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4 liCenses
7 General fishinG information
General Regulations........................................................................7
Proper Care for Your Catch.............................................................8
Measuring Fish...............................................................................8
Methods of Take..............................................................................9
louisiana department
Additional Gear Restrictions.........................................................10 of Wildlife & fisheries
Recreational Crawfishing..............................................................11 P.O. Box 98000
Saltwater/Freshwater Line............................................................12 2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
13 definitions 225-765-2800
Bobby Jindal, Governor
15 freshWater fishinG
Robert J. Barham, Secretary
Lois Azzarello, Undersecretary
19 saltWater fishinG Jimmy Anthony, Assistant Secretary
Randy Pausina, Assistant Secretary
23 other reCreational aCtivities John Roussel, Deputy Assistant Secretary
Recreational Shrimping.................................................................23
Recreational Crabbing..................................................................24
division administrators
Kenneth Ribbeck, Wildlife
Recreational Oystering.................................................................25
Bob Love, Coastal & Non-game Resources
Reptiles & Amphibians..................................................................26
Joe Shepard, Fisheries
27 Wma & refuGe reGulations Winton Vidrine, Enforcement
Wildlife and fisheries
29 BoatinG information Commission
Boating Safety...............................................................................29 Stephen J. Oats, Chairman
Rules of the Road..........................................................................30 Patrick C. Morrow
Clean Vessel Act Program.............................................................31 Stephen W. Sagrera
Voluntary Gulf of Mexico Communications Protocol..................32 Ronald Graham
Michael C. Voisin
33 fish Consumption advisories Ann L. Taylor
Billy Broussard
DISCLAIMER
This publication is not an official copy of the laws in effect and should not be utilized For updated information and the
or relied upon as such. It does represent an attempt by the publisher to present, as a latest regulations visit us online at
public service, a partial summary of some 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 www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
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 Cover photo:
responsibility to apprise himself of the laws in effect at any given time. These laws Nick Pellegrin, Houma, La., and his nephew Brady
include those contained within the Louisiana Revised Statutes, particularly Title 56, the Bourgoyne, age 7, reeled in this hefty redfish in
official regulations of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, federal laws, and
Grand Isle during the summer of 2010.
any local or parish ordinances. State laws can be viewed on the legislative website: www.
legis.state.la.us/.
Fishing regulations on state Wildlife Management Areas and Refuges may differ
from those contained in this pamphlet. Consult the Wildlife Management Area
Help Stop
Regulations portion of this pamphlet or contact the nearest Department office for
WMA regulations.
poacHing
RepoRt Game Violations
This public document was published at a total cost of $ 18,430. 300,000 copies of this public docu-
ment were published in the first printing at a cost of $ 18,430. This document was published by the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA to inform
Operation Game Thief
Louisiana residents and non-residents as to the rules and regulations governing the fishing resources 1-800-442-2511
of the State of Louisiana. 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 accor- 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
dance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
liCenses Resident RecReational FishinG Fees
Hook and Line (cane pole) $2.50 Recreational Fishing and
Basic Fishing $9.50 Hunting licenses may be pur-
Saltwater License (Basic Fishing required) $5.50
chased by phone toll-free at
Senior Fish/Hunt 1
$5.00
1-888-765-2602 or online at
www.la.wildlifelicense.com.
Charter Passenger License (3-day) 2 $5.00
Methods of payment are Visa
LA Sportsman's Paradise License 3
$100.00
or MasterCard.
LA Disabled Basic Fishing 4
$2.50
An authorization number for
LA Disabled Saltwater 4
$2.50
immediate use will be provid-
non-Resident (nR) RecReational FishinG Fees
ed and licenses will be mailed
Basic Fishing Season $60.00 to each licensee. A conve-
Basic Fish Trip - 1 day $5.00 nience fee is assessed.
Saltwater Season (Basic Fishing required) $30.00
Saltwater Trip - 1 day 5 $17.50 1
Senior Fish/Hunt License: Any resident
Charter Passenger (3-day) 2
$5.00 who turned 60 years of age on or after June 1,
2000 must obtain a senior fishing/hunting
Charter Skiff (3-day) 6 $30.00 license to hunt or fish. This license is in lieu of
NR Student Basic Fishing 8 $9.50 basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, big
game, bow, primitive firearms, LA duck
NR Student Saltwater Fishing (Basic Fishing required) 8 $5.50 license, turkey stamp and WMA hunting per-
militaRy RecReational FishinG Fees mit. It does not include special gear such as
trawls, crab traps, crawfish traps, hoop nets,
Resident/NR Military Basic Fishing $9.50 etc.
Resident/NR Military Saltwater $5.50 2
Persons who fish from a charter vessel in
saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed
Resident LA National Guard Fish/Hunt $50.00 guide on board at all times, may possess a
RecReational FishinG GeaR Fees Charter Passenger License at a cost of
$5.00 that is valid for 3 consecutive days.
Res. nR 3
Sportsman’s Paradise License: Includes
Crab Traps (limit 10) $15 $60 Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Basic and Big
Slat Traps (limit 5) $20 $80 Game Hunting, Bow, Primitive Firearms,
Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Hunting Permit,
Trawls - up to 16 feet $25 $100 and all recreational gear licenses (EXCEPT
Trawls - 16 feet to 25 feet $80 $320 recreational trawls greater than 16 feet in
length).
Oyster Tong (per tong) $5 $20 4
LA Disabled Fishing and Saltwater: See
Crawfish Traps (limit 35) $15 $60 page 6.
Pipes/Drums (limit 5) $10 $40
5
All inclusive. No other license required.
6
Non-residents fishing under the direction of
Cans/Buckets (limit 5) $10 $40 a charter operation in a licensed charter
Wire Nets (limit 5) 7 $20 $80 skiff in saltwater areas of the state may pos-
sess a non-resident charter skiff 3-day
Hoop Nets (limit 5) 7 $20 $80 license at a cost of $30.00 and shall be valid
liFetime license Fees for three consecutive days.
7
Recreational wire nets and recreational
Lifetime Fishing - age 5-13 $200 hoop nets shall be used only in the geo-
Lifetime Fishing - age 14 and up $300 graphical areas of the state designated as
freshwater (see page 12).
Lifetime Hunt/Fish - age 0-4 $200 8
NR Student: Applies to a nonresident who
Lifetime Hunt/Fish - age 5-13 $300 Is enrolled as a full time student in an
accredited college or university that has a
Lifetime Hunt/Fish - age 14 and up $500 physical campus in the state of Louisiana.
NR Lifetime Hunt/Fish $3,000 Applicant must provide verification of his
full-time status on the Department form
Lifetime Resident Senior Hunt/Fish (60 or older) $50 available at http://wlf.la.gov/licenses. Any
10 times annual person fishing under “student license” must
Lifetime Fishing Gear fee per gear have on his person his student I.D. card
type indicating current full time status.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Commerce strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in depart-
mental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has
4 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.
liCense details
liCenses
Licenses are required for all per- Military licenses are valid only dur- substitutions) AND ONE OF THE
sons taking or possessing fish. ing that time when the licensee is on FOLLOWING:
active duty in the armed forces of 1. Louisiana voter’s registration
RecReational licenses the United States. The military identi- card
All recreational licenses are valid fication card or dependent card and 2. Louisiana vehicle registration
from the date of purchase and expire the appropriate license must be on the 3. Two previous years state tax fil-
on June 30 each year. New year licensee’s person at all times when he ing, stamped by Department of
licenses begin selling June 1 each is engaged in hunting and fishing Revenue & Taxation.
year. In addition to other bona fide activities.
residency requirements, a Louisiana Any Louisiana resident who sub- RecReational GeaR
driver’s license or Louisiana ID Card mits proof of his status as a member of licenses
(LA ID accepted only from persons the Louisiana National Guard or any Recreational anglers ages 16 and
who do not drive) issued by the reserve component of the United over using any of the recreational
Department of Public Safety is States armed forces may purchase in gear must, in addition to their basic
required to purchase resident recre- lieu of basic and saltwater fishing, fishing license, purchase the applica-
ational hunting and fishing licenses. basic hunting, big game, bow, primi- ble gear license. If fishing in saltwa-
Persons who obtain resident tive firearms, LA duck, turkey and ter areas of the state, a saltwater fish-
licenses when not complying with the WMA hunting permit, a license for ing license is also required. Lifetime
bona fide residency requirements as $50 to fish and hunt in Louisiana. fishing license holders must also pur-
stated in the definition section (page Submit completed application with a chase a gear license to use recre-
13) will be subject to criminal and/or copy of the applicant’s: ational gear.
civil sanctions. 1. Louisiana drivers license;
Title 56, Section 302.1.C.(1) 2. military identification card; exceptions &
requires that all recreational anglers 3. original letter from their com- exemptions
fishing south of the “saltwater line” manding officer verifying that Persons younger than 16 years of
for saltwater species have in their they are in “good standing” with age and residents who were born
possession a Louisiana saltwater the Louisiana National Guard or prior to June 1, 1940 and have lived
angler’s license IN ADDITION TO a United States armed forces; and in the state for two years prior to
basic Louisiana fishing license 4. money order for $50. application are not required to obtain
EXCEPT those persons otherwise the following licenses: Basic and
exempted. (See Exceptions and Mail to: LDWF, Attention Sports Saltwater Fishing; Basic Hunting;
Exemptions) All regulations apply License, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Big Game; Bow; Primitive Firearms;
regardless of where the fish is taken. Rouge, LA 70898. The application LA Duck license or Turkey Stamp.
A recreational fisherman must form is available online at: Persons younger than 18 years of age
purchase and have in possession a www.wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses or by are not required to have a WMA hunt-
valid basic recreational fishing license calling 225-765-2887. ing permit. PROOF OF AGE MUST
to possess fish in Louisiana waters or BE CARRIED ON PERSON.
to use the following: liFetime licenses
1. Bow and arrow Lifetime Licenses are issued in Texas Reciprocal
2. A barbed or barbless spear lieu of Basic Fishing, Saltwater Louisiana resident seniors, 65 years
3. Frog gig/catcher Fishing, Basic Hunting, Big Game, of age and older, that hold a Louisiana
4. Scuba Gear Bow, Primitive Firearms, LA Duck, Fishing license are not required to
5. Hook and Line (trot line) Turkey and WMA hunting permit. purchase a Texas non-resident license
6. Cast net with a radius not to Applications are accepted by to fish public waters in Texas, but
exceed 8 ft. 6 in. mail or in person at the Baton Rouge shall comply with Texas law.
7. Rod and Reel office only. Allow three weeks pro- Louisiana resident anglers that
cessing time. Lifetime license appli- reached age 60 before June 1, 2000
militaRy RecReational cations do not authorize hunting or are required to possess a Louisiana
licenses fishing prior to receipt of the license fishing license when fishing in Texas,
Any person who possesses a mili- document. The original license doc- except in border waters. Louisiana
tary identification card that signifies ument must be in licensee’s posses- residents from 17 to 64 years of age
that he is currently on active duty with sion to legally hunt or fish. Applicants are required to purchase a non-resi-
any one of the armed forces of the are required to have lived in Louisiana dent fishing license when fishing in
United States, including the National for the immediate 12 months prior to Texas, except when fishing in border
Guard, or the spouse or dependent of making application to qualify for resi- waters.
such person, may be issued a license dent rates. Mandatory documents Except for the Gulf of Mexico,
for hunting or recreational fishing in required with completed application Texas and Louisiana anglers possess-
Louisiana for the same fee as that are a valid Louisiana driver’s license ing the necessary resident licenses, or
required of Louisiana residents. issued a minimum of 12 months (no those exempted from resident licens-
5
liCenses es for their state, are allowed to fish Permit. To qualify for this license, the LDWF Baton Rouge office. Once
the border waters of Louisiana and apply by mail or in person to the approved, the license can be obtained
Texas without purchasing non-resi- LDWF Baton Rouge office. Once annually from any license vendor
dent licenses. Border waters include approved, the license can be obtained location. This exemption does not
Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, annually from any license vendor apply to Supplemental Security
the Sabine River and Sabine Lake. location. Forms are available at www. Income (SSI) benefits. Contact
Texas residents 65 years of age wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses or by con- Sports License at (225) 765-2887 for
and older may legally fish Louisiana’s tacting Sports License at (225) 765- additional information.
public waters, both freshwater and 2887 for required forms. A resident who is required to use
saltwater, if they possess valid Texas A resident applicant who is one or more artificial limbs or per-
Resident licenses issued by Texas totally and permanently disabled manent braces for mobility or a sin-
Parks and Wildlife. Texas residents and receiving federal social securi- gle amputee, upon identification and
born before Sept. 1, 1930 must pos- ty disability benefits must submit a proof of disability satisfactory to the
sess Texas Resident Fishing license(s) current award letter from Social department, is eligible for fishing and
when fishing in Louisiana, except in Security and a valid Louisiana saltwater licenses at no cost. To qual-
border waters. driver’s license. A resident who ify for this license, apply by mail or in
received disability retirement income person to the LDWF Baton Rouge
disability licenses from a retirement system whose office. Once approved, the license can
Resident veterans having a members are exempt from social be obtained annually from any license
permanent service-connected dis- security pursuant to the Railroad vendor location.
ability classification of 50 percent Retirement Insurance Act (Act 45 As defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E),
or more and residents who are blind, U.S.C. 231) or because they are Mobility impaired persons that are
paraplegic or multiple amputee shall employees of the state or a political bona fide residents of Louisiana, in
upon identification and proof of dis- subdivision of the state that has not possession of valid identification and
ability satisfactory to the department, voluntarily agreed to participate in over 60 years of age may use one
be issued recreational fishing and federal social security under 42 legal slat trap and/or one hoop net not
hunting licenses at no cost. This U.S.C. 418, may purchase a basic greater than 18x8 feet, without a
license is in lieu of Basic and recreational fishing license for a fee license, for the purpose of catching
Saltwater Fishing, Basic Hunting, Big of $2.50 and a saltwater license for a catfish for home consumption.
