UPDATED AUGUST 2024
2024 LOUISIANA
RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS
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CONTENTS
8. DEFINITIONS
10. GENERAL FISHING INFORMATION
12. FRESHWATER FISHING
17. SALTWATER FISHING
25. OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
31. WMA & REFUGE REGULATIONS
37. BOATING SAFETY
40. FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
Contact Information.............................................10
General Regulations.............................................11
Saltwater/Freshwater Line...................................11
General Information.............................................12
Freshwater State Creel & Size Limits....................15
General Information.............................................17
Saltwater State Creel & Size Limits.......................20
Recreational Shrimping........................................25
Recreational Oystering.........................................26
Recreational Crabbing..........................................27
Recreational Crawfishing......................................28
Reptiles & Amphibians........................................29
5. LICENSING INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER
This publication is not an official copy of the laws in effect and should not be utilized or relied upon as such. It does represent an attempt by the publish-
er to present, as a public service, a partial summary of the laws in effect at the time of the printing of this publication. Substantive changes to the law may
very well occur following the printing of this publication. For these reasons, the accuracy of the information contained within this publication cannot be
guaranteed and the reader is cautioned that it is his/her responsibility to apprise himself of the laws in effect at any given time. These laws include those
contained within Revised Statutes, particularly Title 56, the official regulations of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, federal laws and any local
or parish ordinances. Contact your local LDWF Enforcement Agent for specific information.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of
race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility oper-
ated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C. 20240.
This public document was published at a total cost of $29,700. 200,000 copies of this public document were published in the first printing at a cost of $29,700. This
document was published by J.F. Griffin Publishing, 33 Main St, North Adams, MA 01247 for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide regulations
on the 2024 fishing season. This material was printed in accordance with the standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43:31. Printing of
this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. For advertising inquiries call (413) 884-1099.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Commerce strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assist-
ed programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program,
activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior,
Washington D.C. 20240.
SPORTSMEN ARE REMINDED TO:
• Clean out truck beds and refrain from throwing
cigarette butts or other trash out of the car or
watercraft.
• Carry a trash bag in your car or boat.
• Securely cover trash containers to prevent
animals from spreading litter.
LITTER
Call the state’s “Litterbug Hotline” to report any
potential littering violations including dumpsites
and littering in public. Those convicted of littering
face hefty nes and litter abatement work.
(Littering is a violation of L.R.S.30:2531 et seq.)
1888LITRBUG
DON’T
2
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
LDWF MISSION STATEMENT
-
vironment for the users of the resources
MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2024
MARINE FISHERIES
1. During 2024, the use of recreational crab traps will be prohibit-
our website for the most recent information.
2. -
sion limits of swordfish to a minimum of 25 inches Cleithrum to
a 33 pounds dressed weight or 29 inches carcass length. Further
rule changes considered would limit swordfish possession to 1
per person or 4 per vessel on private recreational vessels, 1 per
person or 6 per vessel on charter vessels, and 1 per person or
15 per vessel on head boats from the previous 1 per person or
5 per vessel for all vessels.
3. A rule change added roundscale spearfish with a 66 inch Lower
-
tions as this is a distinct species from white marlin.
4. A rule change to remove the recreational and commercial
1 - June 30 of each year was implemented.
5.
drum has been implemented. New red drum bag limits are 4
New regulations appear in red text throughout the pamphlet.
Please refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing
1.
possess a basic fishing license and saltwater license (if applicable).
inches total length is now prohibited. Charter captains and crew
may not possess a daily limit of red drum while on a for-hire trip,
engage in fishing to demonstrate how to catch red drum.
6. The LWFC is considering a rule to establish a Recreational
vessel and all charter captains on for-hire vessel harvesting salt-
and arrow gear south of the saltwater line.
7. As of July 1, 2022, all escape rings on a crab trap must be no
more than one mesh length from a corner.
been implemented. New spotted seatrout bag limits are 15 fish
length and a 20 inch maximum total length with an allowance
for 2 fish over 20 inches as part of the overall bag limit. There
INLAND FISHERIES
1. During the 2022 legislative session, trapping bream (Lepomis
spp.) for use as bait using traps no larger than 24 inches in
length with throats no larger than one by three inches was
made legal, statewide.
2. During the 2022 legislative session, hand-grabbing (noodling)
3.
name and fishing license number attached directly to the
device.
4.
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES COMMISSION
Brandon DeCuir, chairman
Harlie E. “Gene” Reynolds, vice chairman
Andy Brister
Andrew Blanchard
Wendell Luneau, Jr.
Kevin Sagrera
Nathan Wall
Jeff Landry, Governor
Madison D. Sheahan, Secretary
Tyler M. Bosworth, Chief of Staff, Assistant Secretary of Wildlife
Stephen Clark, Superintendent of Wildlife & Fisheries Law Enforcement
Ryan Montegut, Assistant Secretary of Fisheries
Bryan McClinton, Undersecretary
Scott Longman, Deputy Assistant Secretary
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
P.O. Box 98000 | 2000 Quail Drive | Baton Rouge, LA 70898 | 225-765-2800
DIVISION ADMINISTRATORS
Randy Myers, Wildlife
Patrick Banks, Fisheries
Jason Froeba, Fisheries
For updated information and
the latest regulations
visit us online at
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
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www.wlf.louisiana.gov
LICENSING
Some licenses will be valid for one year from the day of purchase
1 Allows using a pole or hook and line without a reel and without arcial bait or any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets or crab lines
2 Valid to sh from a charter vessel in saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all mes.
3 Sportsman’s Paradise License: Includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreaonal gear licenses
(EXCEPT recreaonal trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).
4 Resident No-Charge Senior Hunt/Fish: For those born prior to June 1, 1940, a Resident No-charge Senior Hunt/Fish License is required. It is for residents only and
is FREE, but is required have in possession when hunng or shing.
5 Senior Fish/Hunt License: Any resident who reached age 60 on June 1, 2000 or later must obtain a Senior Hunt/Fish License to hunt or sh. This license is in lieu
of Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, LA Duck License, Turkey Stamp and WMA Access Permit. It includes all gear.
6 Disabled/Special Needs and Disabled Veterans: See page 7.
7 Recreaonal Oshore Landing Permit (ROLP): See page 6.
8 WMA Access: Either a WMA Access Annual or 5-Day Permit is required for all users of LDWF administered lands, including wildlife management areas, refuges,
and wetlands conservation areas. Persons 17 and under are not required to purchase WMA permits.
9 WMA Camping Permit: A WMA Camping Permit is required for each camping party utilizing a LDWF-operated campground on a WMA. A camping party is defined
as one to five individuals 18 or older. If any camping group is over five individuals 18 or older, then multiple WMA Camping Permits are required. Youths 17 and young-
er are exempt from the WMA Camping Permit requirement. The WMA Camping Permit(s) or camping permit number shall be displayed at each camping party’s
campsite. A campsite is defined as any tent, RV, camper, vehicle or site occupied within a campground or vessel/houseboat moored adjacent to a campground.
10 Student: Applies to a nonresident who is enrolled as a full-me student at an accredited college, university or high school that has a physical campus in Louisiana.
Vericaon of full-me status on the Department form available at www.wlf.la.gov/page/forms. Any person shing under a “student license” must carry valid stu-
dent ID card indicang current full me status while hunng or shing.
Lifetime fishing licenses include both
freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Lifetime licenses are available from
Baton Rouge office only. Allow three
required to have lived in Louisiana for
the immediate 6 months
application to qualify for resident rates.
Mandatory documents required for
6 months and one of the following:
LIFETIME LICENSES
RECREATIONAL FISHING FEES
Resident, Military, &
Student
10
Non-Resident
Non-Resident
Native 10-day
Non-Resident
5-day
Basic Fishing Season (includes all legal recreational freshwater gear) $17.00 $68.00 $17.00 $30.00
Saltwater License (Basic Fishing required; includes all legal recreational saltwater gear) $15.00 $60.00 $15.00 $30.00
Hook and Line
1
$5.00 $5.00
Charter Passenger Saltwater License (3-day)
2
$20.00 $20.00
Charter Passenger Freshwater License (3-day) $10.00 $10.00
LA Sportsman’s Paradise License
3
$100.00 $400.00 $100.00 $120.00
Senior Hunt/Fish (born before June 1, 1940)
4
FREE
Senior Fish/Hunt
(born between June 1, 1940 and May 31, 1962)
5
$5.00
Disabled/Special Needs Hunting/Fish
6
$4.00
Disabled Veterans
6
No cost to customer
Offshore Landing Permit
7
Free
RECREATION ON LDWF ADMINISTERED LANDS
WMA Access Annual Permit (this permit is included in the Sportsman’s Paradise License,
Senior Hunt/Fish License and all lifetime licenses; not required for youths 17 and under)
8
$20.00/year
WMA Access 5-Day Permit (valid for a five-consecutive-day period)
8
$5.00
WMA Camping Permit (required for each camping party of up to five adults camping
together. Youths 17 and under are not required to have a camping permit.)
9
$7.00/day
NOTE: Either a WMA Access Annual or 5-day Permit is required for all users of LDWF administered lands, including wildlife management areas, refuges and
wetlands conservation areas. Persons 17 and under are not required to purchase WMA permits. This permit is not required for access to National Wildlife
Refuges or other Federally managed lands.
LIFETIME LICENSE FEES
Resident Lifeme Hunt/Fish (all ages) $500
Non-Resident Lifeme Hunt/Fish $4,000
Lifeme Resident Senior Hunt/Fish
(65 or older)
$100
1.
2. Louisiana vehicle registration or
3.
stamped by Department of Revenue
and Taxation.
(Applications available at www.wlf.la.gov/
page/forms
17 and under is the following:
• Copy of the birth certificate
•
6
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
LICENSING
RECREATIONAL LICENSES
ABOUT THE LICENSE
• Some licenses are valid for one year from the day of purchase.
• To obtain licenses at resident rates, proof of residency is required.
Valid forms of I.D. include (*NOTE: valid ID must be held for 6
months before buying license):
-
- Louisiana ID card (issued by the Department of Public Safety)
• Recreational Licenses that are purchased at www.wlf.la.gov/
page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits via mobile de-
vice (smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) will not receive a license
in the mail. You can choose to receive an email with the license
attached that can be saved and/or printed.
WHO NEEDS A LICENSE
Anglers 18 years of age or older who take or possess fish in Louisiana waters must possess a fishing license.
WHO DOES NOT NEED A LICENSE
Children under the age of 18 do not need a fishing license (17 and
under).
FISHING IN SALTWATER
Title 56 requires that all recreational anglers fishing south of the
“saltwater line” (see page 11) for saltwater species have in their
basic Louisiana fishing license EXCEPT those persons otherwise ex-
NOTE: Persons fishing and/or possessing saltwater fish in these
areas are required to have a saltwater fishing license in addition
to the basic fishing license. Persons fishing for and/or possessing
freshwater fish in saltwater areas are not required to hold a salt-
water license.
RECREATIONAL OFFSHORE LANDING PERMIT ROLP
captains are required to obtain this permit (free of charge) to pos-
-
pers, dolphinfish, wahoo, cobia and gray triggerfish. Anglers wishing
to obtain or renew a permit must register or login at www.wlf.la.
gov/page/rolp. More details on this program are also available on
this site. Anglers going on a charter trip are not required to have a
• Effective Aug. 1, 2019, a Louisiana Resident who was honor-
ably discharged from the armed forces of the United States or
a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States,
including the National Guard, for the purposes of purchasing a
fishing/hunting license will be considered a bona fide resident of
not licensed to drive, is in possession of a special identification
card issued by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections
under the provisions of R.S. 40:1321
Recreational Fishing and Hunting Licenses and WMA Access and Camping Permits may be purchased online at
LouisianaOutdoors.com. The license can be printed using your home printer for immediate use or saved to a mobile
friendly device. Methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover. A convenience fee is assessed.
