gulf of Mexico. Privately owned and managed by the Biloxi Marsh Lands Corporation—established in 1936—the area includes 90,000 acres of privately held marsh leased to select individuals for fishing and hunting opportunities.
Whether you're sight-casting to bull reds with a fly rod or targeting them with light conventional tackle, the Biloxi Marsh delivers world-class inshore action in a remote and scenic setting. After a day on the water, relax in comfort aboard the Dogwood Lodge, where Southern hospitality and marshland serenity combine for an unforgettable stay.
2025/2026 Rates start at $1,655.00 per person for 3-nights and 2-days guided fishing.
The Biloxi Marsh
The Biloxi Marsh offers hundreds of miles of pristine saltwater habitat and is widely regarded as one of the best redfishing destinations in the world. These vast, healthy marshes provide easy access to premier inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and other Gulf Coast species, along with outstanding duck hunting opportunities.
Thanks to its consistently clear waters and unspoiled wild marshes, the Biloxi is a haven for trophy redfish. Anglers can sight-cast in narrow bayous and shallow ponds, where big reds are known to crush flies in inches of water—often just feet from the boat. Whether you're fly fishing or using light tackle, the action is up close and unforgettable.
The Fishing Program
Season: The Hopedale area offers productive fishing year-round, with peak redfishing in the fall. October is especially popular, as it coincides with major redfish championships held in the region.
Travel Time: From Dogwood Lodge, travel time to the fishing grounds ranges from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on where the fish are located. Your journey will cross the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet and take you into the western edge of the expansive Biloxi Marsh.
Guides: Dogwood Lodge partners with experienced, reputable guides and outfitters who specialize in inshore Louisiana fishing.
Fly/Spin Sightfishing Packages: Sightfishing trips are conducted from technical poling skiffs such as Hells Bay and Chittum boats—ideal for stalking redfish in shallow water. Each skiff accommodates two anglers and one guide. Guides depart from the Liveaboard at 8:00 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m.
Note: All fly fishing is catch-and-release only.
Equipment & Tackle: The guides provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait.
Conventional Lure/Bait Fishing Packages: 24- to 26-foot bay boats accommodate three to four anglers per guide. Guides depart at 6:00 a.m. and return between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Fish Cleaning: The guides will clean your catch. If you plan to bring fish home, please bring Ziploc bags and coolers.
Fishing License: A 5-day Louisiana fishing license is required and costs $30 for a non-resident.
The Biloxi Marsh
A Typical Fishing Day:
Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast aboard the Dogwood Lodge before you head out for a full day on the water. The Lodge provides a packed lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks for you to enjoy during your trip. After returning to the Liveaboard in the afternoon, unwind with appetizers, an open bar, and a delicious dinner prepared by the Lodge staff.
Conventional Lure or Bait Fishing:
• Breakfast at 5:30 a.m.
• Depart at 6:30 a.m. aboard a 24- to 26-foot bay boat
• Three to four anglers per boat and guide
• Return between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Fly/Spin Sightfishing:
• Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
• Depart at 8:00 a.m. aboard technical poling skiffs such as Hells Bay or Chittum boats
• Two anglers per boat and guide
• Return at 4:00 p.m.
About the Dogwood Lodge
The Dogwood Lodge is a 114-foot liveaboard vessel permanently docked at Hopedale Marina. Rich in history, the Dogwood originally served as a U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender on the upper Mississippi River. It was later converted by a cruise ship company into a comfortable multi-day river cruise vessel. Today, it offers guests a unique blend of maritime history and Southern hospitality—serving as the ideal base for redfishing and duck hunting adventures in the Biloxi Marsh.
Lounge Area
The Mississippi Room - Second Deck Lounge
Located on the second deck, the Mississippi Room is the heart of the Lodge’s relaxation space. This cozy lounge features comfortable, homey seating, a widescreen television, and a well-stocked self-serve bar—perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.
Bar & Evening Appetizers
Each evening, guests are invited to enjoy appetizers in the lounge alongside beverages from the complimentary self-serve bar. While the Lodge cannot legally provide alcohol for use during the fishing day, canned beverages can be purchased at the nearby marina store and brought aboard.
Meals and Beverages
Meals: Start your day with a hot, hearty breakfast before heading out on the water. For your fishing day, the Lodge provides a sack lunch, snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks. In the evenings, enjoy delicious Southern and Cajun-inspired cuisine, freshly prepared and served with warm hospitality.