Game, Bow, Primitive Firearms, LA fee of $2.50. To qualify for this
Duck, Turkey and WMA Hunting license, apply by mail or in person to
6 LDWF
General fishinG reGulations
General information
frog, brown pelican, bald eagle, pere- and fill out a comment card. We
enFoRcement oFFices grine falcon, whooping crane, Eskimo would appreciate any comments you
For specific information, contact curlew, piping plover, interior least have to offer.
your local Wildlife and Fisheries tern, ivory-billed woodpecker, red-
Enforcement Office. cockaded woodpecker, Bachman’s ReleasinG Fish
warbler, whales (blue, finback, sei, Due to the increasing number of
Baton Rouge 225-765-2999 sperm), West Indian manatee, Florida species with size and creel limits,
Minden 318-371-3049 panther, Louisiana black bear, pallid anglers are required to release many
Monroe 318-343-2417 sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, shovelnose of the fish they catch. If handled
Alexandria 318-487-5634 sturgeon. properly, released fish have a very
Lake Charles 337-491-2580 good chance to live, grow and pro-
Opelousas 337-948-0257 pRohibited species vide further opportunities for
New Iberia 337-373-0032 Possession of these animals is Louisiana anglers. Proper handling
also prohibited: basking shark, white techniques include:
Thibodaux 985-447-0821
shark, bigeye sand tiger shark, sand 1. When angling, do not use a slack
New Orleans 504-284-2023
tiger shark, whale shark, Atlantic line. Set the hook immediately.
angel shark, Caribbean sharpnose This will reduce the chance of
shark, smalltail shark, bignose shark, getting the hook deeper into the
The following digest includes a Caribbean reef shark, dusky shark, throat or gut, and increase chanc-
summary of assorted statutes con- Galapagos shark, narrowtooth shark, es of survival.
tained in Title 56 of the Louisiana night shark, bigeye sixgill shark, big- 2. If a fish is to be released, do not
Revised Statutes as well as relevant eye thresher shark, longfin mako, let the fish become exhausted.
rules and regulations adopted by the sevengill shark, sixgill shark, small- Retrieve it quickly.
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries tooth sawfish, largetooth sawfish, 3. Do not handle the fish more than
Commission and the Secretary of the Nassau grouper and Goliath grouper. absolutely necessary and do not
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. take it from the water if possible.
The Secretary of the Department of specially ReGUlated Handle with a wet hand, wet
Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to aReas towel or wet glove to minimize
implement additional restrictions in In addition to the general state- removal of mucus (slime). Use a
emergency situations in order to pro- wide fishing regulations, state wild- landing net only when necessary.
tect fish and wildlife resources. life refuges and wildlife management Do not let the fish flop on a
areas, national refuges, and certain dry deck or beach.
notice to oFFshoRe local areas may have special regula- 4. Use one of several tools available
FisheRmen tions or restrictions on fishing. See to remove the hook from the fish
Louisiana recreational and com- “Fishing Regulations on WMAs and if the hook is visible and not in
mercial anglers fishing offshore Refuges” in this pamphlet (page 27) the gills.
beyond the Louisiana boundary are in or contact the nearest LDWF office 5. Where practical, use barbless
federal waters and are subject to rules for WMA regulations. hooks or flatten down the barb
and regulations that may differ from For complete requirements with pliers to make hook removal
those in state waters. To ensure that regarding the taking of fish in federal easier.
you are in compliance with federal waters obtain a “Recreational Fishing 6. A circle hook, used properly
regulations, you should contact the Regulations for Gulf of Mexico decreases the chance for deep
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Federal Waters” pamphlet from the hooking compared to J-style or
Council at 813-348-1630, toll free Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management kahle hooks.
1-888-833-1844 (write 2203 Lois Council (see contact info in previous 7. If the hook is deeply buried, cut
Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607 section: “Notice to Offshore the leader close to the hook.
for informational pamphlet, e-mail: Fishermen”) 8. Immediately put the fish back
gulfcouncil@gulfcouncil.org; web- into the water. If it is sluggish,
page: www.gulfcouncil.org); or the cUstomeR seRVice gently hold it and move it for-
National Marine Fisheries Service at We at Louisiana Department of ward and back to get water mov-
(727) 824-5305. Wildlife and Fisheries are interested ing across the gills.
in providing quality customer service.
thReatened and If you would like to voice you com- Even fish that seem in poor shape
endanGeRed species ments or concerns regarding the have a chance of survival. Treating
Taking or harassment of any of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, them with care increases that chance.
the following species is a violation of please fill out a comment card when By conscientiously working to reduce
state and federal laws: Louisiana you visit one of our offices located stress on released fish, all anglers
pearlshell mussel, inflated heelsplitter throughout the state. You can also go benefit.
mussel, fat pocketbook mussel, pink to the customer service portion of
mucket mussel, American burying LDWF’s web page at: www.wlf.loui-
beetle, sea turtles, gopher tortoise, siana.gov, click on “About LDWF,”
ringed sawback turtle, dusky gopher then click on “Customer Service,” 7
General information proper Care hoW to measure a fish
for your Use these guidelines to measure a fish correctly (refer to illustra-
CatCh tions):
1. Place the fish on its side on a flat board with the jaw closed.
Louisiana’s anglers are accus- 2. Total length - Measure in a straight line from the tip of the
tomed to abundant catches of bass, snout to the extreme tip of the tail fin. Adjust the tail by rotating
bream, sac-a-lait and various saltwa- (Example 1) or by squeezing (Example 2) to obtain the maxi-
ter fish. A common problem, how- mum length of the fish. (illustration 1)
ever, is improper handling of fish 3. Fork length - Measure in a straight line from the tip of the
intended for the table. snout to the fork of the tail. (illustration 2)
Quickly ice down fish. This 4. Lower jaw fork length - Measure in a straight-line length from
sounds elementary, but there are those the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. (illustration 3)
who get swept up in the thrill of 5. Curved fork length - Measure from the tip of the upper jaw to
catching fish and forget this impor-
tant step. Fish should be placed on ice
fork of tail measured along the contour of the middle of the
immediately upon being caught. Be body. (illustration 4)
sure you have ample ice before leav- 6. Carcass length - Measure curve from posterior edge of gill
ing the dock. opening to anterior portion of caudal keel. (illustration 4)
Take full advantage of your ice.
This means pouring the ice out of the
bag and making sure there is a layer
of ice above and below the fish.
Fish placed in an ice/water slurry illustration 1
chill faster than those placed on ice
alone. Leave water in your ice chest
as long as an adequate amount of ice
stays in the water. Water temperatures
will stay at or near 32 degrees
Fahrenheit and help keep fish cool.
Another technique effective in
keeping fish fresh on hot days or for
extended periods is to gut the fish and
pack the body cavities with ice. That
chills the fish faster.
CAUTION: It is illegal to fillet salt-
water finfish before returning to the
dock. This means that those with
camps in the marshes and swamps
must keep their fish intact, though
gutting is allowed. For the purpose of
consumption at sea aboard the har-
vesting vessel, a person shall have no
more than two pounds of finfish parts
Example 1. Rotating.
per person on board the vessel, pro-
vided that the vessel is equipped to
cook such finfish and such finfish
does not exceed applicable bag limits.
Bank and surf anglers often use
stringers and live baskets to hold their
catch. If using a stringer, put the
stringer through the jaw tissue and
not the gills.
Those using baskets should be
aware that overcrowded fish can eas-
ily die. Anglers with live wells on
their boats also should be aware of
this danger.
A bit of attention to details will
ensure that fish stay fresh longer and
taste better when cooked. It may take
a few more minutes, but the result
will be a more enjoyable and memo- Example 2. Squeezing.
8 rable trip.
General information
illustration 2 illustration 3
illustration 4
methods of reCreationally takinG
freshWater and saltWater fish
Freshwater and saltwater rec- or device capable of producing an on foot and solely by hand, without
reational fish may be taken by means electric current used in shocking said any pulley, mechanical device or
of rod, fishing pole, hook and line, fish. No person shall take or possess mechanical assistance whatsoever.
trolling line, handline, bait casting, recreational fish taken by means of Dip nets may not exceed three feet in
fly casting apparatus, crawfish nets, snagging devices, not including bow diameter and must be operated solely
by use of the devices known as yo- and arrow. Catfish may be taken by by hand, by no more than one person
yos or trigger devices, bow and arrow, means of snagging devices. and without any mechanical assis-
recreational hoop nets, recreational Paddlefish, commonly called spoon- tance whatsoever.
wire nets, recreational slat traps, stan- bill catfish, are not catfish and cannot Bream (Lepomis spp.) may not
dard spearing equipment used by a be legally harvested by means of be taken as bait for sportfishing pur-
skin diver sport fishing in saltwater or snagging. Garfish may be taken by poses in any form of trap except at
fresh water when submerged in the means of spears and bows and arrows. Toledo Bend Reservoir, where a min-
water, recreational pipes, recreational It shall be unlawful to possess any of now trap not exceeding 24 inches in
buckets, recreational drums, recre- the prohibited instruments, weapons, length and having a throat no larger
ational tires and recreational cans, substances or devices set out herein- than one inch by three inches may be
and by no other means except a barb- above with the intent to take fish. used to take bream for non-commer-
less spear or a multi-pronged barbed Minnows, crawfish, shrimp and cial bait purposes.
gig that may be used in saltwater for other legal bait species, not including Silver carp and bighead carp
taking flounder. NOTE: Certain spe- game fish, may be taken with legal may also be taken by boats, dip nets,
cies of game fish may not be taken cast nets, minnow traps, dip nets and spears and by snagging.
with some gear listed above. bait seines when taken in compliance Skin divers fishing for recre-
Crossbows are not a legal method. with all other laws. Legal bait species ational purposes in fresh water, when
No person shall take or possess may be taken with bait seines with a submerged in the water and using
fish taken by means of spears, poi- maximum mesh size not exceeding standard spearing equipment, any
sons, stupefying substances or devic- one-quarter inch mesh bar, one-half person using a bow and arrow or any
es, explosives, guns, tree-topping inch mesh stretched and thirty feet in person using or possessing nets or
devices, electricity or any instrument length. Bait seines must be operated traps, including recreational hoop 9
General information nets, recreational slat traps, recre- over 60 years of age, may use a single tag, provided by the fisherman, with
ational pipes, recreational buckets, recreational hoop net in any waters the name and recreational gear license
recreational drums, recreational tires of the state. The net must be no number of the fisherman legibly print-
and recreational cans may not take or greater than 18 feet by eight feet. ed on the tag. The minimum mesh
possess any game fish as defined in Catch is restricted to catfish and used size for the nets used to harvest wild
R.S. 56:8 (see definitions) except red only for home consumption. crawfish shall be a hexagon of three-
drum may be taken for recreational Recreational wire nets and recre- quarters by eleven-sixteenths of one
purposes using a bow and arrow or by ational hoop nets shall be used only inch. This measurement shall be from
skin divers using standard spearing in the geographical areas of the state wire to wire, and any coating on the
equipment while submerged in water. designated as freshwater (see page wire shall not be considered in com-
Mobility impaired persons, as 12). puting the measurements.
defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), that are Recreational crawfish traps
bona fide residents of Louisiana and shall be marked with a waterproof
additional Gear restriCtions
In addition to the general method of C. No person who is a nonresident and any other animal caught or
take restrictions, some Louisiana shall set in the water, use or leave hooked, shall be immediately
waterbodies have specific gear a yo-yo or trigger device at any removed from the device.
restrictions and are listed below. time in Caddo Lake. D. Each yo-yo or trigger device
must be rebaited at least once
black lake, cleaR lake chicot lake every 24 hours.
and pRaiRie lake Yo-Yo restrictions E. When not being used in accor-
Yo-Yo restrictions A. Fishing with the use of yo-yos or dance to the above regulations,
No yo-yo or trigger device with a trigger devices shall be permitted each yo-yo or trigger device shall
hook in the water may be left unat- on Chicot Lake only from Nov. 1 be removed immediately from
tended between two hours after offi- - March 1 of each year. Lake D’Arbonne.
cial sunrise and one-half hour after B. Not more than 24 yo-yos or trig- F. No yo-yo or trigger device shall
official sunset. The device will be ger devices shall be allowed per be attached to any metallic object.
considered unattended if the user can- boat.
not be located and identified within C. Each yo-yo must be tagged with Trotline Restrictions
the immediate vicinity of the device. the name of the responsible party, A. All trotlines must be marked,
the registration number of the tagged, and dated with the owner
Hoop nets and wire nets boat and the date and time the or user’s name, address, phone
Hoop nets and wire nets must be yo-yo was set. number and the date of place-
marked with a waterproof tag with D. All yo-yos must be attended and ment. The trotline must be
the name and address of the fisher- re-tagged at least every 48 hours. marked on each end with a float-
man and his fishing license number. ing object that is readily visible.
cypRess lake and B. No person shall set more than
caddo lake black bayoU ReseRVoiR, three trotlines with a maximum
Yo-Yo restrictions bossieR paRish of 50 hooks per trotline.
