Baton Rouge Sports & Outdoors Tips by der_geograf Top 5 Page for this destination

The Mississippi River batture

When the river is not at flood stage (normally during the summer and fall, it is possible to venture down the other side of the levee "the batture" and walk up to the river's edge.

This affords excellent opportunities for just taking a hike, for mountain biking, dirt biking, and for the bravest of souls--fishing.

(Notice the dirt biker in the photo.)

But note even though the river looks peaceful and serene, looks can be REALLY deceiving. It is DEEP (approximately 180+ feet in some pockets), and the currents in it are not to be played with. Since I have lived here, two kids have been pulled under and drowned by the mighty Mississippi. So if you are going to fish, do it from the riverbank!

Equipment: motorbike; mountain bike; old boots (or shoes you don't mind getting muddy); fishing pole and bait

Directions: Anywhere on the river-facing side of the flood protection levees that line the river. Easy access at the Port Allen landing, and beneath the Interstate 10 bridge.

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