Durable, waterproof paper is no longer available. All licenses will be on 8.5 x 11 paper and will be available in the
LA Wallet App (may not be applicable for some permits).
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Untitled-3 1 10/18/23 9:04 AM
7
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
LICENSING
MILITARY RECREATIONAL LICENSES
ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A LICENSE
A valid Recreational Fishing License is required to possess fish in Louisiana
• Bow and arrow
• A barbed or barbless spear
• Frog gig/catcher
• Scuba gear
•
• Cast net with a radius not to exceed
• Crabbing, to include state refuges
or wildlife management areas
(WMAs)
• Crab Traps
1,2
• Trawl
1
•
permit to fish oysters by hand)
• Crawfish Traps (limit of 35)
1
A Basic Fishing License includes crab traps, trawls and/or
oyster tongs. If a person wishes to utilize these gear types in
the defined saltwater area, one must also possess a Saltwater
License.
2
Metal tackle or metal crab traps shall not be used in any of
the public waters north of the Intracoastal Canal in the Cal-
casieu River or in any body of water comprising the Calcasieu
River System north of the Intracoastal Canal, or in the waters
of Vermilion Bay from Cypremort Point one mile offshore to
Blue Point.
• Active-duty members of the United States armed forces, includ-
ing National Guard, are eligible to purchase annual licenses for
the same fee that Louisiana residents pay for annual licenses.
•
may obtain any recreational license at the Louisiana resident rate.
• In order to obtain Louisiana resident rate licenses the active-duty
member of the military, spouse or dependents must present a val-
id active duty military ID card at the time of the license purchase.
• A Louisiana resident or native born retired member of the United
States armed forces, including Louisiana National Guard, is eligible
to purchase a combination license to hunt and fish for $20. (Appli-
cation for this license can be mailed to the Baton Rouge office or
presented to the Baton Rouge office in person).
• A Louisiana resident who is a surviving spouse of a member of the
United States armed forces, including Louisiana National Guard,
-
chase a recreational fishing license for $4. (Application for this
license can be mailed to the Baton Rouge office or presented to
the Baton Rouge office in person).
• Louisiana and Texas residents who hold resident licenses from their
resident state or who are exempted from holding resident licenses in
their state may fish the border waters between Texas and Louisiana
without additional licenses. Boundary waters include:
-
- Toledo Bend Reservoir
- Sabine River
-
- Sabine Pass
• Louisiana residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in Texas
public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) as long as they pos-
sess valid Louisiana resident licenses and comply with Texas law.
• Louisiana residents born prior to June 1, 1940 will now require a
-
ters. It is for residents only and is FREE, but is required have in
• Louisiana residents who are 17 to 64 years of age must purchase
Texas non-resident fishing license(s) when fishing in Texas, except
when fishing in border waters.
• Texas residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in Louisiana
public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) as long as they pos-
sess valid Texas resident license(s) and comply with Louisiana law.
• Texas residents born before Sept. 1, 1930 must possess Texas res-
ident fishing license(s) when fishing in Louisiana, except in the
border waters.
TEXAS/LOUISIANA RECIPROCAL
• A person who is a veteran who has a permanent service-connect-
ed disability classification of 50% or more can be issued recre-
ational basic and saltwater fishing license(s) for free.
• Residents who are blind, paraplegic or multiple amputee must
purchase a recreational fishing license for $4.
• Residents who are totally and permanently disabled and receiving
federal social security disability benefits or disability retirement
income from a retirement system whose members are exempt
from social security pursuant to the Railroad Retirement Insur-
ance Act or employees of the state or a political subdivision of
the state that has not voluntarily agreed to participate in federal
social security may qualify for reduced rate basic and saltwater
fishing licenses. The fee is $4. (This exemption does not apply to
Supplemental Security Income benefits).
DISABILITY LICENSES
• Residents required to use one or more artificial limbs or perma-
nent braces for mobility or a single amputee must purchase a rec-
reational fishing license for $4.
• Mobility impaired persons that are bona fide residents of Louisi-
ana in possession of valid identification, and over 60 years of age,
must purchase the applicable license.
• Applications for these licenses can be mailed to the Baton Rouge
office or presented to the Baton Rouge office in person.
• Application forms are available at www.wlf.la.gov/page/forms.
8
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
DEFINITIONS
1. Angling:
2. Bag Limit/Creel Limit:
3. Bait or Fish Seine:
operated solely on foot and solely by hand, without any mechanical device, pulley or mechanical assistance whatsoever.
4. Bait Species:
5. Bandit Gear:
hydraulic reels. (Use prohibited in state waters)
6. Bona Fide Resident:
A. six months immediately prior to the date on which he/she applies for any license
and who has manifested his/her intent to remain in this state by establishing Louisiana as his/her legal domicile, as demonstrated by compliance
with all of the following, as applicable.
• If registered to vote, he/she is registered to vote in Louisiana.
•
•
•
B.
C. any person who possesses a resident license from any other state shall not qualify for a resident license in Louisiana.
7. Bream Trap:
8. Can:
9. Cast Net:
10. Crab Dropnet:
11. Crab Trap: a cube-shaped, device constructed of wire, no larger than 30 inches on any side, and with either a bait box or materials providing cover or
shelter for peeler crabs. The entrance funnels must extend no further than 7 inches into the inside of the trap, with the openings to the entrance funnels
12. Crawsh Net:
13. Crawsh Trap:
14. Dip Net:
15. Finsh: (noun
or scales.
16. Fish: (noun
17. Fork Length:
18. Freshwater Game Fish:
19. Freshwater Recreaonal Fish:
20. Fyke Net:
21. Game Fish:
A. Freshwater Game Fish: largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), spoed bass (Micropterus punctulatus), shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus),
black and white crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus, P. annularis), white bass (Morone chrysops), yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis), striped bass
(Morone saxalis), hybrid striped bass (striped bass-white bass cross or striped bass-yellow bass cross), and any species of bream (Lepomis sp.).
B. Saltwater Game Fish: any sailsh (Isophorus platypterus), blue marlin (Makaira indica), black marlin (Makaira nigricans), striped marlin (Tetrap-
turus audax), hatchet marlin (Tetrapturus spp.), white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus).
22. Gill Net/Trammel Net/Flag Webbing:
23. Hand Grabbing/Noodling:
24. Hook:
with no more than three barbs.
25. Hoop Net:
support the webbing.
26. Jugs/Floats/Noodles:
27. Landing Net:
28. Lead or Wing Net:
29. Licensee:
and Fisheries (LDWF).
30. Limb Line:
31. Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL):
32. Mesh Size: the full measure of the mesh as found in use when measured as follows:
A. Bar measure-
erwise processed.
B. Stretched measure
33. Maximum Length Limit:
34. Minimum Length Limit (MLL):
35. Monolament:
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
36. Nonresident:See Bona Fide Resident denion).
37. Oyster Tongs:
38. Passive Gear or Device:
39. Possess:
40. Recreaonal Purposes:
41. Reples and Amphibians:
42. Saltwater Fish:
43. Saltwater Game Fish:
44. Saltwater Recreaonal Fish:
45. Shellsh:
46. Slat Trap:
of slats forming the length of the trap, with at least one pair of slats spaced at least 1 inch apart from each other on at least three sides of the
47. Slot Limit (SL):
48. Snagging:
as any movement is felt on the line.
49. Stupefying Substances or Devices:
50. Take:
by any means or device.
51. Test Trawl:
52. Total Length:
53. Transport:
54. Trawl:
Trawls are only allowed to be used in state waters when and where the shrimp season is open.
55. Trigger:
56. Turtle Trap:
57. Venng Tool:
58. Wing Net:
59. Wire Net:
60. Yo-Yo:
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In an eort to increase easy access to shing, LDWF
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rainbow trout in community ponds throughout the state.
For Get Out & Fish! locations and stocking information visit:
www.wlf.la.gov/gof or email us at GOF@wlf.la.gov
LDWFGetOutandFish
9
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
Find us on Social Media
10
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
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Lacombe
Natchitoches
Baton Rouge 225-765-2999
Lafayette 337-262-2080
Lake Charles 337-491-2580
Minden 318-371-3049
Have a specic question that you don’t see answered here?
Call an Enforcement Oce to speak with someone directly.
FRESHWATER OFFICES
318-371-3050
318-343-4044
318-487-5885
337-491-2219
337-262-2080
225-765-2337
985-882-5228
318-357-3214
SALTWATER OFFICES
985-882-0027
985-787-2163
504-284-2030
985-594-4139
337-262-2080
337-491-2579
Lacombe
Grand Isle
New Orleans
Bourg
Lafayette
Lake Charles
LDWF FISHERIES CONTACT INFORMATION
LICENSING / BOAT REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
225-765-2887 or 225-765-2898
For specific information on boat registration, please visit
www.wlf.la.gov/boat-registration-boat-and-motor-titles
LDWF ENFORCEMENT OFFICES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Free Fishing Weekend
JUNE 8-9
Enjoy a weekend of shing in Louisiana without
having to purchase a license. Visit www.wlf.la.gov
for special events and more information
Monroe 318-343-2417
New Orleans 504-284-2023
Pineville 318-487-5634
Thibodaux 985-447-0821
11
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FRESHWATER & SALTWATER ANGLERS
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
marine forecasts.
catch help us sustain the fisheries for present and future generations.
SALE OF RECREATIONAL FISH PROHIBITED
All aquatic species caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes.
It is illegal to buy, sell or trade any game fish.
BEST FISHING PRACTICES
For detailed information about best fishing practices, please visit
www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices. Information includes:
• Special tools or equipment requirements for certain species
• Appropriate gear needed for fishing
• Proper fish handling techniques
• How to measure a fish diagram
• Signs of barotrauma in fish and how to reverse it
Shreveport:www.weather.gov/shv
Lake Charles: 337-439-0000 or www.weather.gov/lch
New Orleans: 504-522-7330 or www.weather.gov/lix
SALTWATER FRESHWATER LINE
The saltwater-freshwater line in Louisiana
extends easterly from the Texas state line
all the way to the Mississippi state line. The
areas north of this saltwater-freshwater line
are deemed freshwater. The areas south of
the described line, including a number of
considered saltwater. Although the actual
fauna found on either side of the line dif-
the saltwater-freshwater line can be found
-
see
page 10).
NOTE: Persons shing and/or possessing
saltwater sh in these areas are required to
have a saltwater shing license in addion
to the basic shing license. Persons shing
for and/or possessing freshwater sh in
saltwater areas are not required to hold a
saltwater license.
LOUISIANA SALTWATER LINE DEFINITION
Barataria to the Harvey Canal, the Harvey Canal to the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River to the Industrial Canal, the Industrial Canal to
Catherine, Chef Menteur Pass (except that 7/10 of a mile section from Bayou Sauvage south to the Intracoastal Waterway), the Rigolets,
Mexico, shall be designated as saltwater areas.
GENERAL INFORMATION
12
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
FRESHWATER FISHING IN LOUISIANA
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
All anglers fishing in freshwater must possess a valid Basic Recreational Fishing License.