A. No resident shall have set in the Hoop nets, wire nets and slat traps C. All trotlines must be removed
water for the taking of recre- A. Hoop nets, wire nets and slat from Lake D’Arbonne when not
ational or commercial fish in traps are prohibited from March in use.
Caddo Lake more than 24 yo-yos 1 - Oct. 31 of each year. D. All trotlines must have an eight
or other trigger devices. Each B. All hoop nets, wire nets and slat foot cotton leader on each end of
yo-yo or other trigger device traps shall be removed from the the trotline to insure that if the
shall be clearly marked with the lakes prior to March 1 of each trotline is left unattended, the cot-
name and address of the user. year. ton leader will deteriorate and the
B. No resident shall leave a yo-yo or line will sink.
trigger device unattended in lake d’aRbonne E. All trotlines must be attended
Caddo Lake while it is set in the Yo-Yo restrictions daily while in service.
water for taking fish, except from A. No more than 50 yo-yos, or trig-
one-half hour after official sunset ger devices, shall be allowed per lake laFoURche,
to two hours after official sun- person. caldWell paRish
rise. A yo-yo or trigger device B. Each yo-yo, or trigger device, Yo-Yo restrictions
shall be deemed unattended when shall be clearly tagged with the A. No more than 50 yo-yos, or trig-
the user cannot be immediately name, address and telephone ger devices, shall be allowed per
located for identification there- number of the owner or user. person.
with without leaving the location C. When used, each yo-yo or trigger B. Each yo-yo, or trigger device,
of the yo-yo or trigger device. device, shall be checked at least shall be clearly tagged with the
10 once every 24 hours, and all fish, name, address and telephone
number of the owner or user.
C. When used, each yo-yo or trigger D. Yo-yos or trigger devices shall be
General information
device shall be checked at least attached only to a tree or pier. No
once every 24 hours, and all fish materials shall be nailed to a tree,
and any other animal caught or and no line shall be attached
hooked, shall be immediately from tree to tree for the purpose
removed from the device. of attaching a yo-yo or trigger
D. Each yo-yo or trigger device device.
must be rebaited at least once
every 24 hours.
E. When not being used in accor-
dance to the above regulations,
each yo-yo or trigger device shall
be removed immediately from
Lake Lafourche.
F. No yo-yo or trigger device shall
be attached to any metallic
object.
Trotline Restrictions
A. All trotlines must be marked,
tagged, and dated with the owner
or user’s name, address, phone
number and the date of place-
ment. The trotline must be
marked on each end with a float-
ing object that is readily visible.
B. No person shall set more than
three trotlines with a maximum
of 50 hooks per trotline.
C. All trotlines must be removed
from Lake Lafourche when not
in use.
D. All trotlines must have an eight
foot cotton leader on each end of
the trotline to insure that if the
trotline is left unattended, the
cotton leader will deteriorate and
the line will sink.
E. All trotlines must be attended
daily while in service.
poVeRty point
No person shall possess, set, or
use any recreational hoop nets, recre-
ational wire nets, yo-yos, trotlines, or
slat traps.
lake saint Joseph,
tensas paRish
Yo-Yo restrictions
A. Fishing with the use of yo-yos or
trigger devices shall be permitted
On Lake Saint Joseph from Dec.
1 - March 15 of each year under
the following conditions:
B. Not more than 24 yo-yos or trig-
ger devices shall be allowed per
boat.
C. Each yo-yo or trigger device
shall be clearly tagged with the
name of the owner and the own-
er’s telephone number.
LDWF 11
saltWater - freshWater line
GeneRal inFoRmation
General information
For the purposes of regulating Waterway at Forked Island, the basic fishing license a saltwater fish-
certain fisheries the legislature recog- Intracoastal Waterway from Forked ing license.
nized the historic division of the state Island to Bayou Barataria to the
into saltwater and freshwater areas Harvey Canal, the Harvey Canal to FedeRal WateRs (eeZ)
based on the variations of flora and the Mississippi River, the Mississippi A very easy way to tell if you are
fauna found within these two divi- River to the Industrial Canal, the in state or federal waters is to pull up
sions. The legislature further recog- Industrial Canal to the Intracoastal to the nearest platform. If the plat-
nized that the exact line of demarca- Waterway, the Intracoastal Waterway form is in state waters it will have a
tion cannot be precisely located due to the Rigolets in Orleans Parish to placard with a State Lease Number. If
to constant changes in water salinity the Louisville & Nashville Railroad the platform is in federal waters it will
caused by winds, tides, and rains. The bridge, the Louisville & Nashville be designated with an OCS number.
legislature therefore legally defined Railroad right-of-way from the By utilizing a block map you can also
the freshwater and saltwater areas by Orleans Parish line to the Mississippi estimate your position. The platform
describing a line from the Texas state state line. will be designated with an area and
line, easterly to the Mississippi state The areas south of the above block number. For instance if you see
line. The areas south of the described described line, plus the saltwater ST-128 X, OCS 00498 you will be in
line, plus a number of saltwater lakes lakes known as Lake Maurepas, Lake federal waters at South Timbalier 128
and waterways, were designated as Pontchartrain, Lake St. Catherine, platform X.
saltwater areas and all other areas Chef Menteur Pass (except that sev-
north of the described line were des- en-tenths of a mile section from
ignated as freshwater areas. Bayou Sauvage south to the
Intracoastal Waterway), the Rigolets,
loUisiana saltWateR Unknown Pass, Pass Manchac,
line deFinition Intracoastal, and that portion of the
Title 56, Section 322-The Calcasieu Ship Channel from the
Intracoastal waterway from the Intracoastal Waterway south to the
Texas-Louisiana boundary to its junc- Gulf of Mexico, shall be designated
tion with Louisiana Highway 27 at as saltwater areas.
Gibbstown, and then south to Persons fishing and/or possess-
Louisiana Highway 82 and then east ing saltwater fish in these areas are
12 to its junction with the Intracoastal required to have in addition to the
definitions
definitions
1. Angle: to fish with rod, fishing pole or hook and line, with or without a reel.
2. Bait seine: a net measuring no more than 30 feet in length with a mesh size not exceeding 1/4-inch mesh bar, 1/2-inch
mesh stretched, and operated solely by foot without any mechanical device, pulley or mechanical assistance whatsoever.
3. Bait species: all species of fish and other aquatic life utilized for bait.
4. Bandit gear: vertical hook-and-line gear with rods attached to a vessel and with line retrieved with rods and with line
retrieved by manual, electric or hydraulic reels. (Use prohibited in state waters)
5. Bona fide resident:
A. any person who has resided in this state continuously during the 12 months immediately prior to the date on which
he applies for any license and who has manifested his intent to remain in this state by establishing Louisiana as his
legal domicile, as demonstrated by compliance with all of the following, as applicable.
i. If registered to vote, he is registered to vote in Louisiana.
ii. If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, he is in possession of a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
iii. If owning a motor vehicle located within Louisiana, he is in possession of a valid Louisiana registration for that
vehicle.
iv. If earning an income, he has filed a Louisiana state income tax return and has complied with state income tax
laws and regulations.
B. any person who possesses a resident license from any other state shall not qualify for a resident license in Louisiana.
6. Can: a metal container of not more than 55-gallon capacity which is set for the purpose of taking fish.
7. Cast net: a light circular net of vegetable or synthetic materials and weighted around its perimeter that is thrown by hand
over the water.
8. Crab dropnet: any device constructed with vegetable, synthetic, or metal fibers and without flues or throat, attached to
a wire frame that forms a net basket and is used for the purpose of taking crabs. This device shall be operated solely by
hand and fished in a stationary, passive manner.
9. 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 seven inches
into the inside of the trap, with the openings to the entrance funnels on the vertical wall of the trap such that the horizon-
tal diameter of each opening is at least one and one-half times the vertical diameter of the opening.
10. Crawfish net: any device constructed with vegetable or synthetic material without flues or throats attached to a wire
frame that forms a net basket and is used for the purpose of taking crawfish.
11. Crawfish trap: any device constructed of coated wire with the opening of the throats or flues not exceeding two inches
and which is used for the express purpose of taking crawfish.
12. Dip net: a net, usually a deep mesh bag of vegetable or synthetic materials, on a fixed frame not to exceed three feet in
diameter attached to a handle and held and worked exclusively by hand without any mechanical assistance and by no
more than one individual.
13. Finfish: (noun) any of numerous cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates that characteristically swim with fins, breathe with
gills and are covered with skin or scales.
14. Fish: (noun) all finfish, shellfish and crustaceans and all other species of aquatic life.
15. Fork length: distance from tip of snout to midline of caudal fin. Used to measure some fish with deeply forked tails,
such as amberjack.
16. Freshwater recreational fish: any species of freshwater fish taken for recreational purposes.
17. Fyke net: any cone-shaped net of vegetable or synthetic fibers having throats or flues which are stretched over a series
of rings or hoops to support the webbing, with vertical panels of net wings set obliquely on one or both sides of the mouth
of the cone-shaped net.
18. Game fish: all of the following species of freshwater and saltwater fish.
A. Freshwater game fish: largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), shadow
bass (Ambloplites ariommus), black or white crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus, P. annularis), white bass (Morone
chrysops), yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), 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 sailfish (Istiopharus platypterus), blue marlin (Makaira indica), black marlin (Makaira
nigricans), striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax), hatchet marlin (Tetrapturus spp.), white marlin (Tetrapturus albi-
dus), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus).
19. Hook: any curved or bent device attached to a line for the purpose of taking fish or alligator and consisting of not more
than one eye and one shank with no more than three barbs.
20. Hoop net: a cone-shaped net of vegetable or synthetic materials having throats or flues and which are stretched over a
series of rings or hoops to support the webbing.
13
21. Landing net: means a net, usually a mesh bag of vegetable or synthetic material on a fixed frame attached to a handle
deFinitions
definitions held and operated by hand for the sole purpose of assisting in the landing of fish legally caught by other legal gear.
22. Lead or wing net: a panel of netting of any mesh size or length, with or without weights and floats, attached to one or
both sides of the mouth of a cone-shaped net having flues or throats, and set so as to deflect or guide fish toward the
mouth of the net.
23. Licensee: any resident or nonresident lawful holder of an effective license duly issued under the authority of the depart-
ment.
24. Lower jaw fork length (LJFL): longest distance from tip of lower jaw to midline of caudal fin. Used to measure billfish
such as marlin, swordfish and paddlefish.
25. Mesh size: the full measure of the mesh as found in use when measured as follows:
A. Bar measure is the length of the full bar stretched from the near side of one knot to the far side of the other after
being tarred, treated or otherwise processed.
B. Stretched measure is the full stretched distance from the near side of one knot to the far side of the opposite knot
diagonally across the mesh. This measurement shall not be applicable to weaved or woven nets commonly used for
menhaden fishing.
C. In woven nets, stretched measure is the full stretched distance of the opening of the mesh; bar measure is one-half
of stretched measure.
