Cocodrie: End of the Road, Start of World-Class Fishing
Where the Pavement Stops and the Fishing Starts
Cocodrie occupies the very end of Highway 56 in Terrebonne Parish, a cluster of fishing camps, marinas, and elevated camps perched above a marsh that extends another 15 miles to the open Gulf. The road literally ends at the water. From this vantage point, anglers access one of the most productive stretches of Louisiana's coast—the marshes of lower Terrebonne Bay to the east, the open waters of Timbalier Bay to the south, and offshore platforms within a 20-mile run.
What Sets Cocodrie Apart
Geography is the advantage. Cocodrie puts you closer to the productive marsh-to-Gulf transition zone than any launch point north of it. The marsh south of town is eroding rapidly—a tragic environmental reality that has temporarily created exceptional fishing habitat. The fragmented marsh islands, newly formed tidal passes, and expanding open water concentrate baitfish and predators in a shrinking landscape, producing catch rates that exceed more stable marshes to the east and west.
Inshore Fishery
| Species | Where | Peak Season | Best Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Marsh ponds, island edges, bayou mouths | Year-round (peaks Mar–Nov) | Gold spoon, live shrimp under cork |
| Speckled Trout | Terrebonne Bay reefs, bayou channels | Oct – Mar | Popping cork, soft plastic jig |
| Flounder | Sandy passes, channel drops | Mar – Nov | Bull minnow on jig head |
| Black Drum | Deep bayou bends, oyster reefs | Nov – Apr | Cut crab, dead shrimp on bottom |
| Sheepshead | Platform legs, pilings | Dec – Apr | Fiddler crab on small hook |
Cocodrie is as close to fishing heaven as you can get without a passport. You wake up in a camp on stilts, walk down to the dock, and you're sitting in the middle of the best inshore fishery in the Gulf. There's no commute, no boat run—the fish are right there.
Offshore Access
Cocodrie's southern position puts the near-shore oil platforms within a 15–20 mile run. These platforms hold Red Snapper from Cocodrie during the open season and provide year-round structure fishing for mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and cobia. Longer runs (30–50 miles) reach the deeper shelf platforms where Yellowfin Tuna and amberjack are available.
Fishing Camps and Lodging
Cocodrie's accommodations revolve around the fishing camp model—elevated structures over the marsh with boat slips, fish-cleaning stations, and basic but comfortable lodging. Several camps accommodate groups of 4–12 anglers. Coco Marina serves as the primary fuel and launch facility. There are no restaurants or grocery stores in Cocodrie—stock up in Houma or Chauvin before making the drive south.
Planning Your Trip
- The drive from Houma to Cocodrie takes about 35 minutes on Highway 56
- Book fishing camps well in advance for fall and spring—peak seasons sell out months ahead
- Bring all provisions including drinking water, ice, and groceries
- A shallow-draft bay boat (18–22 ft) is ideal for the marsh; offshore trips require a center console 24 ft+
- Guides operating from Cocodrie charge $600–$900 for half-day inshore, $1,200+ for offshore
Regulations and licenses at LDWF.