A Basic Recreational Fishing License is also required to use the following gear:
• Bow and arrow
• Barbed or barbless spear
• Frog gig/catcher
All applicable licenses must be in possession of the fisherman.
FRESHWATER SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST
-
• Louisiana Pearlshell Mussel (Margaritifera hembeli)
• Inflated Heelsplitter Mussel (Potamilus inflatus)
• Potamilus capax)
• Lampsilis abrupta)
PROHIBITED FRESHWATER SPECIES
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess, sell, or transport any of the following species of fish into Louisiana without first
obtaining the written permission of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
• All species of tilapia
•
• Freshwater electric eel
• Rudd
•
possessed alive.
No person shall have in possession or sell in this state a piranha, Rio Grande cichlid or apple snail. If an angler catches a Rio Grande cichlid
AQUATIC PLANTS
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess, import, or transport any of the following species of aquatic plants into Louisiana
without first obtaining the written permission of the secretary of LDWF.
No fish of any species from outside of the state of Louisiana shall be liberated within the state
except upon written permission of the Secretary of LDWF.
POSSESSION LIMIT
No recreational anglers can have in their possession more than twice the daily bag limit of any species of freshwater fish. Exceptions to this
rule include: anglers at Toledo Bend Reservoir may have in their possession up to 100 crappie.
All freshwater game fish caught in any type of recreational or commercial net or trap must be returned immediately to the water from which
larger than 1 inch by 3 inches. See tips for safely releasing fish at www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices.
No person shall possess filleted fish while aboard a vessel in freshwater. However, for the purpose of consumption, a person shall have no
DAILY BAG LIMIT
Recreational anglers must not exceed the daily bag limit for any species while on the water.
FRESHWATER FISHING
• Rabbitsfoot Mussel (Theliderma cylindrica)
• Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
• Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)
• Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)
• Scuba gear
•
•
• African Elodea
•
• Asian Marshweed
• Australian Pine
•
•
•
• Elodea
• Eurasian Watermilfoil
•
•
•
• Hydrilla
• Indian Swampweed
•
• Marine Naiad and
Slender Naiad
• Paragrass
• Purple Loosestrife
• Roundleaf Toothcup
• Salvinia species
• Torpedograss
• Water Chestnut
• Water Clovers
• Water Hyacinth
•
•
• Water Spinach
•
• Hoop nets (limit of five)
• Slat traps (limit of five)
• Wire nets (limit of five)
• Minnow/bream traps
• Hand-grabbing
13
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
FRESHWATER FISHING
METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING FRESHWATER FISH
LEGAL METHODS OF TAKE
•
• Bow and arrow
• Yo-yos or trigger devices
• Recreational slat traps
•
hexagon of 3/4 by 11/16 of 1 inch from wire to wire not including
any coating on the wire).
•
submerged in water when sport fishing)
•
ILLEGAL METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING ALL FISH
It is unlawful to possess any of the prohibited instruments, weapons,
• Poisons
• Spears (see garfish, silver carp and bighead carp exception listed
in “Gear Restrictions by Species” section)
• Stupefying substances or devices
• Explosives
• Guns
GEAR RESTRICTIONS BY SPECIES
FRESHWATER GAME FISH
Game fish are defined as largemouth bass, spotted bass, shadow
bass, yellow bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass,
LEGAL
• Bream (Lepomis spp-
poses (non-commercial bait) using a trap not exceeding 24 inches
in length and having a throat no larger than 1 inch by 3 inches.
NOT LEGAL
•
prohibited.
• Bow and arrow
• Possession of game fish with nets or traps including recreational
-
ing those licensed for recreational purposes.
CATFISH
LEGAL
• Snagging devices
• Hand-grabbing (noodling)
PADDLEFISH (commonly called “spoonbill catfish,” but are not catfish)
NOT LEGAL - snagging devices
GARFISH
LEGAL
• Spears
• Bows and arrows
LEGAL BAIT SPECIES
Including minnows, crawfish and shrimp (does not include game fish)
LEGAL
• Cast nets
• Minnow traps
• Recreational trawls
• Dip nets (net must be on a fixed frame no larger than 3 feet in
-
son, without any mechanical assistance)
•
solely on foot and by hand, without any pulley, mechanical device
or assistance whatsoever)
SILVER CARP & BIGHEAD CARP
LEGAL
• Boats
• Dip nets
• Spears
• Snagging
RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS BY METHOD
HOOP NETS, WIRE NETS AND SLAT TRAPS
•
on a waterproof tag attached directly to the device
YOYOS, TRIGGER DEVICES, TROTLINES, LIMB LINES, JUG
LINES AND ALL PASSIVE DEVICES CONTAINING A HOOK OR
HOOKS
• No more than 50 yo-yos, trigger devices, limb lines, or floating
•
trotlines, combined.
• Any instrument or device capable of producing electric current to
• Snagging devices (see catfish, silver carp, and big head carp
exceptions listed below)
You may not use any aircraft including fixed-wing, dirigibles, bal-
loons, helicopters, or any other form of aerial surveillance to assist
• Recreational hoop nets
1
• Recreational wire nets
1
• Hand-grabbing (noodling)
2
• Bream traps
3
1
Allowed only in the geographical areas of the state designated as
Freshwater (see map and definition on page 11).
2
Allowed for catfish
3
Must be no longer that 24 inches with a throat no greater than 1
by 3 inches
•
telephone number, and fishing license number of the owner or
user. Information must be attached with a waterproof tag or writ-
•
fish and any other animal caught, entangled, ensnared or
• Except for those devices that are attached to a privately owned
waterbody immediately by the owner or user when not in use.
With the exception of bream caught in a legal bream trap not exceeding 24 inches in length and having a throat no larger than 1 inch by 3 inches.
14
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
FRESHWATER FISHING
RESTRICTIONS BY LOCATION
Some Louisiana waterbodies have specific gear restrictions and are listed below.
TROTLINES AND YOYOS
Black Lake, Clear Lake and Prairie Lake (Natchitoches
Parish), Caddo Lake (Caddo Parish), Chicot Lake
(Evangeline Parish), D’Arbonne Lake (Union Parish), Lake
St. Joseph (Tensas Parish), and Lake Bruin, including the
poron known as Brushy Lake (Tensas Parish)
shall be used to anchor a yo-yo or trigger device.
Poverty Point Lake and Bussey Brake Reservoir No trotlines or yo-yos.
NETS
Anacoco Lake, Lake Vernon and the poron of Anacoco
Bayou between the lakes, Lake Bartholomew, Lake
Bisneau, Bundick Lake, Caney Creek Reservoir, Cross
Lake, and Chicot Lake
Caddo Lake, Lake Claiborne, Lake Concordia, and
D’Arbonne Lake
Bogue Chio River
•
state in northern Washington Parish to where it enters the Pearl River in St.
Tammany Parish.
•
Lake Charles, Moss Lake, and Prien Lake
or trammel nets.
Cypress Lake and Black Bayou Reservoir
•
•
Fool River
Lacassine Bayou
Nantachie Lake, Poverty Point Reservoir and Bussey
Brake Reservoir
No nets allowed.
Tchefuncte River
No seines, nets or webbing in this river or its tributaries, from its origin in Washington
Toledo Bend Reservoir
TRAPS
Poverty Point Lake No slat traps.
Tchefuncte River
No traps in this river or its tributaries, from its origin in Washington Parish to where it
•
be removed from the waterbody along with the passive devices by
the user.
•
shall be larger than 2 inches by 2 inches or two inches in diameter.
•
a stump, tree, or the shoreline shall be used to anchor a passive
-
attached to the bottom.
• All trotlines shall have a cotton leader on each end of the trotline.
DIVERS
LEGAL
•
water
NOT LEGAL
• -
hibited.
MOBILITY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
Mobility impaired persons that are bona fide residents of
Louisiana in possession of valid identification, and over 60 years
of age, must purchase the applicable license.
15
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
FRESHWATER FISHING
FRESHWATER GAME FISH
BLACK BASS Largemouth & Spotted
1
Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 10 daily
Eagle Lake 16” MLL 10 daily
Poverty Point Reservoir
15-19” protected SL
2
8 daily
No more than one over 19” total length
False River (Pointe Coupee Parish) 14” MLL 5 daily
John K. Kelly-Grand Bayou Reservoir (Red River Parish)
14-17” protected SL
2
8 daily
No more than four over 17” total length
Caddo Lake
14-18” protected SL
2
for Largemouth
Bass
No length restriction for Spotted Bass
8 daily
No more than four Largemouth Bass over
18” total length
Toledo Bend Reservoir and the Sabine River
3
above Toledo
Bend
14” MLL for Largemouth Bass
No MLL for Spotted Bass
8 daily in combination or aggregate
Sabine River from Toledo Bend dam to I-10
12” MLL for Largemouth Bass
No MLL for Spotted Bass
8 daily in combination or aggregate
Sabine River south of I-10 (Louisiana waters only) Statewide regulations apply 10 daily
Bussey Brake
16” maximum total length limit, EXCEPT
one fish over 16 inches may be kept
5 daily, in the aggregate
5 fish while on water and 10 fish while off
water possession limit, in the aggregate
1
NOTE: For enforcement purposes, a spotted bass is defined as a black bass with a tooth patch on the tongue.
2
Fish falling within a protected slot limit must be immediately released.
3
Sabine River upstream from Toledo Bend Reservoir to the point at which the entire river enters TX (state line is marked with a sign).
4
Anglers may have up to three times the daily bag limit of black bass (Micropterus spp.) below U.S. Highway 90 in coastal Louisiana providing the fish are kept whole or whole
gutted in separate bags for each daily take limit. The bags must be marked with the date fish were taken, the species and number of fish contained in the bag, and the name
and recreational fishing license number of the person taking the fish.
Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass
FRESHWATER STATE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS
MLL - Minimum Length Limit SL - Slot Limit
Possession Limit is TWICE the daily creel limit unless otherwise stated.
4
FRESHWATER GAME FISH
Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
STRIPED OR HYBRID STRIPED BASS (or any combination thereof)
All state waters None
5 daily
No more than two over 30” total length
WHITE BASS
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 50 daily
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo Bend
Reservoir
None 25 daily
CRAPPIE
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 50 daily; 100 fish possession limit
Poverty Point, Caddo Lake and Sabine River None 25 daily; 50 fish possession limit
Toledo Bend Reservoir None 25 daily; 100 fish possession limit
Eagle Lake (Madison Parish) 11” MLL 30 daily; 30 fish possession limit
Bussey Brake 10” MLL
25 daily, in the aggregate
25 fish while on water and 50 fish while off water
possession limit, in the aggregate
D’Arbonne Lake
50 daily, in the aggregate, of which no more than 7
may exceed 12” in length;
50 fish while on water and 100 fish while off water
possession limit, in the aggregate
Striped Bass
White Bass
White Crappie
Black Crappie
16
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
FRESHWATER GAME FISH CONTINUED
Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
SUNFISH (Bream)
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None None
Bussey Brake None
50 daily, in the aggregate
50 fish while on the water and 100 fish while off
the water possession limit, in the aggregate
YELLOW BASS
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 50 daily
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo
Bend Reservoir
None No limit
FRESHWATER NONGAME FISH
Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
BOWFIN (Choupique)
All state waters 16” MLL No limit
BUFFALO FISH (or their hybrids)
All state waters 16” MLL 25 daily
CATFISH
All state waters EXCEPT as follows:
Blue Catfish: 12” MLL
100 daily in the aggregate. A fisherman may
possess up to 25 undersized catfish of the
three species combined.