26. Monofilament: a single untwisted synthetic filament.
27. Nonresident: any person who is not a bona fide resident as that term is defined by R.S. 56:8(69). See Bona fide resident.
28. Possess: in its different tenses, the act of having in possession or control, keeping, detaining, restraining or holding as
owner, or as agent, bailee or custodian for another. When possession of fish or other wildlife is prohibited, reference is
made equally to such fish or other wildlife coming from without the state as to those taken within the state.
29. Recreational purposes: a purpose other than deriving or attempting to derive an income of any kind from the harvest
of fish. “Income” as used herein shall not include a prize or award offered as a prize in a fishing tournament.
30. Reptiles and amphibians: native frogs, toads, turtles, snakes, lizards and salamanders.
31. Saltwater fish: all species of finfish which normally inhabit the saline waters of the marine and estuarine environment
for most of their life cycle.
32. Saltwater recreational fish: any species of saltwater fish taken for recreational purposes.
33. Shellfish: an aquatic invertebrate species having a shell. These species include, but are not limited to, oysters, clams,
crawfish, shrimp, crabs and other mollusks and crustaceans.
34. Slat trap: any device, used solely for the capture of catfish, which is cylindrical, rectangular, or square in cross section
configuration, constructed of slats forming the length of the trap, with at least one pair of slats spaced at least one inch
apart from each other on at least three sides of the trap and which is no more than six feet in length, two feet in diameter
or width and which has one or more cone-shaped throats, flues or entrances.
35. Slot limit: protective size limits denoting that fish within the range, inclusive of stated measurements, must be returned
to the water immediately.
36. Take: in its different tenses, the attempt or act of hooking, pursuing, netting, capturing, snaring, trapping, shooting, hunt-
ing, wounding or killing by any means or device.
37. Test trawl: a trawl which is not more than 16 feet along the corkline or 20 feet along the headline or headrope.
38. Total length: the longest measurable distance from the outermost portion of the snout lengthwise to the outermost por-
tion of the caudal fin.
39. Transport: in its different tenses, the act of shipping, attempting to ship, receiving or delivering for shipment, transport-
ing, conveying, carrying or exporting by air, land or water, or by any means whatsoever.
40. Trawl: any net, generally funnel-shaped, pulled through the water or along the bottom with otter boards to spread the
mouth open while being fished. The term “trawl” also means and includes plumb staff beam trawls that do not exceed
16 feet, and that do not use otter boards but are held open laterally by a horizontal beam and vertically by two vertical
beams (plumb staffs), and that are used while the vessel is under way.
41. Trigger: any tension-loaded rubber band or spring device that contains several feet of line and a hook or hooks, which
is baited and set, and which automatically hooks and plays a fish.
42. Wing net: see Lead net.
43. Wire net: a cone-shaped net of vegetable or synthetic materials, with a mesh no less than one inch square or two inches
stretched, having throats or flues and which is stretched over wire of five inch mesh or greater to support the webbing.
14
freshWater fishinG
freshWater state Creel and size limits
species siZe limit baG & possession limit
Bass, Black (Largemouth, spotted)* no size limits EXCEPT as follows 10 daily, of any size EXCEPT as follows:
Atchafalaya Basin, Lakes Verret/
14” min total length 10 daily
Palourde, Fausse Point/Dauterive Areas**
largemouth - 14” min total length
Toledo Bend Reservoir 8 daily in aggregate
spotted* - no size limit
Eagle Lake 16” min total length 10 daily
10 daily
Caddo Lake (Caddo Parish) 14” to 17” protected slot limit***
No more than four over 17” total length
8 daily
Poverty Point Reservoir 15” to 19” protected slot limit***
No more than one over 19” total length
8 daily
Caney Creek Lake ( Jackson Parish) 15” to 19” protected slot limit***
No more than two over 19” total length
False River (Pointe Coupee Parish) 14” min total length 5 daily
Spanish Lake (St. Martin and Iberia 8 daily
16” to 21” protected slot limit***
parishes) No more than two over 21” total length
Black Bayou (Bossier), Chicot Lake
(Evangeline), Cross Lake (Caddo), Lake
8 daily
Rodemacher (Rapides), John K. Kelly- 14” to 17” protected slot limit***
No more than four over 17” total length
Grand Bayou Reservoir (Red River) and
Vernon Lake (Vernon)
Bass, Striped or Hybrid Striped (or any 5 daily
n/a
combination thereof) No more than two over 30” total length
Bass, White none 50 daily, EXCEPT 25 at Toledo Bend
Bass, Yellow none 50 daily, EXCEPT no limit at Toledo Bend
Bowfin (Choupique) 16” min total length No limit
Buffalo Fish (or their hybrids) 16” min total length 25 per day
Catfish, Blue 12” min total length
See Catfish Possession Limit section for
Catfish, Channel 11” min total length
more information
Catfish, Flathead 14” min total length
Crappie none 50 daily, EXCEPT 25 at Poverty Point
Crawfish none 150 pounds daily
Freshwater Drum (Gaspergou) 12” min total length 25 per day
Frogs and Turtles none See Reptiles and Amphibians section
Two per person (see Paddlefish Possession
Paddlefish 30” max lower jaw fork length
Limits section for specific rules)
Shad none 50 pounds daily
Sturgeon n/a No legal harvest or possession
Other Freshwater Game Fish none No limit
*NOTE: For enforcement purposes, a spotted bass is defined as a black bass with a tooth patch on the tongue.
**See official 2011 Louisiana Fishing Regulations Pamphlet for area descriptions.
***Fish falling within a protected slot limit must be immediately released.
15
freshWater fishinG additional freshWater fishinG information
daily baG limit
No person shall take in any one day
more than the daily bag limit as set by
law for any species of fish.
possession
atChafalaya Basin, lake
No person shall have in his posses-
sion more than twice the daily bag limit verret-palourde area and
of any kind of freshwater recreational
fish; except that only one day’s bag lake fausse point-
limit of black bass may be in possession
while on the water and except that only
a one day’s bag limit of all species of
dauterive area
fish may be in possession while on the
water at Toledo Bend Reservoir; and
except that the possession limit for cat-
fish is as identified under Catfish; and
except that only one day’s bag limit of
crappie may be in possession while on
the water at Poverty Point.
All freshwater game fish caught in
any type of recreational or commercial
net or trap must be returned immedi-
ately to the water from which taken
without avoidable injury.
All regulations regarding these species
apply whether caught in salt or fresh
water areas.
sale oF ceRtain
FReshWateR Fish
pRohibited
No person shall purchase, sell, exchange
or offer for sale or exchange, or possess
or import with intent to sell or exchange
any freshwater or saltwater game fish,
or any fish taken recreationally or taken
with any recreational gear.
pRohibited FReshWateR
Fish
No person may possess or sell in
this state the following fishes: all spe-
cies of piranha, tilapia and carp (except The area south of U.S. 190 from the West Atchafalaya Basin
koi or common carp (Cyprinus carpio) Protection Levee (WABPL) to the intersection of LA 1 and U.S.
and goldfish (Carassius auratus)); Rio 190 due north of Port Allen, west of LA 1 from U.S. 190 to LA 20
Grand Cichlid; freshwater electric eel
(Electrophorus sp.); rudd (Scardinius in Thibodaux, north and west of LA 20 from LA 1 to U.S. 90,
erythrophthalmus); all members of the north of U.S. 90 from LA 20 to the WABPL, east of the WABPL
families Synbranchidae (Asian swamp from U.S. 90 to the Corps of Engineers (USACE) Locks on the
eels), Channidae (snakeheads), WABPL at the Charenton Drainage and Navigation Canal (CDNC),
Clariidae (walking catfishes), and
Trichomycteridae (pencil catfishes). north of and including the CDNC from the USACE Locks on the
No fish of any species from outside WABPL to Highway 87, north and east of Highway 87 from the
the state shall be liberated within the CDNC to Highway 320, east of Highway 320 from Highway 87
state except upon written permission of to Highway 86, south and east of Highway 86 from Highway 320
the Secretary.
No fish of any species shall be lib- to Highway 345, east of Highway 345 from Highway 86 to
erated into state waters without written Highway 679, south and east of Highway 679 from Highway 345
permission of the Secretary. to Highway 3083, south of Highway 3083 from Highway 679 to
Exotic species of Asian carp (sil- the WABPL and east of the WABPL from Highway 3083 to U.S.
ver, bighead, black and grass) taken
recreationally from state waters must 190.
not be returned to the water and may
16 not be possessed alive.
Catfish noxious aquatiC plants
freshWater fishinG
possession importation prohiBited
limits
The possession limit for catfish
caught recreationally shall be 100.
The 100 fish may be a single species,
or a combination of blue, channel or
flathead catfish. A recreational fisher-
man may possess a maximum of 25
undersize catfish of a single or com-
bination of all three species within the
100 fish possession limit.
paddlefish
possession
limits
The incidental take and possession of
paddlefish is allowed under the fol-
lowing conditions: The taking or pos-
session of paddlefish is closed in all LDWF
saltwater areas of the state and in bor-
der waters shared with Texas. All pos-
sessed paddlefish must be dead. The notiCe to fishermen and Boaters
possession or transportation of live
paddlefish is prohibited. All paddle-
fish possessed on the waters of the
With increasing frequency, introduced aquatic plants are
state shall be maintained intact. No creating serious aquatic habitat problems in many areas of
person shall possess paddlefish eggs the state. To minimize the spread of these plants in
on the waters of the state which are Louisiana waters we recommend the following: check
not fully attached to the fish. The boats (live wells, ice chests, fishing tackle, etc.) and trailers
daily take and possession limit of
paddlefish is two per person. All
for the presence of aquatic vegetation prior to departing the
paddlefish greater than 30 inches launch site. If present, we encourage you to remove ALL
lower jaw fork length must be plant material and dispose of it in a manner that will pre-
returned to the water immediately. vent introduction into other waterbodies.
(See section on “Measuring Fish” for
an illustration). No person shall at any time import or cause to be transported into the jurisdic-
tion of the state of Louisiana from any other state or country, any of the
invasive noxious aquatic plants listed below, without first obtaining an
Invasive, Noxious Aquatic Plant permit from the department:
1. Eichhornia azurea (rooting 9. Pontederia spp. (pickerelweed)
or anchoring hyacinth) 10. Spirodela oligorrhiza (giant
2. Elodea canadensis (elodea) duckweed)
3. Hydrilla spp. (hydrilla) 11. Trapa (waterchestnut)
4. Lagarosiphon muscoides & 12. Melaleuca quinquenvia (kapok
Lagarosiphon major (Afri- tree)
releasing aquarium can elodea) 13. Pistia stratioties (water lettuce)
fish or unused bait 5. Myriophyllum spicatum 14. Salvinia spp. (salvinia)
into state waters is (Eurasian watermilfoil) 15. Lythrum salicaria (purple loose-
illeGal. 6. Najas marina (marine naiad) strife)
7. Najas minor (slender naiad) 16. Eichhornia crassipes (water
8. Panicum repens (torpedo- hyacinth) 17
grass)
freshWater fishinG reCreational CraWfishinG
cRaWFish tRap ters, with a limit of 35 traps per li- Wmas, state ReFUGes &
Any device constructed of coated censed fisherman. Any person using FedeRal ReFUGes
wire with the opening of the throats crawfish nets, dip nets, hand lines, These areas may have specific regula-
or flues not exceeding two inches and or bait seines for the purpose of tak- tions regarding open seasons, harvest
which is used for the express purpose ing crawfish for recreational purposes and gear restrictions. For state-regu-
of taking crawfish. Crawfish traps shall not be required to purchase or lated areas please consult the WMA
are typically of the pillow style or possess a basic recreational fishing and Refuge Regulation section of this
cone style with minimum mesh size license or be required to purchase a pamphlet. For National Wildlife Ref-
no smaller than 3/4 inches by 11/16 gear license. However, persons using uges, please contact the area offices
inches. No more than 35 traps may be crawfish nets, dip nets, hand lines, or as follows:
used per person while fishing recre- bait seines on LDWF WMAs or ref- • North Louisiana Complex:
ationally for crawfish. Crawfish traps uges must possess a basic recreational 318-726-4222
shall be marked with a waterproof fishing license or a Wild Louisiana • Central Louisiana Complex:
tag, provided by the fisherman, with Stamp. 318-253-4238
the name and recreational gear license • Southeast Louisiana Complex:
number of the fisherman legibly print- methods oF take 985-882-2000
ed on the tag. Crawfish may be taken with any • Southwest Louisiana Complex:
legal crawfish trap, crawfish net, hoop 337-598-2216
cRaWFish net net, wire net, handline, bushline, bait
Any device constructed with seine, dip net or cast net (not to ex- For fishing information on the Indian
vegetable or synthetic material with- ceed 8.5 feet in radius). Bayou Recreational Area within the
out flues or throats attached to a wire Atchafalaya Basin contact the Corps
frame that forms a net basket and is seasons of Engineers at 337-585-0853.
used for the purpose of taking craw- There is no closed season for
fish. wild crawfish harvest.
license ReqUiRements siZe/possession limits
A recreational basic fishing li- There is no minimum size for
cense in addition to a recreational crawfish. The bag and possession
crawfish trap gear license is required limit for crawfish is 150 lbs daily per
to use crawfish traps in public wa- person in state waters.
