Bayou Manchac in Louisiana

Trip Overview

Launched at the foot of the HWY51 bridge on the southside. Paddled out west under the bridge and south into the waterway alongside I-55. After a very short distance, turned around, headed back north and into Lake Maurepas. Went out a ways to catch some breeze and enjoy some small waves before heading back east.

After crossing back under the bridge, turned south into Galva Canal. Went about a half a mile into it then turned back north to come out into Manchac Pass. Proceeded east about a mile down Manchac Pass before turning back and crossing over to Middendorf's and finally crossing back to the southside.

I have found Manchac to be a great place to Kayak, could be one of the best I have been to so far. A lot to do in a small area. There is a lot of various types of water to explore. You have the whole lake, then numerous waterways and small passes. So you can have the best of both worlds... calm glass inland waterways and rough breezy open lake water. As a bonus, the bridge provides some good shade when you want to take a break from the sun for a bit.

Accommodations:

Middendorf's Restaurant... need I say more?

Outfitting:

Kayaks used... Old Town Vapor 10, Sevylor Tahiti, Pelican Pursuit 100, Sevylor Pointer K1.

Fees:

No

Directions:

From the south just take I-55 to Ruddock, then get off and follow Hwy51 to the foot of the bridge.

Launches:

You will have to launch at Manchac boat launch if the tide is too low. If the tide is not low, it should be easy to hop in a kayak from either foot of the bridge.