Channel Catfish: 11” MLL
Flathead Catfish: 14” MLL
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo
Bend Reservoir
Blue & Channel Catfish: None
50 daily in the aggregate No more than five
over 30” total length
Flathead Catfish: 18” MLL 10 daily
FRESHWATER DRUM (Gaspergou)
All state waters 12” MLL 25 daily
PADDLEFISH
Statewide 30” max lower jaw fork length
2 daily (fish cannot be retained alive & cannot
be harvested by snagging methods)
Boundary waters with Texas and
below the saltwater line
no legal harvest or possession
SHAD
All state waters None 50 pounds daily
STURGEON
All state waters N/A No legal harvest or possession
OTHER FRESHWATER FISH
Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
All state waters None No limit
CRAWFISH
All state waters None 150 pounds daily
FRESHWATER FISHING
Yellow Bass
Smallmouth Buffalo
Bigmouth Buffalo
Paddlesh
Gizzard Shad
Sturgeon
Freshwater Drum
Blue Catsh
Channel Catsh
Flathead Catsh
Spotted Gar
Redear Sunsh
Bluegill
Bown
Yellow Bullhead
17
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
SALTWATER FISHING
SALTWATER FISHING IN LOUISIANA
STATE AND FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
STATE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Fishing License
2. Saltwater Fishing License
3. A Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP), free of charge,
is required of all anglers to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish,
cobia and gray triggerfish, EXCEPT those anglers on a paid for-
hire trip where the captain possesses a valid Charter Recreational
•
the LDWF website at www.wlf.la.gov/page/rolp.
All applicable licenses must be in possession of the fisherman.
FEDERAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) manages the Atlantic
of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
1. An Atlantic HMS Angling Permit is required for vessels fishing for
or renewal permit in one of several ways. The permit fee is $20.
• To apply for an initial or renewal permit online visit the NMFS
Permit Shop at hmspermits.noaa.gov.
• -
ed from the NMFS Permit Shop or mailed by calling the
• Renew permits by calling the automated voice response
of issuance through Dec. 31, 2024.
• -
hmspermits.noaa.gov for
more details.
2. An Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat Permit is required for all
charter or headboat fishing for and/or retaining regulated
Atlantic HMS in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The per-
mit fee is $20. HMS Charter/Headboat Permit will be valid from
the date of issuance through Dec. 31, 2024.
Information about obtaining HMS permits and regulations are
available at hmspermits.noaa.gov
SALTWATER SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST
• All Whales
• Dolphin (mammal)
• Goliath Grouper
• Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser
oxyrinchus desotoi)
• Largetooth Sawfish
• Nassau Grouper
• Sea Turtles
• Smalltooth Sawfish
• West Indian Manatee
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED AND PROHIBITED SPECIES
released immediately unharmed. For information on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SHARKS
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The National Marine Fisheries Service has a Memorandum of Agreement with the
National Weather Service to broadcast unanticipated and time-critical fishery regula-
tory actions where there is minimal opportunity for advance public notice. These
broadcasts are issued for four or five days, 24 hours a day, by selected NWR coastal
• 162.400
• 162.525
• 162.550
• 162.425
• 162.450
• 162.475
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FISHING IN GULF OF MEXICO FEDERAL WATERS
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council manages federal
waters from where the Louisiana gulfward boundary ends and
extends 200 miles seaward into the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana recre-
ational and commercial anglers fishing beyond the 3 nautical-mile
Louisiana gulfward boundary are in federal waters.
*NOTE: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a
resolution to clarify the effects of the extension of the state water
boundary from three to nine nautical miles for reef fish manage-
ment purposes, as established by the 2016 Consolidated
Appropriations Act. The resolution clearly states that fishing gear
used by the reef fish fishermen in the commercial and recreational
sectors will not change within these new boundary waters. The fish-
ermen of Louisiana will have the benefit of Louisiana’s reef fish
management to 9 nautical miles, but there will be no change to the
method of take or gear restrictions. Please also note that red drum
are not considered reef fish; therefore, there is no change to regula-
tions impacting this species.
LDWF reminds charter fishermen with federal reef fish permits that
they are only allowed to fish these new boundary waters when the
federal recreational reef fish season is open. Federal reef fish permit
regulations restrict the permit holder to the most restrictive season.
Federal fishing regulations are not always the same as state fishing
gulfcouncil@gulfcouncil.org. Visit www.gulfcouncil.org for informa-
tion about federal fishing regulations, measurement guidelines,
18
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
SALTWATER FISHING
RECREATIONAL SALTWATER TOURNAMENT OPERATORS
Federal regulations require any person conducting a fishing tourna-
ment in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico involving the catch
and/or landing of any HMS regulated species to register with the
HMS Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service
Registration Form and more information is available on the NMFS
website at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/tournaments/
registration.html.
To register a tournament, an Atlantic HMS Tournament Registration
Form must be completed, signed, and sent to the Atlantic HMS
Management Division by mail or fax.
Mailing Address:
HMS Tournament Registration
National Marine Fisheries Service
263 13th Avenue S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tournament Confirmation Number will be produced and provided
to the tournament operator.
NOTE: Registration is not complete unless the tournament operator
has received a confirmation number from the HMS Management
hmspermits.noaa.gov.
LEGAL METHODS
•
• Trolling Line
• Handline
• Bait Casting
• Yo-yos or Trigger Devices
• Bow and Arrow
• Dip Nets
• Fly Casting Apparatus
•
coating on the wire)
•
•
METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING SALTWATER FISH
EXCEPTIONS TO METHODS OF TAKE BY SPECIES
game fish species by this method is prohibited.
RED DRUM
LEGAL
• Bow and Arrow
•
SALTWATER RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS BY METHOD
SKIN DIVERS
MOBILITY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
Mobility impaired persons that are bona fide residents of Louisiana in possession of valid identification, and over 60 years of age, must
purchase the applicable license.
19
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
SALTWATER FISHING
ILLEGAL METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING ALL FISH
It is unlawful to possess any of the prohibited instruments, weapons,
• Gill Nets (freshwater and saltwater)
• Spears
• Poisons
• Stupefying Substances or Devices
• Explosives
• Guns
• Tree-topping Devices
LEGAL BAIT SPECIES
INCLUDING MINNOWS, CRAWFISH AND SHRIMP (not
including game fish)
LEGAL
• Cast nets
• Minnow traps
• Dip Nets(net must be on a fixed frame no larger than 3 feet in
-
son, without any mechanical assistance)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BRINGING YOUR SALTWATER CATCH TO SHORE
All saltwater finfish in the possession of a recreational angler must
have the head and caudal fin intact until set on shore. Garfish may
have the head and caudal fin removed prior to the fish being on
fish remains on the fish.
EXCEPTION:
if the carcass length is in excess of the minimum total length. For
more information on Lengths, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-
fishing-practices.
Fillets may not be possessed on the water, except for the purpose
of consumption at sea aboard the harvesting vessel. An individual
must not have more than 2 pounds of finfish parts per person in
state waters, or more than 1.5 pounds of finfish parts per person in
federal waters, on board the vessel, provided that the vessel is
-
cable bag limits. These provisions do not apply to bait species.
Saltwater finfish caught or transported by a recreational fisherman
are presumed to have been caught in Louisiana waters, for license
requirements.
All regulations regarding these species apply whether caught in
freshwater or saltwater areas.
FILLETS EXCEPTION:
A fisherman who holds and is in possession of a valid recreational
-
tion use of a boat launch located south of U.S. Hwy 90 and that the
fisherman has been actively on the water or at a remote camp that
can be accessed only by water for two days or more may possess up
to the possession limit of filleted red drum, spotted seatrout, and
-
ing on the fillet to allow for identification of the species and shall be
segregated by species into plastic bags or plastic containers that are
The spotted seatrout fillets shall be no less than 10 inches in length
and the red drum fillets shall be no less than 14 inches in length.
However, no fisherman shall be actively fishing or engaged in fishing
Louisiana state waters extend 9 nautical miles (10.357 statute miles or
3 marine leagues) seaward from the nearest land, but in some cases
from that point out to 200 miles from the coast.
Recreational anglers onboard a vessel to fish for or possess Gulf reef
required gear as specified below. These devices are required
because they reduce mortality on released fish. For more
information on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-
fishing-practices.
NONSTAINLESS STEEL CIRCLE HOOKS
-
ural baits for reef fish.
DEHOOKING DEVICE
the barb shielded without reengaging during the removal process.
styles used in the Gulf reef fishery.
DESCENDING DEVICE OR VENTING TOOL
A descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use,
This requirement is effective until Jan. 14, 2026.
REQUIRED ONBOARD GEAR FOR FISHING IN GULF OF MEXICO FEDERAL WATERS
• Any instrument or device capable of producing electric current to
• Snagging Devices
You may not use any aircraft including fixed-wing, dirigibles, bal-
loons, helicopters, or any other form of aerial surveillance to assist
•
on foot and by hand, without any pulley, mechanical device or
assistance whatsoever)
• Recreational Trawls, only allowed in state waters when and where
shrimp season is open (see Recreational Shrimping on page 25).
20
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
SALTWATER FISHING
COMMON COASTAL SPECIES
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
COBIA
14
(Ling or Lemonsh)
36” min fork length
1 daily per person
No more than 2 per vessel
DRUM
16” min total length
27” max total length
BLACK DRUM:
5 daily per person - bag and possession
No more than one over 27” max total length
18” min total length
27” max total length
RED DRUM Redfish
1
:
4 daily per person - bag
None over 27” max total length
Retention by captain and crew on charter or head boats while on a for-
hire trip is prohibited
SOUTHERN FLOUNDER
No Size Limit
10 daily per person
No possession allowed from Oct. 15 - Nov. 30
MACKEREL
KING MACKEREL
3
:
24” min fork length
3 daily per person
SPANISH MACKEREL
3
:
12” min fork length
15 daily per person
STRIPED MULLET
No Size Limit 100 lbs. daily
SPOTTED SEATROUT
4
(Speckled Trout)
13” min total length
20” max total length
15 daily per person with no more than 2 over 20” max total length
4
Retention by captain and crew on charter or head boats while on a for
hire trip is prohibited
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
5
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
MARLIN
14
BLUE MARLIN:
99” min lower jaw fork length
No Bag or Possession Limit
WHITE MARLIN:
66” min lower jaw fork length
ROUNDSCALE SPEARFISH:
66” lower jaw fork length
SAILFISH
14
63” min lower jaw fork length No Bag or Possession Limit
Red Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Striped Mullet
Southern
Flounder
Spanish Mackerel
King Mackerel
SALTWATER STATE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS
Spotted Seatrout
Unless otherwise established, there are no size limits on species not listed and unless otherwise noted,
possession limits for saltwater fish are the same as the daily bag limit.
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
Sailsh
21
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
SALTWATER FISHING
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
5
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
SHARK
6
ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE & BONNETHEAD SHARK
6
:
None
1 daily per person - possession
SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK
6
:
Males: 71” min fork length
Females: 83” min fork length
1 in aggregate per vessel per trip - possession. No
silky or sandbar sharks. No prohibited species. (See
complete list of Prohibited Sharks on page 23)
OTHER SHARKS
(EXCEPT Prohibited silky and sandbar)
6
:
54” min fork length
SWORDFISH
7,14
47“ Lower Jaw Fork Length (LJFL) or
25” Cleithrum to Caudal Keel (CK)
1 per person
No more than 4 per vessel trip
TUNA
8,14
BLUEFIN TUNA
8
:
73” min curved fork length
1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit
as incidental catch during the open season
BIGEYE TUNA
8
:
27” min curved fork length
No Bag or Possession Limit
YELLOWFIN TUNA
8
:
27” min curved fork length
3 daily per person
REEF FISH
3
*NOTE:
- Species within the 20 fish aggregate bag limit are Vermilion Snapper, Lane Snapper, Almaco Jack, Gray Triggerfish, Tilefish, Goldface Tilefish,
and Blueline Tilefish.