18 LDWF (Mike Harbison)
General saltWater fishinG information
saltWater fishinG
notice to oFFshoRe
FisheRmen
Louisiana recreational and com-
mercial anglers fishing offshore definitions (Billfishes)
beyond the Louisiana boundary are in
federal waters and are subject to rules
and regulations that may differ from For purposes of this section, the following words and phrases have
those in state waters. To ensure that
you are in compliance with federal
the meaning ascribed to them in this subsection, unless the context clear-
regulations, you should contact the ly shows a different meaning:
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council at 813- 348-1630, toll free 1. Dressed weight: weight of the carcass after it has been gutted, headed
1-888-833-1844 (write 2203 N. Lois and finned.
Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL
33607 for informational pamphlet, 2. Carcass Length: curved measure from posterior edge of gill opening
e-mail gulfcouncil@gulfcouncil.org to anterior portion of caudal keel.
or visit: www.gulfcouncil.org. All per-
sons possessing fish in Louisiana 3. Lower Jaw Fork Length: straight-line length from the tip of the
waters must be in possession of appli- lower jaw to the fork of the tail.
cable basic or saltwater license.
Contact your local Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Agent for spe- 4. Curved Fork Length: tip of upper jaw to fork of tail measured along the
cific information (numbers listed on contour of the middle of the body.
page 7).
5. Trip: a fishing trip, regardless of the number of days’ duration, that
GeneRal notes begins with departure from a dock, berth, beach, seawall or ramp and
All finfish caught in saltwater that terminates with return to a dock, berth, beach, seawall or ramp.
areas of the state except tuna and
swordfish possessed by a recreational
angler shall have the head and caudal
fin intact until set or put on shore. Unless otherwise established, there are no size limits
Garfish may have the head and caudal
fin removed prior to the fish being set
on species not listed and unless otherwise noted,
or put on shore as long as a sufficient possession limits for saltwater fish are the same as the
patch of skin, that clearly identifies daily bag limit.
the fish, is retained on the fish. Tuna,
swordfish and shark possessed by a
recreational angler shall not be
skinned or scaled until set or put on
shore. Tuna which have minimum
size requirements may have head
removed if carcass length is in excess
of minimum total length.
Fillets may not be possessed on
the water, except for the purpose of
consumption at sea aboard the har-
vesting vessel, a person shall have no
more than two pounds of finfish parts
per person on board the vessel, pro-
vided that the vessel is equipped to
cook such finfish and such finfish
does not exceed applicable bag limits.
These provisions shall not apply to
bait species.
Saltwater finfish caught or trans-
ported by a recreational fisherman,
while license is in effect, are pre-
sumed to have been taken in Louisiana
waters, for license requirements.
All regulations regarding these
species apply whether caught in fresh
or salt water areas. 19
saltWater fishinG saltWater state Creel and size limits
species siZe limit baG & possession limit
common coastal species
Cobia (Ling or Lemon Fish) 33” min fork length 2 daily per person
Drum, Black 5 daily per person - bag and possession
No more than one over 27” max total length
16” min total length
Drum, Red (Redfish)1 5 daily per person - bag2
No more than one over 27” max total length
Flounder, Southern none 10 daily per person (for each consecutive day on
the water)
Mackerel, King3 24” min fork length 2 daily per person
Mackerel, Spanish3 12” min fork length 15 daily per person
Mullet, Striped none 100 lbs. daily
Seatrout, Spotted (Speckled 25 daily per person - bag2; 15 daily per person
Trout)4 12” min total length with no more than two over 25” (in specified
areas)
hiGhly miGRatoRy species 5
Marlin, Blue 99” min lower jaw fork length
Marlin, White 66” min lower jaw fork length none
Sailfish 63” min lower jaw fork length
Shark, Atlantic Sharpnose and none 1 daily per person - possession
Bonnethead6
Shark, Others (EXCEPT 54” min fork length 1 in aggregate per vessel per trip - possession.
prohibited, silky and sandbar)6 No silky or sandbar sharks or prohibited species.
29” min carcass length or 1 per person or
Swordfish7 33 lbs. min dressed weight
47” min length (lower jaw to tail fork) 4 per vessel per trip
Tuna, Bigeye8 none
Tuna, Bluefin8 27” min curved fork length none
Tuna, Yellowfin8 3 daily per person
ReeF Fish 3
Grouper, Black and Gag 9, 10 22” min total length 5 daily in aggregate
No more than one speckled hind and one
Grouper, Red and Yellowfin9, 10 20” min total length Warsaw grouper per vessel and not more than
one red grouper per person included in the bag
Grouper, Scamp9, 10 16” min total length
limit.3, 9
Grouper, Goliath and Nassau Take Prohibited Take/Possession prohibited
Snapper, Red10, 11 16” min total length 2 daily per person2
Snapper, Mutton 16” min total length
Snapper, Queen, Blackfin, Silk none
and Wenchman 10 daily per person in aggregate3
Snapper, Schoolmaster,
Cubera, Gray (mangrove), 12” min total length
Yellowtail, Dog and Mahogany
Snapper, Lane 8” min total length
Snapper, Vermilion 10” min total length
Almaco Jack none 20 daily per person in aggregate3
Gray Triggerfish 14” min fork length
Tilefish, Goldface, Blackline, none
Anchor and Blueline Tilefishes
Amberjack, Greater10 30” min fork length 1 daily per person3
Amberjack, Lesser and 14” min fork length 5 daily per person in aggregate
Banded Rudderfish 22” max fork length
20 Hogfish 12” min fork length 5 daily per person
Seabass, Black 8” min total length none
explanation of saltWater
saltWater fishinG
Creel and size limits
1
Red Drum (Redfish), and Spotted less of where taken, with no more of all fishing tournaments involving
Seatrout (Speckled Trout): than two spotted seatrout exceeding the catch and/or landing of any HMS
Recreational saltwater anglers may 25 inches total length. Those spotted in federal waters of the Gulf of
possess a two day’s bag limit on land; seatrout exceeding 25” in length shall Mexico.
however, no person shall be in pos- be considered as part of the daily rec-
session of over the daily bag limit in reational take and possession limit. 6
Sharks: CLOSED SEASON: All
any one day or while fishing or while Louisiana state waters out to the sea-
on the water, unless that recreational 5
Highly Migratory Species: All ward boundary of the Louisiana
saltwater angler is aboard a trawler owners/operators of vessels fishing rec- Territorial Sea shall be closed to the
engaged in commercial fishing for a reationally for and/or retaining regulated recreational and commercial harvest
consecutive period of longer than 25 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species and possession of all sharks between
hours. Take or Possession of red (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and April 1 and June 30 of each year.
drum in federal waters is prohibited. billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean, including Small Coastal Sharks:
the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, Atlantic sharpnose shark; bonnethead
2
Two days’ bag limit allowed in must obtain an Atlantic Highly shark; blacknose shark; finetooth
possession off of the water, not Migratory Species (HMS) permit. shark
while fishing or in a boat. Similar to Atlantic tunas permits, 2011 Large Coastal Sharks:
Atlantic HMS permits will be valid blacktip shark; nurse shark; smooth
3
Two day limit allowed in posses- from the date of issuance through hammerhead; bull shark; sandbar
sion only on charter vessels and December 31, 2011. shark*; spinner shark; great hammer-
headboats on multi day trips, if the Federal regulations currently head; scalloped hammerhead; tiger
vessels have two licensed operators require a federal HMS angling permit shark; lemon shark; silky shark*
as required by the U.S. Coast for all owners/operators of recreation- *NOTE: Recreational harvest of
Guard for trips more than 12 hours, al vessels fishing for and/or retaining sandbar and silky sharks (ridgeback
and if each angler has in possession regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory sharks) is not allowed.
a receipt issued on behalf of the ves- Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, Pelagic Sharks:
sel verifying the length of the trip. swordfish and billfish) in the federal blue shark; porbeagle shark; thresher
waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Those shark; oceanic whitetip shark; short-
4
Seatrout, Spotted (Speckled regulations also require an Atlantic fin mako
Trout): 12” minimum total length. 25 HMS Charter/ Headboat permit for Prohibited Species:
fish per person daily bag limit. all charter or headboat fishing for No person shall take, possess, pur-
EXCEPT: 15 fish daily take and pos- and/or retaining regulated Atlantic chase, sell, barter, exchange or
session limit, with no more than two HMS in federal waters of the Gulf of attempt to possess, purchase, sell,
spotted seatrout exceeding 25” total Mexico. For information contact the barter or exchange any of the follow-
length, regardless of where taken, in a National Marine Fisheries Service ing species or parts thereof:
defined area of Cameron and Permitting Office at 1-888-USA- Atlantic angel shark; Caribbean
Calcasieu Parishes in southwestern TUNA (1-888-872-8862) or visit sharpnose shark; sand tiger shark;
Louisiana. Within those areas NMFS Permit Shop at: http://www. basking shark; dusky shark; sevengill
described here, including coastal ter- nmfspermits.com/initialapp.asp. shark; bigeye sand tiger shark;
ritorial waters: south of Interstate 10 Recreational tournament opera- Galapagos shark; sixgill shark; big-
from its junction at the Texas- tors: A person conducting a tourna- eye sixgill shark; largetooth sawfish;
Louisiana boundary eastward to its ment involving scorekeeping or smalltail shark; bigeye thresher shark;
junction with Louisiana Highway awards for highly migratory species longfin mako; smalltooth sawfish;
171, south to Highway 14, and then including Atlantic billfish, swordfish, bignose shark; narrowtooth shark;
south to Holmwood, and then south tuna and sharks (whether or not whale shark; Caribbean reef shark;
on Highway 27 through Gibbstown retained), must register with the night shark; white shark.
south to Louisiana Highway 82 at NOAA Fisheries Permit Office, 263 Sharks taken under a recreational
Creole and south on Highway 82 to 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, bag limit shall not be sold, purchased,
Oak Grove, and then due south to the FL, 33701 or by FAX to 727-824- exchanged, bartered or attempted to be
western shore of the Mermentau 5398. The registration must be in sold, purchased, exchanged or bar-
River, following this shoreline south writing, at least four weeks prior to tered. A person subject to a bag limit
to the junction with the Gulf of commencement of tournament fish- shall not possess at any time, regard-
Mexico, and then due south to the ing. A tournament registration form is less of the number of trips or the dura-
limit of the state territorial sea, under available upon request from the above tion of a trip, any shark in excess of the
the authority of the provisions of R. S. address or can be requested by FAX bag limits mentioned above. The prac-
56:325.1(A), the daily take and pos- to 727-824-5398. NOTE: Federal reg- tice of “finning,” that is, removing
session limit shall be 15 fish, regard- ulations currently require registration only the fins and returning the remain- 21
saltWater fishinG der of the shark to the sea, is prohibited current federal regulations on harvest, being considered. Please refer to the
within and without Louisiana waters. including sizes, bag limits and closed LDWF website for current informa-
Notwithstanding other provisions of seasons. The “Atlantic Tunas tion:
this part, a person may fish for, but not Regulations Brochure” is available at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/recre-
retain, white shark (Carcharodon car- http://hmspermits.noaa.gov/library. ational/saltwater/seasons and
charias) with rod and reel only under a asp and announcements of changes www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/recre-
catch and release program, provided may be accessed via the web at http:// ational/saltwater/regulations.
the person releases and returns such hmspermits.noaa.gov/news.asp. Other seasons and rules are currently
fish to the sea immediately with a All bluefin tuna must be reported in place in Federal waters off of
minimum of injury. within 24 hours of landing to NMFS Louisiana. Please check those rules at
by calling 888-872-8862 or visiting http://www.gulfcouncil.org/ under
7
Swordfish: Recreational fishing ves- www.hmspermits.noaa.gov. For fur- “Fishing Regulations.”
sels shall not possess more than four ther information regarding angling
swordfish per vessel per trip. Swordfish category permits please call the 10
No harvest of red snapper, greater
taken under a recreational bag limit NMFS HMS Division at 888-872- amberjack or grouper of any species is
shall not be sold, purchased, exchanged, 8862. allowed for the captain and crew of
bartered, or attempted to be sold, pur- Permanent Louisiana regulations vessel, under charter (their creel limit
chased, exchanged or bartered. No per- on tuna harvest may be superseded by is zero).
son aboard any vessel shall transfer or seasonal changes within the federal
cause the transfer of swordfish between regulatory system. See websites refer- 11
Snapper, Red: A federal recre-
vessels on state or federal waters. enced above for current federal regu- ational quota for red snapper is in
lations. effect. The recreational season for
8
Tuna: Person subject to the jurisdic- harvest of red snapper is scheduled to
tion of the state, fishing for tunas 9
Grouper: NOTE: A closed season open June 1.For red snapper season
within or without Louisiana state has been established for recreational information check the LDWF website
waters, are subject to both state and harvest of gag, black and red grouper, at:
federal laws, rules and regulations. effective Feb. 15 - March 14 of each www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/recre-
Federal regulations on recreational year in Louisiana state waters. As of ational/saltwater/seasons and
harvest of tunas change often, espe- the publication date of this pamphlet, www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/recre-
cially for bluefin tuna. Prior to har- modified rules on bag limits were ational/saltwater/regulations.
vest of tuna, be aware of the most
22 LDWF (Mike Harbison)
reCreational shrimpinG
other reCreational aCtivities
To recreationally shrimp, a person Agent and the WMA section of this Allemands, Louisiana, and in Lake
will need basic and saltwater licenses. pamphlet. Des Allemands, its streams and tribu-
To use a trawl, a person will addition- Night shrimping, between the taries, is prohibited.
ally need a gear license for a trawl hours of one-half hour after sunset to Trawling is prohibited in the
which can be purchased at any license one-half hour before sunrise, is pro- cove immediately adjacent to
issuing facility. hibited in Vermilion Bay, East and Cypremort Point State Park landward
West Cote Blanche Bays, and of a line from Blue Point to Cypremort
aReas Atchafalaya Bay, from the western Point to the shoreline.