Dining Room and Cabin
The Dogwood Lodge offers six private guest rooms, each featuring two twin beds and a private bathroom—ensuring comfort and privacy after a day on the water.
The Ohio Room, located on board, accommodates up to 12 guests for dining and can also serve as a flexible space for corporate meetings or group gatherings.
Guests can also enjoy two outdoor seating areas on the deck—perfect spots to sip your morning coffee or relax with an evening drink while taking in the peaceful views and sounds of the surrounding marshlands.
Getting to Dogwood Lodge:
1. Fly into New Orleans (MSY):
Your adventure begins with a flight into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
2. Ground Transfer to Hopedale:
From the airport, you can either rent a car or arrange a shuttle service. Shuttle transportation is approximately $140 one-way for a group of up to six people. The 45-mile drive to Hopedale takes about 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
Arrival in Hopedale:
Hopedale is a quiet, no-frills fishing town made up of a few local camps. Upon arrival, you'll board the Dogwood Lodge, enjoy a welcome dinner, and settle in for your fishing adventure, which begins the following morning.
2025 and 2026 Rates and Packages
Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.
Season: Year-round fishery with peak redfishing in the fall.
Note: Groups are not mixed—you’ll need to arrange your own group. You can customize your package. Build your own Cast-and-Blast.
Inshore Guided Fly Fishing + Lodging Package:
Two angler minimum required per booking.
6-nights / 5-days guided fishing $3,725.00
5-nights / 4-days guided fishing $3,035.00
4-nights / 3-days guided fishing $2,345.00
3-nights / 2-days guided fishing $1,655.00
Guided Inshore Conventional Fishing + Lodging Package:
Two angler minimum required per booking..
6-nights / 5-days guided fishing $4,275.50
5-nights / 4-days guided fishing $3,475.50
4-nights / 3-days guided fishing $2,675.70
3-nights / 2-days guided fishing $1,875.50
Wade Fishing at the Chandeleur Islands
(Can only be added when you book a guided inshore conventional fishing trip.)
Up to 3-anglers per boat and guide $1,200.00 per boat per day
Up to 4-anglers per boat and guide $1,400.00 per boat per day
Nightly Lodge Rates:
Lodging, Wi-Fi, meals, and a complimentary bar.
Double-Occupancy Lodging:
$275 per person
Single-Occupancy Lodging:
$350 per person
Non-angler rates are available upon request.
(Hunting rates do not include lodging or a daily fuel charge of $100 to $200, depending on gas prices.)
Guided Duck Hunting Charter:
$300 per person per hunt.
(Bird cleaning is included. Up to 3 hunters per boat and guide.)
Packages do not include the use of a shotgun, shotgun shells, a non-resident small game/migratory bird license, and a federal duck stamp.
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 covered under inclusions.
• Duck Hunting packages do not include do not include the use of a shotgun, shotgun shells, a non-resident small game/migratory bird license, and a federal duck stamp.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
Dogwood Lodge Policies:
Deposit Policy: A 50% deposit is required to book, with the balance due 90 days before arrival.
Cancellation Policy: Lodge cancellations made 60 days prior to the reservation date are entitled to a full deposit refund. They will hold your deposit for one year to reschedule for Lodge cancellations made 30 to 60 days, but not within 30 days. If you have not rescheduled during the one-year period, your deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations made with less than 30 days’ notice, your deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellation Policy: Fishing and hunting charter cancellations must be communicated at least 60-days before your charter date. They are officially notifying you that at least 60 days’ notice must be provided to cancel your trip and receive a refund on your deposit. If you do not provide 60 days’ notice regarding cancellation of your charter, your deposit will not be refunded. If you cancel within 30 days of your charter, the full charter rate will be due. If your fishing or hunting charter is canceled by the guide due to weather, the deposit is refundable.
Dogwood Lodge Disclaimer: – The oufitter is not liable to guests, guests’ employees, patrons and visitors, or to any other person for any damage, injury and/or illness to person or property caused by any act, omission or neglect of the guest or any other tenant of the described premises, and guests agree to hold owners and its employees harmless from all claims for any damage whether the injury and/or illness occurs on or off the premises and/or on arranged fishing/hunting charters. Southern Way Charters, Inc. and Biloxi Marine LLC will not be liable for any damage, injury and/or illness caused by any defect therein to the guest or anyone on or off the premises who derives their right to be thereon from the guest.