- Species within the 10 fish aggregate bag limit are all snappers (Gray, Mutton, Yellowtail, Cubera, Queen, Blackfin, Silk and Wenchman) except
Red, Vermilion and Lane.
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
GROUPER
9,10,14
BLACK & GAG
9
: 24” min total length
4 daily in aggregate
No more than 1 speckled hind and 1 Warsaw grouper
per vessel, not more than 2 red grouper per person,
and not more than 2 gag per person included in the
bag limit
RED & YELLOWFIN
9
: 20” min total length
SCAMP
9
: 16” min total length
GOLIATH & NASSAU: Take Prohibited Take/Possession Prohibited
SNAPPER
14
RED
10,11
: 16” min total length 2 daily per person
10 & 11
MUTTON: 18” min total length
10 daily per person in aggregate with no more than 5
mutton snapper
3
*
QUEEN, BLACKFIN, SILK & WENCHMAN: None
CUBERA, GRAY mangrove & YELLOWTAIL: 12” min
total length
LANE: 8” min total length
20 daily per person in aggregate, with no more than 1
gray triggerfish and not more than 10 vermilion
snapper per person included in the bag limit
3
*
VERMILION: 10” min total length
Swordsh
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Bluen Tuna
Bigeye Tuna
Yellown Tuna
Gag Grouper
Red Snapper
Gray Snapper
Lane Snapper
Blacktip Shark
Shortn Mako Shark
22
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
REEF FISH AND OTHER
3
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
ALMACO JACK
No Size Limit 20 daily per person in aggregate*
GRAY TRIGGERFISH
12
15” min fork length
1 daily per person in aggregate
3
*
TILEFISH (Goldface & Blueline)
No Size Limit 20 daily per person in aggregate*
AMBERJACK
13
GREATER
10,13
: 34” min fork length 1 daily per person
3
LESSER & BANDED RUDDERFISH
13
:
14-22” fork length slot limit
5 daily per person in aggregate
HOGFISH
14” min fork length 5 daily per person
TRIPLETAIL
18” min total length 5 daily per person
SALTWATER FISHING
Almaco Jack
Gray Triggersh
Greater Amberjack
Hogsh
Blueline Tilesh
Tripletail
Images by Duane Raver
EXPLANATION OF SALTWATER CREEL & SIZE LIMITS
1
RED DRUM REDFISH AND SPOTTED SEATROUT SPECKLED TROUT
limit in any one day or while fishing or while on the water, unless that recreational saltwater angler is aboard a trawler engaged in commer-
-
man holds and is in possession of a valid recreational fishing license and can show a landing receipt from a public boat launch located south
of U.S. Hwy 90 that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that the fisherman has been actively on the water or at a remote
2
OFFWATER BAG LIMIT
EXCEPT as mentioned above in relation to south of
U.S. Hwy 90.
3
CHARTER VESSELS & HEADBOATS
Two-day limit allowed in possession only on charter vessels and headboats on multi day trips, if the vessels have two licensed operators, as
required by the U.S. Coast Guard for trips more than 12 hours, and if each angler has in possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel
verifying the length of the trip.
23
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
SALTWATER FISHING
5
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
An HMS Permit is required for all owners/operators of vessels
recreationally fish for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly
Migratory Species (HMS) species (tunas, billfishes, swordfish and
issuance through Dec. 31, 2024. The permit fee is $20.. NOTE: This
permit requires the reporting of all recreationally caught swordfish,
billfish, and bluefin tuna within 24 hours of landing that species,
please see hmspermits.noaa.gov/catchReports for more details.
An Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat Permit is required for all char-
ter or headboat fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic HMS
in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The HMS Charter/Headboat
Permit will be valid from the date of issuance through Dec. 31, 2024.
The permit fee is $20.
For information about contact the National Marine Fisheries Service
visit the NMFS Permit Shop at hmspermits.noaa.gov. For complete
HMS regulations, contact the HMS Management Division at 301-
713-2347 or visit the website at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/
atlantic-highly-migratory-species. See page 17 for a complete listing
of Highly Migratory Species contact information.
6
SHARKS
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
rules-and-regulations.
SMALL COASTAL SHARKS
-
LARGE COASTAL SHARKS
-
-
*NOTE:
PELAGIC SHARKS
NOTE:
in excess of the bag limits listed under Highly Migratory Species on
page 20). The practice of “fin-
ning,” that is, removing only the fins and returning the remainder of
waters. Notwithstanding other provisions of this part, a person may
Carcharodon carcharias) with
rod and reel only under a catch-and-release program, provided the
person releases and returns such fish to the sea immediately with a
tips on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.
la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices).
PROHIBITED SHARKS
be retained under a recreational bag limit.
Captain and crew may engage in fishing to demonstrate fishing for clients, but may not harvest any spotted seatrout or red drum.
4
SPOTTED SEATROUT SPECKLED TROUT AND RED DRUM REDFISH
7
SWORDFISH
Recreational fishing vessels shall not possess more than one per person with a limit of four
under a recreational bag limit shall not be sold, purchased, exchanged, bartered, or attempted to be sold, purchased, exchanged or bartered.
No person aboard any vessel shall transfer or cause the transfer of swordfish between vessels on state or federal waters. All recreationally
harvested swordfish must be reported, see hmspermits.noaa.gov/catchReports or call (800) 894-5528.
24
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
SALTWATER FISHING
Anglers fishing for tunas within or outside Louisiana state waters are
regulations regarding the recreational harvest of tunas change
often, especially for bluefin tuna. Prior to angling for or harvest of
tuna, be aware of the most current federal regulations for fishing or
hmspermits.noaa.gov/library and announcements of changes may
be accessed via the web at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/rules-and-
announcements/notices-and-rules.
Permanent Louisiana regulations on tuna harvest may be superseded
by seasonal changes within the federal regulatory system. See the
following websites (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/species/tunas/
index.html and www.fisheries.noaa.gov/rules-and-announcements/
notices-and-rules) for current federal regulations. State requirements
refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/
fishing/saltwater-seasons-limits and www.wlf.la.gov/regulations.
BLUEFIN TUNA
All bluefin tuna must be reported within 24 hours of landing to
hmspermits.noaa.gov. For
further information about angling category permits call the NMFS
and regulations for bluefin tuna can change often, be aware of the
most current bluefin tuna regulations and federal seasons by visit-
ing hmspermits.noaa.gov.
8
TUNA
10
CHARTER CAPTAIN & CREW
11
RED SNAPPER
Regulations for the recreational harvest of red snapper in Louisiana state waters may change frequently. For current red snapper seasons,
www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing.
9
GROUPER
There is a closed season for the recreational harvest of gag from Jan. 1 through May 31 of each year. A closed season for the recreational
sea-ward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) curve.
www.gulfcouncil.org under
“Fishing Regulations.”
12
GRAY TRIGGERFISH
There is a closed season for the recreational harvest of gray triggerfish from Jan. 1 through the end of February and from June 1 - July 31
annually.
13
AMBERJACK
www.wlf.la.gov/news?cat=18sero.nmfs.
noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2018/021/index.html.
14
RECREATIONAL OFFSHORE LANDING PERMIT ROLP
renew a permit must register or login at www.wlf.la.gov/page/rolp rolp.wlf.la.gov. More details on this program are also available on this site.
see pages 6 & 17 for details).
25
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
OTHER SEASONS
in state waters during the closed shrimp season. Shrimp seasons are
flexible and are determined by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
Commission based upon biological and technical data relative to
shrimp populations as well as public input. The spring inshore sea-
son usually begins in early to mid-May, and may extend into July.
The fall inshore season usually begins near mid-August and typically
territorial waters is generally open year round EXCEPT for a closed
season in portions of state outside waters, which may be set during
the late winter to early spring months, usually beginning in
December or January and extending into March or May. The shrimp
NOTE: Restricted areas exist within WMAs, refuges and other areas
and may be closed to certain gear types or methods of fishing.
section of this pamphlet.
SEASONS
RECREATIONAL SHRIMPING
HARVEST AREAS
inside and outside waters. The “shrimp line” separates these waters.
It generally follows the coastline from the Louisiana/Texas state line
to the Louisiana/Mississippi state line. Inside waters (landward of the
three nautical miles) are the territorial seas. Inside waters are further
found in LAC 76:370 or at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/shrimp-line.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (Commission) may
amend the shrimp line due to environmental changes. See the latest
coordinates at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/shrimp-line.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the
Commission, and the Louisiana Legislature are responsible for man-
aging the shrimp fishery in inshore waters and the territorial seas.
Fisheries are responsible for federal waters.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
CAST NET LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Fishing License
2. Saltwater Fishing License (required if fishing in the saltwater
3.
shrimp using any of the following gear: dip net, landing net,
crab net, or minnow trap.
CAST NETS, DIP NETS AND BAIT SEINES
RESTRICTIONS ON NIGHT SHRIMPING
• Night shrimping is prohibited between the hours of one-half hour
after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the following
areas: Vermilion Bay, East and West Cote Blanche bays, and in
Atchafalaya Bay, from the western shore of Vermilion Bay to the
western shore of the Atchafalaya River and the Atchafalaya River
SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
•
open season in Louisiana.
•
season.
There is a minimum possession of 100 count (whole shrimp per
possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel.
EXCEPTION:
-
sessed is seabobs or brown shrimp, the maximum allowable
Ship Channel out to Eugene Island as described by the inside-out-
side line.
• Trawling at night is prohibited in Cameron Parish sections of
TRAWL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Fishing License
2. Saltwater Fishing License
3. Federal Shrimp Vessel Permit required for vessels fishing
26
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
OTHER SEASONS
TRAWLS
inches stretched. In that portion of state inside waters from the
western shore of the Atchafalaya River to the western shore of
not be less than 3/4-inch bar or 1 and 1/2 inches stretched during
the fall inshore shrimp season.
TRAWLING DURING OPEN SEASON AND POSSESSION LIMITS
During the open shrimping seasons trawls 25 feet and less are
allowed for recreational purposes.
Recreational shrimpers using trawls 25 feet in length or less are
limited to no more than 250 pounds of (heads-on) shrimp per day
per boat.
-
permitted to enter commerce.
Federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) regulations require any shrimp
trawler in the Gulf Area to have an approved TED installed in each
net that is rigged for fishing. However, certain exemptions to these
requirements may apply (e.g. vessels without mechanical advantage
or power net retrieval, test trawls). A net is rigged for fishing if it is in
trawl door or board, or to any tow rope, cable, pole or extension,
either on board or attached in any manner to the shrimp trawler.
More information concerning federal shrimp vessel permits, Turtle
Excluder Device (TED) and Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRD) require-
BRDs or at www.nmfs.noaa.gov. Detailed information on TEDs may
www.
nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/teds.html.
TRAWLING RESTRICTIONS
•
saltwater areas of the state is allowed to be left unattended.
•
year is prohibited in state waters on the south side of Grand Isle
the southeast side of the Caminada bridge to the northwest side
of Barataria Pass at Fort Livingston, extending from the beach
side of Grand Isle to a distance of 500 feet beyond the shoreline
into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Trawls cannot be used for any purpose in state waters during the
closed shrimp season.
