Experience premier redfish fly fishing and more with Southern Way Charters in Louisiana. Enjoy all-inclusive lodging, expert guides and fly fishing adventures in the productive Louisiana marshes.
Dogwood Lodge – Louisiana
EQUIPMENT
Gear Available or Bring Your Own
LODGING
Single & Double Occupancy Guest Rooms
SPECIES
Redfish, Speckled Trout, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin (Seasonal)
SEASON
Year-Round
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Adventure-Seekers, Families, Couples, Groups
The Dogwood Lodge is a unique, all-inclusive fishing lodge operated by Southern Way Charters, permanently docked in Hopedale, Louisiana. This 114-foot historic vessel began life as a U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender on the upper Mississippi River before being converted into a comfortable multi-day river-cruise boat. Today it serves as an intimate floating lodge that puts anglers right on the doorstep of one of the most productive and consistent inshore fisheries in the Gulf!
Unlike many Louisiana locations influenced by Mississippi River runoff, Dogwood sits east of the river’s main influence. This gives it a major advantage: clearer water and reliable year-round sight-fishing opportunities for redfish and other species. The lodge is ideal for fly anglers, smaller groups, couples, and anyone seeking a quieter, more personal atmosphere while still enjoying full Southern hospitality, excellent food, and professional guide service.
With capacity for just 12 guests, Dogwood delivers a cozy, focused experience. Boats pick up and drop off directly at the lodge dock, so anglers step from their room onto a skiff and are fishing productive water within minutes. The setting combines maritime history, expansive marsh views, and easy access to world-class redfish flats, making it a standout choice for dedicated inshore and fly-fishing trips.
The lodge features six private guest rooms, each with two twin beds, a private bathroom, and individual air conditioning. Rooms are named after rivers the vessel once traveled (Red, White, Arkansas, Atchafalaya, Ouachita, and Kanawha). Common spaces include the Mississippi Room lounge on the second deck (comfortable seating, wide-screen TV, and bar area), the Ohio Room dining area that seats 12 and can convert for meetings, and two open decks for morning coffee, evening drinks, or simply soaking in the marsh surroundings.
All stays are all-inclusive and cover complimentary breakfast, packed boat lunches (with soft drinks and water), appetizers, and hearty Southern/Cajun dinners featuring fresh local seafood and classic dishes. A self-serve open bar with liquor, wine, and beer is available at the lodge. Wi-Fi, TVs, and laundry facilities round out the amenities. The intimate size creates a social yet relaxed vibe perfect for mixed groups of fly and conventional anglers.
Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Guests fishing on departure day can pack bags in the morning; the lodge will hold them until return.
Dogwood Lodge specializes in inshore fishing in the Biloxi Marsh, with a strong emphasis on fly fishing and sight-casting for redfish. Because the area is largely free of Mississippi River sediment, water clarity remains good much of the year, supporting excellent visual presentations on the flats, bayous, and shallow marshes. Redfish are the primary target and can range from school-sized fish to trophies over 25 – 30 pounds, with other common species including speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle, and occasional other inshore species.
Guided trips use poling skiffs with one guide and up to two anglers for fly fishing, or up to three (sometimes four) for conventional/light-tackle trips. Guides provide rods, reels, tackle, and flies as needed; boats pick guests up and return them directly to the lodge dock. Travel time to productive water is often short (10–45 minutes). Wade-fishing options to nearby barrier islands such as Breton and Chandeleur are available for an additional fuel charge. The fishery is productive year-round, with peak opportunities for larger redfish typically in the cooler months.
The combination of consistent clear-water sight fishing, short runs, and expert local guides makes Dogwood one of the most reliable and enjoyable bases for Louisiana redfish adventures.
Dogwood Lodge is located roughly 45–60 minutes southeast of New Orleans / Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
Most guests fly into MSY. Options include renting a car (recommended for flexibility) or arranging a shared shuttle (around $175 each way for up to six passengers; confirm current rates). Drivers can often stop for last-minute supplies. Allow buffer time on departure day, especially if fishing that morning. Check-in is 3:00 p.m.; bags can be held if fishing on checkout day.
Good News: All necessary fly fishing gear is provided at no extra charge. This includes quality fly rods, reels, lines, leaders, and a full selection of flies tailored to Louisiana marshes. Conventional/light tackle and offshore gear are also supplied for those trips.
Recommended Personal Gear List
For those who prefer using their own equipment, we suggest bringing:
Fly Fishing:
- 9wt and 10wt fly rods
- Matching reel with strong drag
- Floating and intermediate sink tip lines
- Leader/tippet material (16–30 lb)
- Your favorite redfish flies (Clousers, crab patterns, spoon flies, etc.)
- Polarized sunglasses (extra important for sight fishing)
- Nippers, pliers, and small tackle tools
Clothing & Essentials:
- Quick-dry fishing shirts and pants (long sleeves for sun protection)
- Sun hat with neck flap + buff or face shield
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable fishing shoes or boots (wadable options if desired)
- Polarized sunglasses (backup pair recommended)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Personal medications, motion sickness remedies (if going offshore)
Other Helpful Items:
- Small dry bag or waterproof backpack for the boat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Favorite snacks
- Cooler or soft-sided bag for transporting fillets home (optional)
The lodges have washers and dryers, so you don’t need excessive clothing. Pack light and focus on comfort and sun protection – Louisiana’s weather can be warm and humid!
TRIP INCLUDES
- All-inclusive lodging at either Dogwood Lodge (Hopedale)
- All meals: full breakfast, packed lunches for the boat, appetizers, and family-style or buffet dinners featuring Cajun cuisine and fresh local seafood
- Self-serve open bar at the lodge (liquor, wine, and beer)
- Professional guide service with lodge dock pickup and drop-off
- Fly fishing gear, rods, reels, and flies provided for skiff trips
- Bait and tackle for inshore and offshore trips
- Housekeeping as needed or upon request
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Airfare to/from New Orleans (MSY)
- Ground transportation / shuttle service ($175 each way to Hopedale)
- Louisiana non-resident fishing license
- Alcohol for the boats (BYO – lodge cannot provide due to regulations)
- Gratuities (suggested: $100–$150 per day per guide; ~$25 per day per person for lodge staff)
- Personal gear (optional – guests may bring favorite fly rods/tackle)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
2026 Rates
Lodging
- Double Occupancy – $300/person per night
- Single Occupancy – $375/person per night
Inshore Guided Fly Fishing $950 per day – up to 2 anglers per skiff. Includes: Fuel, ice, and gear.
Inshore Guided Conventional / Light Tackle $1,050 per day – up to 3 anglers. $1,250 per day – for 4 anglers. Includes: Fuel, ice, tackle, fish cleaning, and dead bait. (Live bait is available for an additional cost of ~$100 per day.) Note: +$150 fuel surcharge for wade fishing trips to Breton or Chandeleur Islands.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
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