Bayous draining into Lake Borgne also a good option, guide says
Cooler weather means hotter action in the Biloxi Marsh right now and throughout the month, according to Saltwater Therapy charter captain Eric Olsen (504-715-3006).
Olsen said it’s hard to go wrong when the fishing is so good, and the bite is red hot right now.
“You can almost fish anywhere and find action,” he said. “I’m fishing a variety of places depending on the current and wind conditions. On good falling tides, I like to try the mouths of all the bayous and drains pouring into Lake Borgne. Shrimp are pouring out in the current and trout and reds are waiting to devour them. The first thing I do is look for birds diving over the shrimp, and wherever I see them, I fish there. The trout under the birds are nice sized in the fall, unlike the little bitty dinks in the spring.
“But even when you don’t see birds you should try fishing the current at those mouths. Fish closer to the entrance of the bayou on milder currents, and farther back when its falling harder. The harder the current, the farther back you fish. You can fish plastics under a cork, even doubles, in glow or chartreuse or clear, or live shrimp. When I bring customers I usually stay with the live shrimp because it’s a guarantee.”
But Olsen says he’ll focus most of his efforts in the Biloxi Marsh’s, myriad of bays, lakes and bayous.
“I fish mostly above Muscle Bay, in the various bays and lakes, over reefs, in the ponds and in the bayous, all depending on the conditions,” he said. “If the water level is higher, I like to fish the lakes and big ponds for reds and trout, either drifting until I bump into some action, or around points with current, or on windy days, in coves and pockets.
“On lower water conditions, which we start seeing this month, I’ll fish over oyster reefs and in bayous. On cooler days, try the flats in the turns of the bayous with live shrimp under a cork. Trout will go shallow to warm up and forage in the sun, and that live shrimp will be irresistible.”
And on the cold days, Olsen said to park in a bayou at a drain, cut or curve, and fish the middle and the ledges with live shrimp on the bottom.
“Just remember, you’ll probably have to stick and move throughout the day, until you get your fill,” he said.