Grand Isle Beach closed out to 500’ shore of Vermilion Bay to the western
May to September by Commission shore of the Atchafalaya River and seasons
action. the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel Trawls cannot be used for any
Shrimping areas in Louisiana are out to Eugene Island as described by purpose in state waters during closed
divided into inshore waters, the off- the inside-outside line in R.S. 56:495. season. Shrimp seasons are flexible
shore territorial sea and the federal Taking shrimp with saltwater and are fixed by the Louisiana
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). trawls from May 1 - Sept. 15 each Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
The line (shrimp line) that separates year is prohibited in state waters on based upon biological and technical
inside waters from outside territorial the south side of Grand Isle from data relative to shrimp populations in
waters generally follows the coast- Caminada Pass to Barataria Pass in Louisiana waters. Generally, the
line, although there are some excep- Jefferson Parish, from the southeast spring inshore season will begin in
tions. For specific boundary locations side of the Caminada bridge to the early to mid May and may extend into
check with your local Wildlife and northwest side of Barataria Pass at July. The fall inshore season usually
Fisheries Enforcement Agent. Maps Fort Livingston, extending from the begins near mid-August and typically
of the shrimp line are available at a beach side of Grand Isle to a distance extends into December. The shrimp
charge of $10 per map by writing the of 500 feet beyond the shoreline into season in Louisiana’s outside territo-
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Gulf of Mexico. rial waters is generally open year
2021 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 220, round EXCEPT for a closed season
New Orleans, LA 70122. Please spec- tRaWlinG in portions of state outside waters
ify which area of the coast you are No person shall trawl over any which may be set during the late win-
interested in. The line that separates privately leased bedding grounds or ter to early spring months usually
state territorial waters from the EEZ oyster propagating place which is beginning in December or January
generally follows the Louisiana coast staked off, marked or posted as and extending into March or April.
three miles from shore. For specific required by law or regulation. The shrimp season in the federal
boundary locations, particularly in the Trawling is prohibited in Lake waters of the Gulf outside (south) of
Grand Isle and Marsh Island area, you Maurepas and that portion of Lake Louisiana’s territorial waters is usu-
should contact your local Wildlife Pontchartrain from the shoreline to ally open all year; these waters are
and Fisheries Enforcement Agent. 1.25 miles out from the Jefferson/ controlled by the federal government.
For management purposes, both Orleans Parish line east to the eastern A federal shrimp vessel permit is
state inside and state outside territo- shore of South Point, from South required for all vessels fishing shrimp
rial waters are divided into three Point to North Shore along the rail- in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ.
shrimp management zones: road bridge west from North Shore to Information concerning federal
Zone 1: extends from the Louisiana/ Goose Point. shrimp vessel permits, Turtle Excluder
Mississippi state line to the eastern Trawling is prohibited between Device (TED) and Bycatch Reduction
shore of South Pass of the Mississippi the railroad bridge and Interstate 10 Devices (BRD) requirements and
River. in Lake Pontchartrain. exemptions can be obtained by con-
Zone 2: extends from the eastern Trawling at night is prohibited in tacting the National Marine Fisheries
shore of South Pass of the Mississippi Cameron Parish sections of Calcasieu Service at (727) 824-5312 for TEDs
River to the western shore of Lake, the Black Lake Bayou System, or (727) 824-5305 for BRDs or at:
Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Grand Bayou and Little Burten’s www.nmfs.noaa.gov.
Marsh Island. Ditch. Trawling at night is prohibited
Zone 3: extends from the western in Grand Lake and White Lake. siZe limit
shore of Vermilion Bay and Southwest Trawls are prohibited in the There is no size limit on any salt-
Pass at Marsh Island to the Louisiana/ waters of Bayou Judge Perez (Bayou water shrimp taken during the spring
Texas state line. Hermitage) from its entrance into open season nor is there any size limit
NOTE: Restricted areas exist Lake Judge Perez (Bayou Hermitage) on brown shrimp or seabobs taken
within WMAs, refuges and other to Devils Bayou, a distance of approx- during any open season in Louisiana.
areas which may be closed to certain imately one mile, located in There is, however, a minimum pos-
gear types or methods of fishing. Plaquemines Parish. session count on white shrimp taken
Consult your local Wildlife and Trawling north of the LA in either inside or outside (offshore)
Fisheries Office or Enforcement Highway 631 Bridge at Des waters of Louisiana of 100 count
23
other reCreational aCtivities (whole shrimp per pound). This size manually operated on foot only. stretched during the fall inshore
restriction applies to the taking or Cast Nets, Dip Nets, Bait Seines: A shrimp season. No net or beam trawl
possession of such shrimp aboard a recreational angler may use dip nets, used for taking fish or shrimp from
vessel, EXCEPT during the period bait seines, and cast nets not to exceed the saltwater areas of the state shall be
from Oct. 15 through the third 8.5 feet in radius, but shall not take at left unattended, as defined in R.S.
Monday in December when there anytime more than 50 pounds of 56:8(102) except such legal nets or
shall be no possession count on white shrimp during closed season and 100 trawls which are attached to a wharf
shrimp taken or possessed. When pounds of shrimp per day during the at a camp and which are tagged with a
more than 50 percent by weight of the open season, in the aggregate, per day department tag issued in conjunction
shrimp taken or possessed is seabobs per boat or vehicle, regardless of the with the gear being used.
or brown shrimp, then the maximum number of persons thereon, provided During the open shrimping sea-
allowable amount of undersized white the shrimp taken are used for bait or sons, trawls 25 feet and less may be
shrimp taken or possessed shall not for the fisherman’s own consumption used for recreational purposes; recre-
exceed 10 percent by weight of the and are not sold, traded or otherwise ational shrimpers using trawls 16 feet
total shrimp taken or possessed. permitted to enter into commerce. in length or less are limited to 100
Certain WMAs and state or federal pounds (heads on) of shrimp per boat
methods oF takinG refuges may have different rules, con- per day, and recreational shrimpers
During open seasons, saltwater sult local LDWF office or using trawls exceeding 16 feet but not
shrimp may be taken with trawls or Enforcement Agent for specifics. exceeding 25 feet in length are limited
cast nets and by no other means. Bait (See WMA and Refuge section). to no more than 250 pounds of (heads-
shrimp may be taken at any time, Trawls: Trawls cannot have a mesh on) shrimp per day per boat, provided
even during the closed season, with size less than 5/8 inch bar or 1.25 the shrimp taken are used for bait or
cast nets less than 8.5 feet in radius, inches stretched. In Zone 2 from the the fisherman’s own consumption and
hand operated dip nets with a diame- western shore of the Atchafalaya are not sold, traded or otherwise per-
ter not to exceed three feet, bait traps, River to the western shore of mitted to enter commerce. A recre-
and bait seines less than 30 feet with Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at ational trawl license is required.
a maximum mesh size of 1/4 inch bar, Marsh Island, mesh size must not be (See License section for license pric-
1/2 inch stretched mesh which are less than 3/4 inch bar or 1.5 inches es).
reCreational CraBBinG
A recreational basic fishing and salt- Agent. (See WMA and Refuge sec- Crab traps which are no longer
water license in addition to a recre- tion). serviceable or no longer in use shall
ational crab trap gear license is be removed by the owner and proper-
required to use crab traps, with a limit cRab tRaps ly disposed of or stored by him.
of 10 traps per licensed fisherman. A crab trap is a cube-shaped No person other than the licensee
device, constructed of wire, no larger or his agent shall intentionally dam-
methods oF takinG than 30 inches on any side, and with age or destroy serviceable crab traps
Crabs or stone crabs may be either a bait box or materials provid- or the floats or lines attached thereto,
taken with any legal crab trap, crab ing cover or shelter for peeler crabs. or remove the contents thereof.
dropnet, trawl, hoop net, trotline, han- The entrance funnels must extend no Each crab trap shall be marked
dline, bushline, dip net or cast net. further than seven inches into the with a two-inch stainless steel self
Dredges shall not be used for the inside of the trap, with the openings locking tag attached to the center of
intentional taking of crabs. to the entrance funnels on the vertical the trap ceiling. Tags shall be supplied
The taking of crabs by means of wall of the trap such that the horizon- by the fishermen and shall have the
trawls in inside waters is permitted tal diameter of each opening is at least recreational crab trap gear license
only during the open season for one and one-half times the vertical number printed thereon. Crabbers are
shrimp and with a legal mesh size diameter of the opening. allowed to use a durable plastic bait
(see Shrimp Trawls). The baiting, tending, checking or box marker as an alternate means of
No person shall possess adult removing of serviceable crab traps in tagging crab taps. Crab traps may be
female crabs in the berry stage (i.e., use, the contents of such crab traps or attached to a trotline to which at least
carrying the eggs or young attached their lines, buoys or markers is pro- one end is attached to a nonfloating
to the abdomen). All crabs in the hibited in public waters from one half line and a visible float of at least six
berry stage taken by any means shall hour after legal sunset until one half inches in diameter or two-gallon vol-
be returned immediately to the waters. hour before legal sunrise. ume size. Crab traps located in areas
Gear restrictions may exist within No crab traps shall be set in designated as freshwater north of the
certain WMAs, refuges or other areas. navigable channels or entrances to northern bank of the Intracoastal
Consult your local Wildlife and streams. Traps must be placed so ves- Waterway and west of Louisiana
24 Fisheries Office or Enforcement sels can safely navigate. Highway 70 and those areas located
on the eastern side of the Mississippi minimum sizes of the rings shall be siZe/possession limits
other reCreational aCtivities
River and inland from the saltwater two and five sixteenths inches in There is no minimum recreational
line are not required to be marked inside diameter, not including the ring size limit for blue crabs. The daily
with a float and float line, unless the material. Rings shall be rigid and and possession limit is 12 dozen per
trap is placed in a lake. Each crab trap attached to the trap with material of a person, daily and in possession.
on a trotline shall be registered with smaller diameter than the wire strands There is no minimum recreation-
the department and shall have of the trap. Escape ring openings may al size limit for stone crabs or stone
attached thereto a tag bearing the crab be obstructed with material that pre- crab claws. Certain WMAs and state
fisherman’s license number. This is vents or hampers exit of crabs from and federal refuges may have differ-
the LDWF # at the top of your April 1 - June 30 and from Sept. 1 - ent possession limits. Consult local
license. Oct. 31. LDWF offices or Enforcement agents
All crab traps are required to be Metal tackle or metal crab traps for specifics (see page 27 “WMA and
marked with a solid float at least six shall not be used in any of the public Refuge Regulations”)
inches in diameter. The float must be waters north of the Intracoastal Any person using crab nets or
attached to the trap with a non- Waterway in the Calcasieu River or in crab lines for the purpose of taking
floating line at least 1/4 inch in any body of water comprising the crabs for recreational purposes shall
diameter. West of Highway 70 - no Calcasieu River System north of the not be required to purchase or possess
mark required. Intracoastal Canal or in the waters of a basic recreational fishing license or
Each crab trap shall have a mini- Vermilion Bay from Cypremort Point be required to purchase a gear license.
mum of two escape rings. All escape one mile offshore to Blue Point. However, persons using crab nets or
rings shall be placed on the vertical Crab traps are prohibited in the crab lines on LDWF WMAs or ref-
outside walls flush with the trap floor Tchefuncte River. uges must possess a basic and saltwa-
or baffle with at least one ring located ter recreational fishing license or a
in each chamber of the trap. The Wild Louisiana Stamp.
reCreational oysterinG
seasons or in public oyster areas open for the of such amount as determined by
The Louisiana Wildlife and harvesting of oysters. Recreational LDWF.
