Welcome to Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge

ABOUT THE ISLAND

Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge, owned and maintained by the state of Louisiana, is a 230-acre tract of barrier beachfront located on the southwestern tip of Jefferson Parish. It is located directly across Caminada Pass from Grand Isle, LA.

The property, historically known as Goat Island and referred to as Elmer's Island since the 1970s, is well known for the excellent fishing opportunities it has provided over the years for many popular species such as speckled and white trout, flounder, redfish, channel mullet, black drum, croaker, Spanish mackerel and many other species that frequent the State's coastal beaches and passes. It also provides non-consumptive outdoor opportunities to observe wading, shore and seabirds as well as coastal marine life.

Management is provided by LDWF Marine Fisheries Division biologists and technicians stationed on Grand Isle. Additionally, the LDWF Enforcement Division patrols the property to ensure compliance with refuge regulations.

PHOTO GALLERY

VISITING THE ISLAND

Introduction

There is no permit required for Elmer's Island access by anyone 15 years of age or younger. Those wishing to utilize the island for recreational purposes, ages 16 and above, must possess one of the following: a valid Wild Louisiana Stamp, a valid Louisiana fishing license or a valid Louisiana hunting license.

How to Get There

The public can access Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge via an access road connecting La Hwy. 1 to the refuge beach area.

In addition, the department has installed concrete mats that extend for 680 feet beyond the existing roadway onto the beach and measure 16 feet in width with a small turning area located at the end. The mats were installed to provide convenient and safer beach travel.

Boat access to the island is an option for public day-use seven days a week. Those accessing the island via water can do so from 30 minutes before sunrise through 30 minutes after sunset.

Rules & Regulations

LDWF's Enforcement Division will enforce the following regulations, effective Oct. 1, 2009:

• Use of the refuge will be permitted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.  This includes any land access routes to the refuge.  No person or vehicle shall remain on the refuge or any land access routes during the period from 30 minutes after official sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
• No person shall possess any glass bottles, glass drink containers or other glass products.
• No person shall enter onto or be on the grounds of the refuge during a restricted access period; or alternatively shall do so only in accordance with restrictions set forth by the Secretary.
• No person shall commercially fish, conduct any guiding service, hunt, pursue, kill, molest or intentionally disturb any type of wildlife on the refuge, except for the legal recreational harvest of living aquatic resources.
• No person shall be in areas marked as restricted by signs posted by the department.
• No person shall operate any vehicles in a restricted area.  No person shall operate a vehicle in an unsafe or careless manner as to endanger life or property or at any speed in excess of five miles per hour. 

There is no permit required for Elmer's Island access by anyone 15 years of age or younger.  Those wishing to utilize the island for recreational purposes, ages 16 and above, must possess one of the following: a valid Wild Louisiana Stamp, a valid Louisiana fishing license or a valid Louisiana hunting license.

PROTECTING RESOURCES

What can you do to help reduce marine litter?

• Take reusable items and less trash or throw-away containers to the beach.
• At the beach, be sure to recycle what you can and throw the rest of your trash away. Do not leave anything on the beach when you leave.
• Pick up debris that others have left.
• When fishing, take all nets, gear and other materials back onshore.
• If you smoke, take your butts with you, disposing of them in the trash.
• When boating, stow and secure all trash on the vessel.
• Participate in local clean-ups.

PRESS RELEASES

• 09/22/2009 - Volunteer-based Cleanup Effort At Elmer's Island Results In Success
• 09/03/2009 - Elmer's Island Open To Public Over Labor Day Holiday
• 09/01/2009 - L.D.W.F. and Partners host Elmer's Island Trash Bash
• 08/06/2009 - Mats installed improving road access to Elmer's Island
• 07/07/2009 - 4th of July weekend on Elmer's Island proves to be great success
• 07/01/2009 - Elmer's Island Beach Area Accessible from LA 1 on Weekends Starting July 3
• 12/16/2008 - Governor Jindal Declares Portion of Elmer's Island Open for Public Access

CONTACT

For more information, contact Laura Deslatte, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 225-765-2335 or ldeslatte@wlf.la.gov.