The beach at Elmer’s Island is a great option for fishermen who want to fish the surf away from the crowds. Although finding the right spot might not be as simple as parking your vehicle and fishing, as with most things in life, a little extra effort goes a long way, especially if your goal is to catch a limit of speckled trout.
In a May 20 press release, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced that the beach-shuttle at Elmer’s Island will begin daily operations starting Memorial Day weekend, running from sunrise to sunset every day through Labor Day.
Tommy Vidrine, a resident of Grand Isle, has long recommended Elmer’s Island as a place to catch good numbers of large trout in the surf. It is more remote than some of the popular spots near Grand Isle.
“People get out there and wade-fish and pull out limits on stringers,” Vidrine said.
The parking lot at Elmer’s Island beach is located at the end of Elmer’s Island access road, about 1.5 miles south of HW 1.
Caminada Pass
According to LDWF, the shuttle will operate free of charge, and will transport up to 5 passengers and their gear from the parking area at the beach, east along the island towards Caminada Pass.
Vidrine recommends that you take the shuttle as far east as it will take you. Go all the way east to the point at Caminada Pass where a sandbar creates the Caminada pass washout.
“Get there early in the morning,” Vidrine said, “and fish where the waves are breaking. Those waves are throwing shrimp and croakers around.”
The LDWF has recently completed several projects at Elmer’s Island “to restore the area and to improve recreational access to the refuge.”
LDWF has installed culverts in four separate areas, built kayak launches off the access road, contracted trash removal services, and built an observation deck to provide a space for birding and other non-consumptive activities.
For information about Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/elmers-island.