Fisheries Commission designates oyster harvesters are limited to two
which public oyster areas are open for sacks per person per day for personal RestRictions
fishing by opening or closing the sea- consumption. Recreational oyster Culling oysters, which is the act
son as biological data indicate. The fishermen are also required to possess of discarding undersized oysters or
owner of an oyster lease or his desig- a basic and saltwater fishing license dead shell, shall be performed only
nee, with written permission, may in addition to a gear license for recre- on the open designated public areas
fish oysters at any time of year on ational gear used. or on private leases on which the fish-
their lease. NOTE: Areas opened by erman is authorized to take oysters.
the Commission may, however, be methods oF takinG At no time will the act of culling oys-
closed by the Department of Health Recreational oyster harvest for ters be permitted in areas closed to
and Hospitals for public health rea- home consumption is limited to tong- oyster harvest.
sons. Information on closed areas is ing or gathering by hand. A recre- The taking of oysters one half
available from the Department of ational tonging license is required for hour after sunset until one half hour
Wildlife and Fisheries or from the each tong in use and a recreational before sunrise is prohibited.
Department of Health and Hospitals. basic and saltwater fishing license is Oysters taken from the reefs of
required for persons 16 to 59 inclu- this state either for sale or consump-
siZe/possession limits sive for taking oysters by hand. Any tion shall be landed in Louisiana,
All oysters taken from public resident who turned 60 years of age except with an out of state oyster
oyster areas must be three inches or on or after June 1, 2000 shall be landing permit and in compliance
greater in length from hinge to mouth. required to purchase a senior fishing with all other rules and regulations.
A lessee of private oyster areas may license to take oysters.
be permitted to take undersized oys-
ters from public areas for bedding leases
purposes only. Size restrictions do not Any person who qualifies and
apply to oysters taken from a private who desires to lease a part of the bot-
lease. tom of any state waters shall present
Recreational oyster fishermen to the Secretary of the Louisiana
may harvest oysters only with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
written permission of the lease holder a written application and cash deposit
25
other reCreational aCtivities
reptiles and amphiBians
Reptile and Amphibian regula- sentative and may be sold for the pur-
tions apply to frogs, salamanders, pose of stocking ponds or waters.
lizards, snakes, turtles and related
species. They do not include alliga- alliGatoR snappinG
tors. tURtles (MacRocleMys
In order to collect non protected teMMincki)
reptiles and/or amphibians for non No size limit. Bag limit: One per day
commercial purposes (personal use as per person, per vehicle.
food, bait, etc), all residents and non
residents must possess a Basic
diamondback teRRapins
Resident or Nonresident Fishing
License. (MalacleMys teRRapin)
Removal of nesting or nest tend- May not be taken by trap of any kind
ing animals is prohibited. and may not be taken between April
Traps must be checked daily. 15 and June 15. Must measure 6
Turtle traps must be open above inches or more carapace length.
water to allow breathing, be marked
as “turtle trap,” and be constructed as tURtle eGGs
a horizontal, single throated device. No turtle eggs may be taken except
No additional gear license is required for those of the red eared slider
for a turtle trap. (Trachemys scripta), wherever found.
Possession of finfish while turtle
trapping is prohibited. box tURtles
Use of gasoline to flush animals No more than four box turtles of the
from hiding places is prohibited. genus Terrapene may be possessed at
Natural cover such as stumps and any time, and only two may be taken
logs may not be destroyed while per day.
searching for animals.
Frogs may be taken using any RestRicted -
visible light and mechanical devices thReatened/
known as frog catchers or with devic- endanGeRed Reptiles
es that puncture the skin such as gigs and amphibians
and spears. The following species may not
Possession of firearms while tak- be taken or collected from the wild in
ing or hunting frogs at night is prohib- Louisiana: tiger salamander
ited. (Ambystoma tigrinum); southern red
backed salamander (Plethodon serra-
bUllFRoGs (Rana tus); Webster’s salamander (Plethodon
catesbeiana) and piG websteri); mud salamander
FRoGs (Rana gRylio) (Pseudotriton montanus); red sala-
May be taken year round except dur- mander (Pseudotriton ruber); and
ing the months of April and May. threatened or endangered species:
No person shall take or possess green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas);
bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) that are hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys
less than five inches in length, nor imbricata); Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
take or possess pig frogs (Rana (Lepidochelys kempii); leatherback
grylio) that are less than three inches sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea);
in length. Length is measured from loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caret-
the tip of the muzzle to the posterior ta); gopher tortoise (Gopherus poly-
end of the body between the hind phemus); ringed map turtle
legs. (Graptemys oculifera); dusky gopher
EXCEPTION: Frogs under the frog (Rana sevosa).
legal length may be taken from pri-
vately owned ponds or waters by the
26 owner thereof or his authorized repre-
fishinG reGulations on Wmas and refuGes
Wmas and refuGes
A Wild Louisiana Stamp, hunting Crawfishing: March 1 - July 31. Vessels/Vehicle: All boats powered
license or fishing license shall be Recreational only. 100 lbs per boat or by internal combustion engines hav-
required for use of department admin- group daily. ing horsepower ratings above 25 h.p
istered lands including wildlife refug- are not allowed in the Grand Bayou,
es and wildlife management and habi- lake boeUF Montegut and Pointe-aux-Chenes
tat conservation areas. Persons under All nighttime activities prohibited, water management units. Public is
16 years of age and 60 years of age or including frogging. permitted to travel anytime through
older are exempt from this require- the WMA for access purposes only, in
ment. Persons attending official func- manchac the waterways known as Grand
tions of private, non-profit and chari- Crabs: No crab traps allowed. Bayou, Humble Canal, Little Bayou
table organizations recognized as tax Attended lift nets are allowed. Blue and Grand Bayou Blue. All
exempt under the provisions of the other motorized vehicles, horses and
U.S. Internal Revenue Code shall be oUachita mules are prohibited unless autho-
exempt from this requirement. Crawfish: March 15 - June 30. 100 rized by LDWF.
The operation of boats with inter- pounds per person per day limit.
nal combustion engines within desig- Night crawfishing prohibited. No pomme de teRRe
nated limited access areas (LAAs), on traps or nets left overnight. Sport Fishing: Same as outside
some coastal wildlife management EXCEPT allowed only after 2 p.m.
areas is restricted during waterfowl Waterfowl Refuge: North of LA Hwy. only during waterfowl season.
hunting season from Sept. 1 - Jan. 31. 15 closed to all fishing during duck
Limited access areas exist within the season including early teal season. Crawfish: March 1 - July 31.
Atchafalaya Delta, Pass a Loutre, Recreational only. 100 lbs. per boat or
Pointe aux Chenes and Salvador group daily.
pass-a-loUtRe
WMAs. LAAs are posted with sig-
Oyster: harvesting is prohibited.
nage at access points around the Red RiVeR
perimeter. Any vessel with a movable Crawfish: Allowed on Yakey Farms
Camping and Houseboat Mooring:
outdrive system may enter a LAA as wetland restoration projects March
allowed only in designated areas.
long as the boat’s internal combustion 15 - July 31. 100 lbs. per person per
engine is trimmed up out of the water day maximum of five wire traps per
in an inoperable position. Vessels with pointe-aUx-chenes
All nighttime activities prohibited. person. No traps or nets left over-
fixed props must adhere to the no night. No motorized watercraft.
operation rule. Trolling motors may
be used to access and navigate within Recreational Fishing: Shrimp may
be taken by the use of cast nets only. RUssell saGe
a LAA while hunting or fishing. Crawfish: 100 pounds per person per
During the inside open shrimp sea-
son, 25 pounds per boat per day day limit.
atchaFalaya
(heads on) maximum shall be permit-
Camping and Houseboat Mooring: salVadoR/timken
ted. Size count to conform with open
allowed only in designated areas. All nighttime activities prohibited
season requirements. During the
inside closed season, 10 pounds per including frogging.
deWey W. Wills boat per day (heads on) may be taken
Crawfish: Limited to 100 pounds per for bait. Oyster harvesting is prohib- Recreational Fishing: Shrimp may
person per day. ited. Fish may be taken only by rod be taken by the use of cast nets only.
and reel or hand lines for recreational During the inside open shrimp sea-
FoRt polk purposes only. Crabs may be taken son, 25 pounds per boat per day
Fishing: Special regulations pertain- only through the use of hand lines or (heads on) maximum shall be permit-
ing to fishing are posted at specific nets; however, none are to remain set ted. Size count to conform with open
lakes. overnight. Twelve dozen crabs maxi- season requirements. During the
mum are allowed per boat or vehicle inside closed season, 10 pounds per
GRassy lake per day. Crawfish may be harvested boat per day (heads on) maximum
Sport Fishing: Same as outside in unrestricted portions of the WMA may be taken for bait. Fish may be
EXCEPT permitted only after 2 p.m. and shall be limited to 100 pounds per taken only by rod and reel or hand
during waterfowl season on Smith boat or group. Fishing gear used to lines for recreational purposes. Crabs
Bay, Red River Bay and Grassy Lake catch crawfish shall not remain set may be taken only through the use of
proper. overnight. The harvest of all fish, hand lines or nets; however, none are
shrimp, crabs and crawfish is for rec- to remain set overnight. Twelve dozen
reational purposes only and any com- crabs maximum are allowed per boat
mercial use is prohibited. or vehicle per day. Crawfish may be 27
Wmas and refuGes harvested in unrestricted portions of cial fishing gear on the refuge is pro- U.s. aRmy coRps oF
the WMA and shall be limited to 100 hibited. Commercial fishing gear or enGineeRs indian bayoU
pounds per boat or group. Fishing trawls shall not be permitted in pos- aRea
gear used to catch crawfish shall not session while participating in sport Crawfishing: Feb. 1 - Aug. 31.
remain set overnight. The harvest of fishing on the refuge. Commercial Additional Permit required, available
all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish fishing gear may be in possession for Jan. 1.
are for recreational purposes only and non-stop access directly across the
any commercial use is prohibited. refuge or for safe harbor only.
Boats powered by internal combus-
tion engines having horsepower rat- Shrimp: Twenty-five pounds of
ings above 25hp are permitted only in shrimp (heads on) per boat or vehicle
oil company access canals, Louisiana per day is allowed during the inside
Cypress Canal, the Netherlands Pond open shrimp season as established by
including the West Canal, Lakes the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
“Baie Des Chactas” and “Baie Du Commission. Ten pounds of shrimp
Cabanage” and the Rathborne Access (heads on) for bait purposes may be
ditch. Use of mudboats powered by caught during the closed season.
internal combustion engines with four Shrimp may be harvested only by cast
cylinders or less is permitted in inte- net on the refuge and only for sport
rior ditches from Sept. 4 - Feb. 1. fishing or home consumption use.
Pulling boats over levees, dams or When harvesting shrimp with a cast
water control structures or any other net, contents shall be dumped in a
activities which cause detriment to container and not on the ground.
the integrity of levees, dams and
water control structures is prohibited. Crawfish: May be harvested from
the open portion of the refuge and 100
sheRbURne pounds per boat or vehicle is allowed
Crawfishing: March 1 - July 31. per day. Set nets may be used but
Recreational crawfishing only on the must be attended and removed from
Sherburne WMA. Crawfish harvest the refuge daily. No commercial har-
limited to 100 pounds per vehicle or vest is allowed.
boat per day. No traps or nets left
overnight. No motorized water craft Crabs: May be harvested from the
allowed on farm complex. open portion of the refuge and 12
dozen crabs are allowed per boat or
soda lake vehicle per day. NOTE: No commer-
Sport Fishing: April 1 - Aug. 31. cial harvest is allowed on Marsh
Island, State Wildlife and Rockefeller
spRinG bayoU refuges.
