The Waterway
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Present day use of Bayou Sara consist mainly of a few commercial and game fishermen, photographers, birdwatchers and boating enthusiasts. Unlike the days of past where Bayou Sara at one time supported the second busiest port on the lower Mississippi only to New Orleans; Bayou Sara today trickles along it banks past only a few homes, farms and a couple business establishments. No longer the stories this bayou has to tell of horsetraders, civil war adventurers, prostitution galore and flooding. As once used
as safe haven from the sometimes torrent and unpredictable Mississippi River, it may be days before a boat sighting on Bayou Sara today can be made. But this is good, no!
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Yes, Bayou Sara is probably the least noticeable attraction St. Francisville exhibits but to the photographer, birdwatcher or naturist it is one of the most important. The quiet serenity of slowly paddling upon a lazy alligator taking the sun in kind, can not be matched. Bayou Sara is exactly the way it should be, untouched, untampered and until now, un-noted. With that thought in mind, I will leave with only a few
reflections on Bayou Sara the Waterway today.
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Bayou Sara flows from the Mississippi State Line in the general area of Lake Rosemound. Fed by small creeks, field runoff and natural springs; Bayou Sara transverses through shallow pools gravel beds, rock and sand bottoms and shores. Once reaching the lower Bayou Sara the waterway widens into the Tunica Swamp with a deeper central channel.
Unpretictablility is the main reason Bayou Sara is so underutilized as a major attraction. At times during the year there is barely water to thirst a cow, while during the spring runoff into May the Bayou and Mississippi River will flood the basin below the St. Francisville ridge. Best time to canoe the upper Bayou Creek is after a good rain, but caution must be alerted as this can be extremely dangerous. The numerous fallen trees make navigation impossible and deadly in a rapidly moving stream. This can not be
alerted enough, please beware to this danger.
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The lower Bayou Sara is ideal for canoeing from the Mississippi River to as far up as water permitting. Side trips into the swamp or hidden creek feeds make exploring wildlife, birding and photography a real treat.
Hiking along the creek is possible along the upper portion of the creek, but remember to respect private property and watch for poisonous snakes and quick sands.
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Fishing from the shoreline or boat is best along the lower Bayou Sara at creek inlets and the mouth along the River. Caution when entering the Mississippi River, be experienced this river can be dangerous.
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Best bet; take a small craft; kayak, canoe, pirogue or flat boat up the mouth of Bayou Sara and enjoy the peacefulness of the entire wildlife bayou scene to yourself and friend.
1996-2006 Feliciana Guide Post.
