What You'll Find at Biloxi Bay Bridge
The Biloxi Bay Bridge connects Ocean Springs to Biloxi and spans roughly 2.4 miles across shallow, productive water. The bridge itself is not a fishing destination — you cannot fish from it — but the bay waters immediately around it hold redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder year-round. The structure creates current breaks and depth changes that concentrate fish, especially along the pilings and in the channels the bridge crosses.
Most fishing happens in the waters east and west of the bridge rather than directly beneath it. The bay bottom here is soft mud and sand, with depths ranging from 4 to 12 feet depending on tide and location. Salinity varies with freshwater input from the Biloxi River and seasonal rainfall, which affects which species are most active in any given month.
Key Takeaways
- Fish the bay waters around the bridge by boat; the bridge itself is closed to foot traffic and fishing.
- Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets, with flounder and Spanish mackerel available depending on season.
- Spring and fall are peak seasons, though redfish remain catchable year-round in Biloxi Bay.
- Launch from Ocean Springs Harbor or Biloxi's public ramps; both are within minutes of the bridge.
- A Mississippi saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older.
Seasons and What Bites When
Spring (March through May) brings the most consistent action. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and redfish move shallow into the bay to feed. Spotted seatrout spawn during this window and are aggressive on live shrimp and small mullet. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, and the incoming tide concentrates fish near structure.
Summer (June through August) slows the bite during midday heat, but dawn and dusk remain worthwhile. Fish move to deeper holes and channel edges where water stays cooler. Flounder fishing improves as the season progresses, and Spanish mackerel occasionally show up in the deeper sections of the bay. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can shut down fishing for hours.
Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistency. Water cools gradually, and redfish feed heavily in preparation for winter. Spotted seatrout return to shallower water as temperatures drop. This is also when larger fish move through the bay, and you have a better chance of hooking something over 20 inches.
Winter (December through February) is slowest but not dead. Redfish remain in the bay in deeper holes and channel bends. Fishing is best on warmer days when water temperature climbs a few degrees. Spotted seatrout are less active but still present. Many anglers target flounder in the deeper sections during this season.
How to Reach the Bridge and Launch Your Boat
Ocean Springs Harbor is the closest public launch to the bridge's western end. The facility has multiple concrete ramps, fuel, and parking. From downtown Ocean Springs, follow Beach Boulevard south to the harbor entrance. The ramp fee is modest and covers all-day parking. This launch puts you on the water in minutes and is the most convenient option if you want to fish the bridge area quickly.
Biloxi's public ramps are located along the Back Bay waterfront. The main facility is near the Biloxi Lighthouse and offers multiple ramps, fuel, and ample parking. This launch is slightly farther from the bridge but gives you access to a wider range of bay waters. Follow Beach Boulevard into downtown Biloxi and look for signage to the public boat launch.
Both ramps are operational year-round, though weather and maintenance occasionally close them temporarily. Call ahead during winter or after heavy storms to confirm access. Tides in Biloxi Bay are modest — typically 1 to 2 feet — so launch conditions are generally stable even during rough weather.
Tackle and Techniques That Work
Live shrimp is the most reliable bait for redfish and spotted seatrout around the bridge. Fish them under a popping cork in 3 to 6 feet of water, or on the bottom in deeper holes. A 1/8-ounce jig head keeps the shrimp in the strike zone without sinking too fast. Mullet, both live and dead, work well for redfish and flounder, especially in fall and winter.
Artificial lures produce consistent results and cover more water. Soft plastics — 3 to 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors — work on all three primary species. Cast near the bridge pilings and along channel edges, and work the lure with a slow, steady retrieve. Topwater plugs are effective early and late in the day when fish are feeding aggressively.
Flounder respond best to live bait fished on the bottom: shrimp, mullet, or small pinfish. Use a simple slip sinker rig and keep the bait moving slightly to trigger strikes. Fish the deeper holes and channel bends where flounder hold during the day.
Regulations and Licensing
All anglers 16 years old and older must hold a valid Mississippi saltwater fishing license. Licenses are available online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), at tackle shops, and at most sporting goods retailers. A 3-day license is available if you fish only occasionally; annual licenses are more economical for regular anglers.
Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and change periodically. Redfish have a 2-fish daily bag limit with a 18-inch minimum. Spotted seatrout are limited to 10 fish per day with an 12-inch minimum. Flounder are limited to 10 fish per day with a 12-inch minimum. Check the current MDWFP regulations before you fish, as rules are updated regularly.
The bridge area itself is part of the Biloxi Bay system and falls under standard Mississippi saltwater regulations. No special permits are required to fish the surrounding waters.
What to Expect: Conditions and Challenges
Biloxi Bay is shallow and can get rough quickly when wind picks up. A 15-knot wind can create 2 to 3-foot chop, making small boats uncomfortable and reducing visibility. Check the forecast before launching, and plan to fish early if wind is expected to increase during the day. Summer afternoon thunderstorms develop fast and can be severe; have an exit plan and do not stay on the water if storms approach.
Saltwater corrosion is aggressive in this environment. Rinse your boat, tackle, and gear with fresh water after every trip. Stainless steel hardware lasts longer than painted or plated alternatives. The shallow, muddy bottom means you will occasionally snag bottom; carry extra rigs and accept that some tackle will be lost.
Boat traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and during summer. Stay alert and follow navigation rules. The bridge itself creates a narrow passage during high tide, and current can be swift. Smaller boats should exercise caution when transiting beneath the bridge.
Nearby Alternatives if the Bridge Area Is Crowded
Back Bay (the water west of the bridge toward Biloxi) holds the same species and often has fewer boats. The water is slightly deeper and more protected from wind. Fish the channel edges and structure in 6 to 10 feet of water.
East Bay (east of the bridge toward Ocean Springs) is shallower and better for sight-fishing redfish on calm days. Grass flats and oyster reefs hold fish, and the area is less crowded than the bridge itself.
Deer Island (south of the bridge in the Gulf) offers deeper water and access to Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and larger redfish. This requires a slightly longer run and is best on calm days, but the fishing can be excellent in spring and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish from the Biloxi Bay Bridge itself?
No. The bridge is closed to pedestrian traffic and fishing. All fishing must be done from a boat in the surrounding bay waters. The bridge pilings create good structure nearby, but you must stay in your boat to fish them.
What is the best time of day to fish around the bridge?
Early morning (one hour before sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive. Redfish and spotted seatrout feed most actively during these periods. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer.
Do I need a guide to fish this area?
No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the bay. Local guides know the best spots, current conditions, and seasonal patterns. Many operate out of Ocean Springs and Biloxi and can be found through tackle shops or online.
What size boat do I need?
A 16 to 18-foot center console or bay boat is ideal, but smaller boats work in calm conditions. The bay is shallow and protected, so you do not need a large offshore boat. Avoid launching very small boats if wind is forecast above 15 knots.
Is there a fee to fish the bay?
No fee to fish the water itself, but you must pay a launch fee at the public ramp (typically $5 to $10 per day). A Mississippi saltwater fishing license is required and costs vary depending on whether you buy a 3-day or annual license.