• No person is allowed to trawl over any privately leased bedding
posted as required by law or regulation.
•
Pontchartrain from the shoreline to 1.25 miles out from the
Point, from South Point to North Shore along the railroad bridge
west from North Shore to Goose Point.
• Trawling is prohibited between the railroad bridge and Interstate
•
Hermitage) to Devils Bayou, a distance of approximately 1 mile,
located in Plaquemines Parish.
• Trawling is prohibited north of the LA Highway 631 Bridge at Des
Allemands, Louisiana, and in Lac Des Allemands, its streams and
tributaries.
•
Cypremort Point.
RECREATIONAL OYSTERING
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Fishing License
2. Saltwater Fishing License
METHODS OF TAKE
Recreational oyster harvest for home consumption is limited to
tonging or gathering by hand.
RESTRICTIONS ON METHODS OF TAKE
• Recreational oyster harvest is allowed only from public oyster
areas open for the harvesting of oysters or from private leases on
oyster fishermen may harvest oysters from a private lease only
with the written permission of the leaseholder. At no time will the
act of harvesting oysters be permitted in areas closed to oyster
harvest by the Louisiana Department of Health. The culling of
and returning to the water), must occur over the reefs where
harvest occurred.
•
after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited.
•
be landed in Louisiana, except with a valid out-of-state oys-
ter-landing permit and with the fisherman being in compliance
with all other rules and regulations.
SEASONS
The LWFC determines the public oyster areas to be opened for oyster fishing by opening and closing the seasons as biological and technical data
indicates. The owner of an oyster lease or his/her designee, with written permission, may fish oysters at any time of year on their lease.
EXCEPTION: Public oyster areas opened by the LWFC and private leases may, however, be closed by the Louisiana Department of Health
(LDH) for public health reasons. Information on LDH closed areas is available at ldh.la.gov.
27
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
OTHER SEASONS
SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
•
•
•
RECREATIONAL CRABBING
METHODS OF TAKE
•
crab drop net, trawl, hoop net, trotline, handline, bushline, dip
net or cast net.
• -
ted only during the open season for shrimp and with legal mesh
under Recreational Shrimping.
• Gear restrictions may exist within certain wildlife management
areas (WMAs), refuges or other areas.
RESTRICTIONS ON METHODS OF TAKE
•
• No person may possess adult female crabs in the berry stage (i.e.,
carrying the eggs or young attached to the abdomen). All crabs
-
ately to the waters.
• No crab traps shall be set in navigable channels or entrances to
streams. Traps must be placed so vessels can safely navigate.
•
public waters north of the Intracoastal Waterway in the Calcasieu
River or in any body of water comprising the Calcasieu River
System north of the Intracoastal Canal or in the waters of
Vermilion Bay from Cypremort Point 1 mile offshore to Blue Point.
• Crab traps are prohibited in the Tchefuncte River.
• The use of crab traps may be prohibited for derelict crab trap
removal in 2024 for portions of February and/or March. (NOTE:
• As of July 1, 2022, all escape rings on a crab trap must be no more
than one mesh length from a corner.
REQUIRED LICENSES
1.
• Allows fishers to use crab nets or crab lines in state waters.
• A WMA Access Permit is required for all users of LDWF administered lands, including wildlife management areas, refuges and wet-
lands conservation areas.
• A Self-Clearing Permit* is required for ALL ACTIVITIES on LDWF administered lands including wildlife refuges, wildlife management
regulations on WMAs and refuges for more details.
2. Basic Fishing License
• Allows fishers to use crab nets, crab lines, or crab traps within the freshwater area of the state.
• if you
possess a Basic Fishing License.
3. Saltwater Fishing License
•
per licensed fisherman. Crab traps may be prohibited on certain LDWF WMAs and refuges. Consult fishing regulations on WMAs and
refuges for more details.
*Self-Clearing Permits can be obtained at most WMA and refuge facilities or can be completed via computer or mobile device (see https://
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmas-refuges-and-conservation-areas for more information).
LEASES
www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/oyster-lease-section
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
•
• -
ics (see WMA and Refuge Regulations on page 31).
•
28
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
OTHER SEASONS
ABOUT CRAB TRAPS
• A crab trap is a cube-shaped device, constructed of wire, no larg-
er than 30 inches on any side, and with either a bait box or mate-
rials providing cover or shelter for peeler crabs. The entrance
funnels must extend no further than 7 inches into the inside of
the trap, with the openings to the entrance funnels on the verti-
opening is at least one and one-half times the vertical diameter
of the opening.
• Certain traps advertised by retail outlets as crab/fish/crawfish traps
may not be legal. If unsure that the trap you purchased or plan to use
is legal, please consult your local Enforcement Agent.
•
traps in use, the contents of such crab traps or their lines, buoys
legal sunset until one-half hour before legal sunrise.
• Crab traps that are no longer serviceable or no longer in use must
be removed by the owner and properly disposed of or stored.
• No person other than the licensee or his/her agent shall inten-
tionally damage or destroy serviceable crab traps or the floats or
lines to which they are attached, nor shall they remove the con-
tents thereof.
• 1/2-inch stainless steel
be supplied by the fishermen and shall have the recreational fish-
ing license number printed thereon. Crabbers are allowed to use
crab taps. Crab traps may be attached to a trotline to which at
least one end is attached to a non-floating line and a visible float
located in areas designated as freshwater north of the northern
and those areas located on the eastern side of the Mississippi
River and inland from the saltwater line are not required to be
license number. This is the LDWF number located at the top of
your license.
•
6 inches in diameter. The float must be attached to the trap with
a non-floating line at least 1/4 inch in diameter. West of Louisiana
• Each trap shall have a minimum of three escape rings. A minimum
of two escape rings shall be located in the upper chamber flush
with the baffle. A minimum of one escape ring shall be located in
the lower chamber no greater than one mesh length from the trap
floor. As of July 1, 2022, all escape rings shall be located no greater
material. The rings shall be rigid and attached to the trap with
material of an equal or smaller diameter than the wire strands of
escape ring openings shall not be obstructed with any material that
prevents or hampers exit of crabs. However, the provisions of this
shall not apply to any crab trap constructed of wire mesh 2 and
5/16 inches square or greater.
•
public waters north of the Intracoastal Canal in the Calcasieu River
or in any body of water comprising the Calcasieu River System
north of the Intracoastal Canal, or in the waters of Vermilion Bay
from Cypremort Point one mile offshore to Blue Point.
RECREATIONAL CRAWFISHING
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Recreational Fishing License (the Crawfish Trap Gear License is included in the Basic Recreational Fishing License.)
EXCEPTIONS
•
• A WMA Access Permit is required if fishing for crawfish on an LDWF WMA or refuge.
METHODS OF TAKE
hoop net, wire net, handline, bushline, bait seine or dip net. A cast
-
hibited on certain LDWF WMAs and refuges. Consult fishing regula-
CRAWFISH TRAP
A crawfish trap is defined as any device constructed of coated wire
with the opening of the throats or flues not exceeding 2 inches, and
are typically of the pillow style or cone style with minimum mesh
wire to wire not including any coating on the wire.
CRAWFISH NET
A crawfish net is defined as any device constructed with vegetable
or synthetic material without flues or throats attached to a wire
crawfish.
SEASONS
There is no closed season for wild crawfish harvest EXCEPT for some wildlife management areas and state and federal refuges (see WMAs
and Refuges on page 31).
SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
•
• The bag and possession limit for crawfish is 150 pounds daily per person in state waters.
• No more than 35 traps may be used per person while fishing recreationally for crawfish.
29
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
OTHER SEASONS
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
METHODS FOR COLLECTING OR CATCHING THESE SPECIES
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Basic Resident or Non-Resident Fishing License.
caught are for personal (non-commercial) use only. These regula-
tions do not include alligators. For alligator regulations visit www.
wlf.la.gov.
have questions.
ILLEGAL METHODS OF TAKE FOR ALL REPTILES AND
AMPHIBIANS
• Removal of nesting or nest-tending animals is prohibited.
• Use of gasoline to flush animals from hiding places is prohibited.
• Natural cover such as stumps and logs may not be destroyed
while searching for animals.
• Additional illegal methods of take are species specific and are
grouped accordingly.
SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST
• Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
• Plethodon serratus)
• Plethodon websteri)
• Mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus)
• Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber)
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES
The following federally listed threatened and endangered, or pro-
of these protected species are incidentally caught, they must be
released unharmed immediately:
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS AND STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS
WMAs, state refuges and federal lands may have specific regulations regarding open seasons, harvest and gear restrictions. For state or
federally regulated areas refer to the “WMAs, Refuges and Federal Lands” section on page 31.
ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES
•
•
DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS
• Must measure 6 inches or more carapace length.
• Legal during all months except between the dates of April 15 - June 15.
• It is illegal to take this species by a trap of any kind.
BOX TURTLES
•
• Possession is limited to four box turtles of the genus Terrapene at any time.
TURTLE EGGS
•
TURTLE TRAPS
•
•
• Must be open above water to allow breathing.
•
• It is illegal to possess finfish while turtle trapping.
Carapace
Length
TURTLES
• Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Lepidochelys kempii)
• Dermochelys coriacea)
• Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
• Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
• Ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera)
• Rana sevosa)
• Crotalus adamanteus)
• Pituophis ruthveni)
• Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)
30
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
OTHER SEASONS
FROGS
LEGAL METHOD OF TAKE
•
spears.
ILLEGAL METHOD OF TAKE
•
BULLFROGS AND PIG FROGS
•
end of the body between the hind legs)
• Bullfrogs harvested must be 5 inches or larger.
• Pig frogs harvested must be 3 inches or larger.
• Frogs harvested on private lands, ponds or waters where the individual is
• Harvest is legal during all months of the year except April and May.
Frog
Length
The Sport Fish Restoration Program is a “user pays, user benets” system of
resource management. The federal and state governments, the sport shing
industry, anglers and boaters formed the cooperative eort to increase
boating and sport shing opportunities.
The cycle of funding (illustrated
to the left) shows how Louisiana
anglers and outdoor enthusiasts
support the Sport Fish Restoration
Program, and the benets they
receive in return.
31
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
FISHING REGULATIONS ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, REFUGES &
FEDERAL LANDS
Use of airboats, aircraft, personal water craft, “mud crawling ves-
sels” (commonly referred to as crawfish combines which use paddle
wheels for locomotion) and hover craft is prohibited on LDWF-
administered lands, EXCEPT type A personal water craft, model year
2003 and beyond, which are eight feet in length and greater, may be
operated within WMAs from April 1 until the Monday of Labor Day
craft are allowed on designated portions of Alexander State Forest
WMA year around. No person shall operate such watercraft at a
angling or any other manually powered vessel.
Limited Access Areas (LAAs) prohibited during the months of
September through January. Trolling motors may be used to access
and navigate within LAAs. Vehicles prohibited November through
January. LAAs are on Atchafalaya Delta, Boeuf, Dewey W. Wills, Joyce,
Manchac, Pass-A-Loutre, Pomme de Terre, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and
Russell Sage WMAs. See WMA maps for specific locations.
speed a vessel can travel while maintaining directional control) in no
A Self-Clearing Permit is required for ALL ACTIVITIES on LDWF
administered lands including wildlife refuges, wildlife management
areas (WMAs) and wildlife conservation areas (WCAs), EXCEPT for
. The Self-Clearing
• All persons must obtain a Self-Clearing Permit from a Self-Clearing
•
LDWF-administered land and must be completed and put in a per-
mit box immediately upon exiting the LDWF-administered land.
