What Pops Ferry Causeway Park Offers

Pops Ferry Causeway Park is a public fishing access point on the causeway connecting Biloxi to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The park sits along the Back Bay of Biloxi, a shallow estuary where saltwater and freshwater mix. You can fish from the park's pier and surrounding shoreline without a boat, making it one of the most accessible spots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for anglers of any skill level.

The causeway itself is a long, straight bridge built in the 1960s. The park occupies a small developed area with parking, restrooms, and a fishing pier. The water beneath and around the causeway creates habitat that draws both resident and seasonal fish species. Tides here are mild—the Gulf of Mexico's tidal range is only about one foot—so timing matters less than it does on the Atlantic coast, but current still moves through the pilings and channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Pops Ferry Causeway Park is a free, walk-up fishing location on the Biloxi causeway with a pier, parking, and restrooms.
  • Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are the main species; Spanish mackerel and pompano show up seasonally.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons; summer is hot and slower, winter can be productive but weather-dependent.
  • You need a Mississippi saltwater fishing license unless you are under 16 or over 59, and the park is open dawn to dusk year-round.
  • Live shrimp and small mullet work best; artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs also produce regularly.

Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) are the most common target. They school in the shallow flats and channels around the causeway year-round, but are most abundant and aggressive in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Morning and late afternoon are prime times. Redfish also live here permanently, especially in the shallower areas near the shoreline and around the pier pilings. They are less predictable than trout but can be caught on the same baits and lures.

Flounder move into the area in cooler months (October through April) and hold near the deeper channels and pier structure. Spanish mackerel and pompano arrive in summer and early fall, usually in small schools. Catfish are present year-round and will take cut bait or chicken liver if you want a different target. Mullet are abundant but are not usually kept by anglers fishing here—they are mostly bait fish.

Winter (December through February) can be productive for trout and redfish on calm days, but cold fronts and rough water make access difficult. Summer (June through August) is the slowest season overall; the heat keeps fish deep and inactive during midday, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Most anglers fish early morning in summer or wait for fall.

What Tackle and Bait Work Best

Live shrimp is the most reliable bait. Fish them under a popping cork in 2 to 4 feet of water, or let them drift naturally along the pier pilings. Small live mullet (3 to 4 inches) also work well for trout and redfish. Both are sold at bait shops in Biloxi, including shops near the causeway entrance.

If you prefer artificial lures, soft plastic baits rigged on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig heads are effective for trout and redfish. Topwater plugs produce strikes in early morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and fall. Spoons and small crankbaits work for Spanish mackerel and pompano. Bring a variety because water clarity and light conditions change throughout the day.

Use a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10- to 15-pound braided or monofilament line. The causeway pilings are rough, so heavier line reduces break-offs. A small tackle box with hooks, weights, and a few lures is enough to start. Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the shallows.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Pops Ferry Causeway Park is located on the Biloxi Bay Bridge (US 90) between Biloxi and Ocean Springs. There is free parking in a small lot adjacent to the pier. The park is open dawn to dusk. Restrooms are available on-site, and there is a small covered area if you need shade. The pier is the main fishing structure, but you can also fish from the shoreline in designated areas.

The park is about 15 minutes from downtown Biloxi and 10 minutes from Ocean Springs. If you do not have your own tackle, bait shops are located near the causeway entrance on both the Biloxi and Ocean Springs sides. Gas stations and restaurants are also nearby. The causeway itself can be windy, especially in spring and fall, so dress in layers.

Licensing and Regulations

You need a Mississippi saltwater fishing license to fish at Pops Ferry Causeway Park. Licenses are sold online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website, at bait shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A three-day license is available if you are visiting, or you can purchase an annual license. Children under 16 and adults 60 and older do not need a license.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. Speckled trout have a 15-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum size. Redfish have a 3-fish daily limit with a 16- to 23-inch slot limit (you can keep one fish over 23 inches). Flounder have a 10-fish daily limit with a 14-inch minimum. Check the current regulations on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website before you fish, as rules can change. Chumming is not allowed in the park.

Best Times to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season. Water temperatures warm, trout and redfish are aggressive, and the weather is usually stable. Expect moderate crowds on weekends. Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is the most productive time. Afternoon fishing is slower but still possible.

Fall (September through November) is nearly as good as spring. Trout bite well, and Spanish mackerel and pompano move in. Water temperatures drop gradually, keeping fish active throughout the day. October is often the best month overall. Mornings are cooler and more comfortable than summer.

Summer (June through August) is hot and slow. If you fish, go very early—before 8 a.m.—or wait for evening. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can make the causeway unsafe. Most anglers skip summer or fish only on calm, overcast days.

Winter (December through February) can produce good catches on calm days, but cold fronts bring rough water and wind. Dress warmly. Fish move deeper and bite slower than in spring and fall. Midday is often better than early morning in winter.

Nearby Fishing Options and Alternatives

If Pops Ferry Causeway Park is crowded or conditions are poor, several other public access points are nearby. The Biloxi Beach offers pier and surf fishing for Spanish mackerel, pompano, and whiting. Deer Island is accessible by boat and offers better redfish and trout fishing in shallower water. Lake Pontchartrain, about 90 minutes north, has freshwater bass and catfish fishing if you want a change from saltwater.

Charter boats operate out of Biloxi and can take you to deeper water and better structure if you want to upgrade from shore fishing. Guided trips typically run four to eight hours and cost between $400 and $800 for a small group. Many charters target redfish, trout, and flounder in the same general area but in deeper channels where larger fish hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Pops Ferry Causeway Park?

No. The park has a pier and shoreline access, so you can fish without a boat. Most anglers fish from the pier or walk the causeway shoulder in designated areas. A boat would let you reach deeper water and different structure, but it is not necessary to catch fish here.

What is the best bait to use?

Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable choice for speckled trout and redfish. Small live mullet also work well. If you prefer artificial lures, soft plastics on jig heads and topwater plugs produce strikes, especially in spring and fall.

Can I fish at night?

The park is open dawn to dusk only, so night fishing is not allowed. Early morning (before sunrise) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are the best times within park hours. Many anglers fish the first two hours after sunrise for the most consistent action.

What should I bring besides a rod and reel?

Bring a fishing license, polarized sunglasses, a small tackle box with hooks and weights, a net or stringer, sunscreen, and water. The causeway is exposed, so wind and sun are intense. A hat and light jacket are useful even in warm months. If you plan to stay more than a few hours, bring snacks and extra water.

Is there a fee to fish at the park?

No. Pops Ferry Causeway Park is free to enter and fish. Parking is free. You only need to purchase a Mississippi saltwater fishing license, which varies in cost depending on whether you buy a three-day or annual license.