• Self-Clearing Permits are not required of fishers and boaters who
enter a WMA via watercraft from outside the WMA, provided they
do not get out of the watercraft and onto WMA property.
• Self-Clearing Permits are not required for motorists/boaters travel-
ing through the LDWF-administered land provided that the most
structures on WMAs is prohibited.
Additional restrictions may apply at some WMAs. The following
information includes specific restrictions by WMA. For additional
For National Wildlife Refuges, please contact the area offices as
follows:
•
•
•
•
For fishing information on the Indian Bayou Recreational Area with-
in the Atchafalaya Basin or the Bonne Carre Spillway contact the U.S.
For fishing information within the Catahoula and Red Dirt National
Wildlife Management Preserves, contact Kisatchie National forest
limits or closures that differ from general regulations.
REQUIRED LICENSES
Either a WMA Access Annual or 5-day Permit is required for all users of LDWF administered lands, including wildlife management areas,
refuges and wetlands conservation areas. Persons 17 and under are not required to purchase WMA access permits. WMA access permits are
Access and Camping Permits may be purchased at LouisianaOutdoors.com. This permit is not required for access to National Wildlife Refuges
or other Federally managed lands.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ATCHAFALAYA DELTA
• Camping and houseboat mooring is allowed only in designated areas. Houseboat mooring is allowed via permit only (through annual
lottery or by a bid lease program) during hunting season and by normal means during the remainder of the year. Contact Lafayette Field
• Vessels/Vehicles: Mudboats or air-cooled propulsion vessels powered by more than 36 total horsepower are prohibited on the WMA.
•
Launch (Jesse Fontenot Boat Launch) or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web portal.
BIG LAKE
BILOXI
Vessels/Vehicles: Mud boats or air-cooled propulsion vessels can only be powered by straight shaft “long tail” air-cooled mud motors that
are 25 total horsepower or less on the WMA. All other types of airboats, mud boats or air cooled propulsion vessels (including “surface drive”
boats) are prohibited.
•
• Camping and houseboat mooring Is allowed only in designated areas.
32
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
DEWEY W. WILLS
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
BUSSEY BRAKE
• Recreational fishing and all other allowed non-consumptive uses only.
•
• No camping.
• No ATVs/UTVs or electric bicycles allowed.
•
except at boat launch for purpose of launching boat or to access
fishing pier.
• Pulling boats over levees or any other activities that cause detri-
ment to the levees is prohibited.
•
the designated trail named levee trail (see map at boat launch
•
•
• No boats allowed within 30 feet of fishing piers.
FISHING
• -
ational purposes.
• All types of nets, including but not limited to gill nets, trammel
•
pipes are prohibited.
• Shoreline (non-boat) fishing only allowed at designated locations.
•
BLACK BASS
• Daily Limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be five fish, in the
aggregate.
• Possession Limit: possession limit shall be five fish while on
water and 10 fish while off water, in the aggregate.
• Length: the maximum total length limit shall be 16 inches, with
CRAPPIE
• Daily Limit: recreational daily limit shall be 25 fish, in the aggregate.
• Possession Limit: possession limit shall be 25 fish while on water
and 50 fish while off water, in the aggregate.
• Length: the minimum total length shall be 10 inches.
BLUEGILL BREAM
• Daily Limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be 50 fish, in the
aggregate.
• Possession Limit: possession limit shall be 50 fish while on the
water and 100 while off the water in the aggregate.
• Length: no minimum length.
TOURNAMENTS
Tournament fishing allowed by Special Use Permit only, and must be
applied for at least 60 days in advance. To apply, visit https://fs30.
formsite.com/Jfroeba/lmkka6yzbi/index or contact Ryan Daniel at
BARATARIA PRESERVE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, CROWN POINT
conditions:
• -
•
• Anglers must otherwise comply with all State of Louisiana fishing
regulations.
• Anglers may only fish from or access fishing areas from the Twin
Canals trail and the Kenta Canal area. All other trails, bridges and
Fishing is prohibited in any of the following areas of the Barataria
trails, old road beds and utility access corridors.
Mooring or grounding of any watercraft over 25 feet in length is pro-
or airboats, is prohibited in the following areas of the Barataria
HOOP NETS
The use of a hoop net to capture fish is prohibited within all areas
of the preserve.
JUG LINE FISHING
fishing) is permitted within the preserve with the following conditions:
• -
ber and date last set.
•
• Jug lines are removed when no longer tended.
• Trotlines and lines attached to anything other than a float are
prohibited.
CRABBING
preserve with the following conditions:
• The trapper has a valid fishing license with a recreational crab trap
endorsement.
•
phone number and date last set.
• The trapper sets no more than 10 traps per person.
•
• The trapper removes the traps when no longer tended.
•
person per day.
CRAWFISH
Crawfish harvesting is permitted in the preserve along road side
-
vesting conditions:
• Crawfish harvesting occurs between March 1 and June 30.
• Conducted up to 50 feet beyond the outside toe of the roadway,
• Conducted while using baited lift type mesh nets or baited wire
traps. All other types of traps are prohibited.
• Anglers are limited to 10 or fewer nets or traps. Each trap must
be continuously attended.
• Anglers require a valid fishing license with a gear endorsement to
harvest crawfish within the preserve if using crawfish traps.
• The use of crawfish nets does not require a fishing license.
• Anglers are limited to 150 pounds of crawfish per person.
BODCAU
33
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
ELMER’S ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
•
•
before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset seven
restrictions are necessary to protect the Refuge or to protect the
public from harm.
ESLER FIELD formerly Camp Beauregard
FORT JOHNSON VERNON formerly Fort Polk-Vernon
GRASSY LAKE
• Recreational fishing regulations are the same as outside. NOTE: Allowed only after 2 p.m., during waterfowl season, EXCEPT allowed after
10 a.m. during early teal season.
• Recreational crawfishing is allowed from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be left
overnight.
J.C. SONNY GILBERT
Fishing restricted to rod and reel, and pole fishing only. All other gear prohibited.
• Public access by any means to the exposed land areas, wetlands
and interior waterways of these islands is prohibited.
•
collect any flora, fauna, or other property is prohibited without
a permit.
•
of the Gulf and bays.
• Boat traffic is prohibited in waterways extending into the interior
of the islands.
• Fishing from boats along the shore and wade fishing in the surf
areas of the islands is allowed.
• Littering on the islands or in Louisiana waters or wetlands is pro-
hibited.
ISLE DERNIERES BARRIER ISLANDS REFUGE
ELBOW SLOUGH
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only, no traps or nets left overnight. March 1 - July 31.
WINE ISLAND, EAST ISLAND, TRINITY ISLAND, WHISKEY ISLAND AND RACCOON ISLAND
CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
• East Cove Unit
- Closed Areas are designated by a No Fishing or Area Closed
signs for safety or management purposes.
- Public access is open year round, except during Louisiana
boat bay is closed.
- Boat access is permitted one hour before legal sunrise until one
hour after legal sunset for fishing, crabbing and cast netting.
- There are no horsepower restrictions on boat motors and may
trolling motor operation in marshes.
- Grand Bayou boat passage is only 10 feet wide and public use
-
ing in or on the marsh, levees, or structures is prohibited.
- Fishing is permitted with rod and reel or pole and line only,
- Crabbing is permitted with hand lines and drop nets only cot-
ton line and drop nets up to 24” outside diameter may be
vehicle or boat.
- Cast netting for shrimp is permitted during Louisiana inshore
limit is 5 gallons of heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or
boat. Cast netting for bait is permitted year round, with bait
shrimp limit outside LA shrimp season being 1 gallon per day
per vehicle or boat.
• Gibbstown Unit
- Closed Areas are designated by a No Fishing or Area Closed
signs for safety or management purposes.
-
sunset.
- Boat access is permitted for fishing and cast netting March 15
legal sunset.
- -
power restrictions.
-
- Fishing is permitted with rod and reel or pole and line only,
- Cast netting for bait is permitted when units are open for fish-
ing only, with bait shrimp limit outside LA shrimp season being
1 gallon per day per vehicle or boat.
• Camping or overnight activities are prohibited.
• No glass containers are allowed.
•
arrows is prohibited.
• Maximum speed limit on the island is 5 MPH.
•
Island at www.wlf.la.gov/page/elmers-island.
JOYCE
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only.
34
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
POINTEAUXCHENES
• All nighttime activities prohibited. Possession of more than one
daily limit of fish/crab/shrimp while on the WMA is prohibited.
• The harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish is for recreation-
al purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at Island Road Boat Launch, Grand
Bayou Boat Launch and at Point Farm gate behind Montegut
Middle School or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or
internet/web portal.
• Fishing, crabbing, cast netting or any other activities or trespass-
ing on water control structures are prohibited.
SHRIMPING
•
• During the inside open shrimp season, 25 pounds per boat or
conform to open season requirements.
• During the inside closed season, 10 pounds per boat or vehicle
• All castnet contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to
the water immediately.
OYSTERS
•
FINFISH
• -
ational purposes only.
CRABBING
•
however, none are to remain set overnight.
• No drop nets left unattended at any time. A maximum of 12 drop
nets may be possessed/attended per boat or vehicle.
•
per day.
CRAWFISHING
• Crawfish may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the WMA
and shall be limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
• Fishing gear used to catch crawfish must not remain set overnight.
VESSELS & VEHICLES
• All boats powered by internal combustion engines having horse-
power ratings above 25 hp., are not allowed in the Grand Bayou,
Montegut and Pointe-aux-Chenes water management units. The
public is permitted to travel anytime through the WMA for access
Chenes, Grand Bayou, Humble Canal, Little Bayou Blue, St. Louis
POMME DE TERRE
• Recreational fishing regulations are the same as outside. NOTE: Allowed only after 2 p.m., during waterfowl season, EXCEPT allowed after
10 a.m. during early teal season.
• Recreational crawfishing is allowed from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be
left overnight.
LAKE BOEUF
•
• All nighttime activities prohibited, including frogging.
LITTLE RIVER
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only, no traps or nets left overnight. March 1 - July 31.
KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST NATIONAL CATAHOULA AND NATIONAL RED DIRT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PRESERVES
Preserves will be closed to fishing during deer gun hunts. Consult hunting regulations for dates.
LACASSINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
•
• Boat motors must be 40 hp or less.
• Unit D is restricted to boats with trolling motors or without motors.
• More information can be found here www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/southwest-louisiana-NWR-complex-fishing-and-boat-
ing-regulations.pdf
MAUREPAS SWAMP
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only.
MANCHAC
Crab traps are prohibited. Attended lift nets are allowed.
PASSALOUTRE
•
• Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at all designated camping areas,
Camp Canal and at the WMA Headquarters or through the LDWF
Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web portal.
PEARL RIVER
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only.
• Vessels/Vehicles: Mudboats or air-cooled propulsion vessels
powered by more than 36 total horsepower are prohibited on the
prohibited after 2:00 p.m. Sept. 1 - Jan. 31, EXCEPT allowed after
2:00 p.m. in South Pass, Pass-a-Loutre, Southeast Pass, Loomis
Pass, Dennis Pass, and Cadro Pass.
35
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
RICHARD K. YANCEY
• That portion West of the Mississippi River Levee, March 15 - July 31,
recreational crawfishing only.
• Crawfish harvest limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
•
allowed.
SALVADOR/TIMKEN
• Fishing closed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 2 p.m. on:
during early Teal Season, recreational fishing allowed after 10 a.m.
• All nighttime activities prohibited, EXCEPT during the Experimental
Nighttime Activity Season.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at Pier 90 boat launch, Bayou
or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web
portal.
• The harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish are for recre-
ational purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited.
SHRIMPING
•
• During the inside open shrimp season, 25 pounds per boat per
conform with any open season requirements.
• During the inside closed season, 10 pounds per boat per day
• All castnet contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to
the water immediately.
FINFISH
• -
reational purposes.
CRABBING
•
however, none are to remain set overnight.
•
per day.
CRAWFISHING
• Crawfish may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the WMA
and shall be limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Fishing gear
used to catch crawfish shall not remain set overnight.
VESSELS & VEHICLES
• Use of mudboats powered by internal combustion engines with
more than four cylinders is prohibited.
• Pulling boats over levees, dams or water control structures or any
other activities that may cause detriment to the integrity of
levees, dams and water control structures is prohibited.
EXPERIMENTAL NIGHTTIME ACTIVITY SEASON
• 12 a.m., June 1 through official sunrise Aug. 15. Nighttime activi-
All other nighttime activities prohibited. Daily limit of 50 frogs per
vessel in aggregate (bull frogs/pig frogs). If engaged in frogging on
or while traversing the WMA, all frogs in possession will be
-
one possess more than on daily limit of frogs while on the water.
• Size Limit:
end of the body between the hind legs). Bull frogs harvested
must be 5 inches or larger. Pig frogs harvested must be 3 inches
or larger.
• -
istration number under the comments section. Possession of
firearms while participation in any experimental nighttime activi-
ty is prohibited.
ROCKEFELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE, STATE WILDLIFE REFUGE Vermilion & MARSH ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
• Trawling is prohibited.
•
• Use of the refuges is permitted from official sunrise to official
camping is prohibited.
• Firearms are prohibited. Littering is prohibited. Damage to or
removal of trees, shrubs, and wild plants without prior approval
is prohibited.
• Tampering with or altering water control structures is prohibited.
SHRIMPING
• 25 pounds of shrimp (heads on) per boat or vehicle per day is
allowed during the inside open shrimp season as established by
the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
• 10 pounds of shrimp (heads on) for bait purposes may be caught
during the closed season.
• Shrimp may be harvested only by cast net on the refuge and only
for sport fishing or home consumption use. When harvesting
shrimp with a cast net, contents shall be dumped in a container
and not on the ground.
CRAWFISHING
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted in the open portion of the
refuge with a limit of 100 pounds per boat or vehicle per day.
• Set nets may be used but must be attended and removed from the
refuge daily. No commercial harvest is allowed.
CRABBING
• Crabs may be harvested from the open portion of the refuge with
• NOTE: No commercial harvest is allowed on Marsh Island, State
OYSTERS
•
collection from the natural reefs, but only in waters approved (open)
for harvest by the Department of Health.
•
must be opened at the reef and the shells returned to the reef.
•
by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
VESSELS & VEHICLES
•
•
wash to a minimum.
• Pulling boats over or around levees, dams or water control struc-
tures or any other activities that may cause detriment to the integ-
rity of levees, dams and water control structures is prohibited.
•
QUEEN BESS ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
•
•
without a permit.
• Littering on the refuge or in Louisiana waters or wetlands is prohibited.
KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST NATIONAL CATAHOULA AND NATIONAL RED DIRT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PRESERVES
36
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES
Personal Flotaon Devices (PFDs) save lives. Get one and wear it when you’re on the water.
Remember that children 16 years old or younger must wear a properly sized and ed, per-
sonal otaon device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard at all mes when a vessel is under-
way. Get your child ed for a proper life vest and lead by example by wearing one too. For
more informaon on how to nd the right life vest or for more boang safety ps, visit www.
uscgboang.org or www.wlf.la.gov.
CONSUMER ALERT: Choosing the correct Personal Flotaon Device (PFD) can be the dif-
ference between life and death when on the water. Make sure the PFD is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
approved. A USCG approved PFD will have an approval number on the label usually on the inside
part of the PFD. A PFD that is not USCG approved is illegal and unsafe. More and more non-approved PFDs
are showing up in the marketplace and are being sold at larger retailers where most customers assume it is an approved version.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS INDIAN BAYOU AREA
www.mvn.
usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/AtchafalayaBasin.aspx.
SODA LAKE
SPRING BAYOU
• Recreational fishing regulations are the same as outside. NOTE: Allowed only after 2 p.m., during waterfowl season, EXCEPT allowed after
10 a.m. during early teal season.
• Recreational crawfishing is allowed from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be left
overnight.
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX
Full regulations can be found at www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/southwest-louisiana-nwr-complex-fishing-and-boating-regulations.pdf
SHERBURNE
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted from March 15 - July 31 with a limit of 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be left
overnight.
•
SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
• Northline Recreation Area
- Boat launching access open to fishing and crabbing March 15
- Fishing and crabbing from the pier open year round sunrise to
sunset.
• Hog Island Gully Recreation Area
-
- Fishing and crabbing from the pier open year round sunrise to
sunset.
• Blue Crab Recreation Area
-
one hour after sunset.
-
one hour after sunset.
- Fishing and crabbing from the pier open year round sunrise to
sunset.
• West Cove Recreation Area
-
hour before sunrise to one hour after sunrise.
-
sunset.
- Fishing and crabbing from the pier open year round sunrise to
sunset.
• Cast netting for shrimp from a boat in canals, bayous and ponds
must see Louisiana Inshore Shrimp season and regulations, sun-
rise to sunset.
• When cast netting for bait, bait shrimp limit outside LA inshore
RUSSELL SAGE
• Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day limit.
• EXCEPT allowed during
37
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
LOUISIANA REQUIRED BOATING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
BOATS LESS
THAN 16
FEET
BOATS 16 FEET
TO LESS THAN
26 FEET
Registration on Board
P P P
Validation Decals Displayed
P P P
PFDs: Type I, II or III
P P P
PFDs: Type IV
P
Engine Cut O Device
P
Type B Fire Extinguishers
P P P
Navigation Lights
P P P
Horn, Whistle or Bell
P
Daytime Visual Distress Signals
P
Nighttime Visual Distress
Signals
Backre Flame Arrestor
P
Ventilation System
P P P
Muer/Underwater Exhaust
P P P
1 2,3,4 2,4
6 6 6
6
5 5
7 7
1.
2. Children 16 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II or III PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long.
A wearable USCG approved Type I, II or III PFD must be readily available for each of the other passengers onboard.
3.
approved Type I, II, III or V PFD while the motorboat is underway.
4.
5.
the motor is running and the vessel is underway.
6.
7. Required for inboards and stern drivers only.
BOATER EDUCATION
-
assessed. Visit www.wlf.la.gov
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
TO REPORT MISSING/OVERDUE BOATERS, REPORT A BOAT CRASH
INCIDENT OR REPORT VIOLATIONS, PLEASE CALL 18004422511.
LADWF TIPS APP now available from the Apple Store and Google Play
All boaters are encouraged to ensure their vessels are in good working
condition and all required safety equipment is on board.
BOATING SAFETY
38
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
LA Creel is LDWF’s recreational saltwater landings data collection program. LA Creel uses
a combination of data collected dockside and through phone and email surveys to estimate
recreational saltwater sh harvests. The goal of LA Creel is to provide statistically signicant
recreational shery information to aid in managing Louisiana’s valuable shery resources.
www.wlf.la.gov/page/lacreela
39
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
Become an LDWF VIP
and help us
increase awareness
and participation in
recreational shing
throughout Louisiana.
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/aquatic-vip
LOUISIANA OUTDOOR EXPLORER
Check out our easy-
to-use, interactive
map tool! Louisiana
Outdoor Explorer
puts everything you
want to know about
shing Louisiana -
from where to get a
license and where to
launch your boat to
popular shing spots
and tips - right at your
ngertips.
Go to wlf.la.gov and
click the Outdoor
Explorer Map Tool
button.
40
2024 Recreational Fishing Regulations
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
-
furnished by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). LDH, De-
partment of Environmental Quality and Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries coordinate in the issuance of advisories.
that contain chemicals.
CONTAMINANTS IN FISH
there is water, people catch and eat fish. However, in a few Louisiana
waters, fish and shellfish have chemical contamination in amounts
that may be harmful to your health if you were to eat too much over
a long period of time.
These contaminants are in the environment because of various
from water, sediments and food. Larger, older fish and fish that eat
other fish tend to accumulate more contaminants than smaller,
younger fish.
if the fish are contaminated and pose a health threat to children,
pregnant women, adults or (when indicated) subsistence anglers. A
fish consumption advisory is issued when unacceptable levels of
chemical contaminants have been found in the fish filet.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
Fish consumption advisories in Louisiana are based on chemical levels
in the fish filet. Advisories are issued at very conservative levels to
insure the safety of individuals consuming fish. Advisories provide
guidance regarding fish consumption for each species of fish. They do
not tell you to stop fishing or to stop eating fish. Just be selective
about the fish you or your family eats. None of the fish in Louisiana
are contaminated enough to cause harm after a single or a few meals.
regularly over a long period of time.
species is specifically addressed in the details of the advisory, please
limit consumption of all species in an advisory area to four meals per
month. Louisiana fish consumption advisories are based on the
estimate that the average Louisiana resident eats four fish meals per
month. If you or your family eat more than four meals of fish a month
for
more information about eating fish that contain chemicals.
HEALTH ADVICE AND GUIDELINES
Contaminants found in Louisiana fish can be grouped into two categories: organic chemicals (HCB, HCBD, PCBs and Dioxin) and metals (mer-
-
HOW TO REDUCE ORGANIC CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION IN FISH
•
and organic chemicals.
•
•
off. Throw away drippings.
• When fish are poached or fried, throw away the broth or oil.
Keep smaller fish to eat. Usually, younger, smaller fish are less
contaminated than larger, older fish.
•
Contaminants bio-accumulate in predator fish.
• Vary diet by eating a variety of fish, shellfish, meat and poultry.
• Vary source of fish, seafood, meat, poultry and wild game.
CONSUMPTION ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT, NURSING OR MIGHT BECOME PREGNANT AND
FOR YOUNG CHILDREN EPA AND FDA, 2004
By following these three recommendations for selecting and eating
fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits
of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced
their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury. Follow these same
recommendations when feeding fish or shellfish to a young child,
but serve smaller portions.
1.
contain high levels of mercury.
2.
are lower in mercury. The five most commonly eaten fish that
are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pol-
tuna may be consumed since this variety contains more mer-
cury than light tuna.
3.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
For information on specific waterbodies with advisories please visit deq.
louisiana.gov/page/fishing-consumption-and-swimming-advisories for a
downloadable map of advisory locations. A cell phone app is also available
through Google Play and Apple Store by entering the search term: LA Fish
Advisories. More information can also be obtained by calling the Louisiana
Department of Health hotline at 1-888-293-7020 or the Louisiana
Department of Environmental Quality at 866-896-5337.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY WEBSITE GOOGLE PLAY APP (LEFT) & APPLE STORE APP (RIGHT)
GOOGLE PLAY APP (LEFT) & APPLE STORE APP (RIGHT)
EXPLORE LOUISIANA
“Whether you’re fishing for the day or staying overnight, let the trip begin at our
State Parks. You can fish from your cabin at five state parks, catch a record seing
bass at Jimmie Davis State Park or saltwater fish at Cypremort Point or Grand Isle
State Parks. There’s truly something for everyone.”
-Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser-
PLAN YOUR NEXT STAY AT
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