Sport Fishing: Same as outside
EXCEPT allowed after 2 p.m. during Oysters: May be harvested by tong-
waterfowl season. ing (properly licensed) or by hand
collection from the natural reefs. One
Crawfish: March 1 - July 31. gallon per boat or vehicle per day is
Recreational only, 100 lbs. per person allowed and oysters must be opened
or group daily. at the reef and the shells returned to
the reef. Taking of oysters on the reef
RockeFelleR WildliFe is dependent upon Department of
Health and Hospitals’ approval and
ReFUGe, state WildliFe
may be closed at any time by the
ReFUGe (VeRmilion) & Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
maRsh island WildliFe Fisheries.
ReFUGe
Trawling: prohibited. Vessels: Speed boat racing and
water skiing are prohibited. All boat
Trotlines, Jug Lines, Trammel and traffic shall honor no wake zones and
Gill Nets and Traps: prohibited. shall keep wave wash to a minimum.
Pulling boats over or around levees,
Commercial Fishing: All commer- dams or water control structures is
28 cial fishing and use of any commer- prohibited. Jet skis and air boats are
prohibited.
BoatinG safety
BoatinG information
boatinG saFety coURse Any vessel at anchor must display VisUal distRess siGnals
No person born after Jan. 1, a white 360-degree light at the highest Any watercraft used on coastal
1984, shall operate a motorboat pow- location visible to all points of the hori- waters including territorial seas up to
ered by a motor in excess of ten zon. a point where the waters are less than
horsepower unless he/she has suc- two miles wide shall be equipped
cessfully completed a boating safety FiRe extinGUisheR (mUst with USCG approved visual distress
class approved by the National be UscG appRoVed) signaling devices. The following
Association of Boating Law A vessel of any length must have a watercraft shall be exempt when
Administrators (NASBLA). A person fire extinguisher when it has any of operating between sunrise and sun-
who has completed an approved boat- the following: set:
ing safety class shall be in possession • Inboard engine. • Recreational boats less than 16
of evidence of such completion when • Closed compartments where por- feet in length.
operating such a boat. table fuel tanks may be stored. • Boats participating in organized
A motorboat may be operated if • Double bottoms not sealed to the events, which have been permit-
any person on board or participating hull or not completely filled with ted by the Department of Wildlife
in any boating activity from the flotation materials. and Fisheries or the U.S. Coast
motorboat is over the age of eighteen • Closed living spaces. Guard.
and, if required to, has completed a • Closed storage compartments in • Open sailboats not equipped with
boating safety course. which flammable or combustible propulsion machinery and less
For information on Boating materials may be stored. than 26 feet in length.
Safety courses, see the LDWF web- • Permanently installed fuel tanks • Manually propelled boats.
site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov. are installed and fuel tanks of 10
gallons or more. diVeR-doWn FlaGs
peRsonal Flotation Scuba divers and snorkelers must
deVices (liFeJackets) Ventilation system display a "diver down" flag that
Boats under 16 feet in length Any gasoline-powered vessels marks their diving area. Vessels
must have a Type I, II or III wearable (except outboards) that are construct- should remain at least 100 feet away
USCG approved personal flotation ed in a way that may entrap gasoline from the flag. The diver-down flags
device on board for each person in the fumes must be fitted with either a are either red with a white diagonal
vessel, including anyone in a tow- natural or powered ventilation sys- stripe for Louisiana waters or a blue
behind activity. tem. and white flag for federal waters.
Boats 16 feet or longer must have
a Type I, II or III wearable USCG backFiRe Flame boatinG accidents
approved personal flotation device aRResteR If involved in a boating accident,
for each person aboard or being All vessels using a gasoline-pow- the operator must stop his or her ves-
towed, plus a Type IV USCG ered engine must have the carburetor sel at the scene of the accident and
approved throw cushion or ring buoy. or carburetors fitted with USCG give assistance to anyone injured or
All persons onboard a boat under approved flame arrestors. minimize any danger caused by the
16 feet propelled by a handtiller out- accident, unless doing so would seri-
board motor must wear a Type I, II, enGine cUt-oFF sWitch ously endanger his or her vessel or
III or V USCG approved personal Boats under 26 feet that are pro- passengers. Give his or her name,
flotation device while the boat is pelled by a handtiller outboard motor address and identifying number of the
underway. manufactured with an engine cut-off vessel in writing to anyone injured in
Children 16 years old or young- switch and greater than 10 horse- the accident and to the owner of any
er must wear a properly sized and power must have an engine cut-off damaged property. Boat operators
fitted, USCG approved personal switch link attached to the operator, involved in an accident resulting in
flotation device at all times when the operator’s clothing or, if worn, the death or injury to a person or property
the vessel is underway with the operator’s personal floatation device damage in excess of $500 must report
main source of propulsion. while underway. it to the Louisiana Department of
All personal flotation devices Wildlife and Fisheries, the nearest
must be in serviceable condition, mUFFleRs law enforcement agency, or the state
readily accessible, and of the proper All vessels must be equipped police by the most prompt means of
size for the wearer. with an efficient muffler or exhaust communication. As well a written
system that is capable of adequately report on an accident resulting in
naViGation liGhts muffling the exhaust of the vessel. death or injury to a person or property
Navigation lights must be dis- damage in excess of $500 must be
played between sunset and sunrise hoRns/Whistles filed with the Louisiana Department
and during periods of restricted visi- All vessels 16 feet and over must of Wildlife and Fisheries within five
bility. have a horn. days. Accident reports are available
Rowboats, canoes and pirogues All vessels must have a horn in from any regional Wildlife and
must have a white light to be dis- periods of restricted visibility. Fisheries office or on our website at:
played when operating between the www.wlf.louisiana.gov. 29
hours of sunset and sunrise.
BoatinG information rules of the road safety tips
The following regulations shall dic- 10. Vessels yielding right-of-way FilinG a Float plan
tate the operation of vessels upon the shall reduce speed, stop, reverse • Before going out on a vessel
waters of the state and shall set forth or alter course to avoid collision. it is always a good idea to
a standard of operation. In construing Vessel with right-of-way shall leave a float plan.
and complying with these rules, due hold course and speed. If there is
regard shall be had to all dangers of danger of collision, all vessels • Leave it with a relative or
navigation and collision and to any will slow down, stop or reverse friend.
special circumstances, including the until danger is averted.
limitations of the vessels involved, 11. Vessels will issue warning sig- • A float plan should describe
which may make a departure from the nals in fog or weather conditions the vessel, its registration
rules necessary to avoid immediate that restrict visibility. number, size, hull color and
danger. 12. No mechanically propelled vessel engine type. Note the boat
shall be operated so as to traverse a landing that is to be used to
1. Vessels passing head-on shall course around any other vessel unload the boat and the area
each keep to their respective underway or any person swim- where you intend to fish
right. ming. with names of lakes and
2. A vessel overtaking another ves- 13. In a narrow channel, vessels will bayous, etc.
sel may do so on either side, but keep to the right of mid-channel.
must grant the right-of-way to 14. Vessels approaching or passing • List the number and names of
the vessel being overtaken. another vessel shall be operated passengers and any cell phone
3. When vessels are passing at right in such manner and at such a rate numbers and VHF radio call
angles, the vessel on the left will of speed as will not create a haz- sign of the vessel.
yield right-of-way to vessel on the ardous wash or wake.
right. 15. No vessel shall obstruct or inter- Falls oVeRboaRd
4. Motorboats shall yield right-of- fere with take-off, landing or • Don’t stand in a moving
way to non-motor powered boats taxiing of aircraft. boat.
except as follows: 16. All vessels shall be operated at
A. When being overtaken by reasonable speeds for given con- • Don't sit on gunwales, seat-
non-powered vessels. ditions and situations and must backs or bow area of the
B. For deep draft vessels that be under the complete control of boat.
have to remain in narrow the operator at all times.
channels. 17. No person shall, under any cir- • Don’t lean over the side for
C. When vessel is towing cumstances, operate a vessel in any reason.
another vessel. excess of an established speed or
5. Motorboats must maintain a wake zone. • Always hold on to some-
direct course when passing sail- 18. No vessel or person shall obstruct thing when moving in a sta-
boats. or block a navigation channel, tionary boat and never move
6. A vessel approaching a landing entrance to channel, mooring about in a boat when it is
dock or pier shall yield the right- slip, landing dock, launching underway.
of-way to any departing vessel. ramp, pier or tributary.
7. A vessel departing shoreline or 19. Vessels shall keep at least 100 • Always wear a personal flo-
tributary shall yield right-of-way feet clearance of displayed div- tation device when the boat
to through traffic and vessels er’s flag. is underway.
approaching shoreline or tribu- 20. Operator shall maintain a proper
tary. lookout.
8. Vessels will not abruptly change
course without first determining NOTE: For a more comprehensive
that it can be safely done without compilation of boating and vessel
risk of collision with another ves- requirements, see the LDWF website
sel. at www.wlf.louisiana.gov for a print-
9. If an operator fails to fully com- able version of “Handbook of LA
prehend the course of an Boating Laws and Regulations.” For
approaching vessel he must slow more information on boating regula-
down immediately to a speed tions or safe boating courses visit the
barely sufficient for steerageway LDWF website or phone 225-765-
until the other vessel has passed. 2984.
30
Clean Water - do your part
BoatinG information
3. Don’t throw anything overboard. it’s the laW!
4. Bring cut fishing line ashore. Federal and state laws prohibit
5. Avoid discharging bilge waste the discharge of untreated sewage
into the water. from vessels within Louisiana’s navi-
6. Be careful when fueling; try to gable waters. This includes territorial
prevent spills. seas within the three mile limit.
Federal and state laws also prohibit
Boaters can legally and conve- the discharge of sewage (treated and
niently dispose of waste at properly untreated) within No Discharge
installed and operated marine Zones.
Clean water is important to all of pumpout and portable toilet wash- Recreational vessels with installed
us. One way for boaters and anglers down stations. toilets must have an operable Marine
to help protect and improve the qual- The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Sanitation Device (MSD) certified by
ity of our waters is to eliminate the Grant Program reimburses marina the U.S. Coast Guard. Portable toilets
overboard discharge of sewage. owners up to 75 percent of the cost of are not considered as installed and are
Sewage discharges are unsightly and approved pumpout and washdown not subject to MSD regulations.
may contain disease-carrying bacteria station installations or improvements. However, it is illegal to empty porta-
and viruses. The microorganisms can For more information on boat sewage ble toilets overboard.
contaminate shellfish beds and areas disposal facilities or the CVA Grant MSDs may have a Y-valve that,
used for swimming, fishing and ski- Program, please contact the Louisiana when in position, allows direct dis-
ing. The decaying of sewage can also Department of Wildlife and Fisheries charge of raw sewage. Boat operating
degrade aquatic habitats by depleting at (225) 765-2864, or visit the in U.S. territorial waters must have
oxygen in the water. Louisiana CVA web page by going to the Y-valve secured in a closed posi-
www.wlf.louisiana.gov, clicking on tion to prevent discharges.
be paRt oF the “Boating,” clicking on “Programs” To report boat sewage violations,
solUtion then clicking on “Clean Vessel contact your regional Wildlife and
1. Use shore-side toilet facilities Program.” Fisheries office, the U.S. Coast
before going out on the water.
Guard, or the Louisiana Department
2. Dispose of waste from portable
of Environmental Quality at (225) 219-
toilets or on-board sewage hold-
3640.
ing tanks properly.
The numbers on the map refer to the marinas with sewage disposal facilities listed below. The waterbodies they serve are in
parenthesis. Please call for hours, services offered, cost (if any) or other information.
1. Bowtie Marina, Lake Charles - $5.00
(Contraband Bayou) 337-478-0130
9 2. Cypress Bend Park, Negreet (Toledo Bend)
13 4 318-256-4118
3. Downtown Marina, Houma - $5.00 (Bayou
Terrebonne/GIWW) 985-873-6428
4. Forsythe Point, Monroe (Ouachita River)
318-329-4101
5. Lake End Park, Morgan City - $5.00 (Lake
Palourde) 985-380-4623
6. Marina Beau Chene, Mandeville - $5.00
2 (Tchefuncte River) 985-845-3454
7. Marina Del Ray, Madisonville - $10.00
12 (Tchefuncte River) 985-845-4474
8. Mariner’s Village Marina, Mandeville
(Lake Pontchartrain) 985-626-1517
9. Moon Lake Resort, Monroe (Ouachita
River) 318-322-2300
6 10. Northshore Marine Sales & Service, Inc.,
7 8 10 Mandeville - $5.00 (Bayou Castine) 985-
626-7847
1 11. Orleans Marina, New Orleans (Lake
14 11 Pontchartrain) 504-288-2351
12. Pleasure Point Landing, Toro (Toledo
Bend) 318-565-4810
5 13. Plum Orchard Park, Doyline (Lake
3 Bistineau) 318-987-7275
14. New Iberia Boat & Sewerage Pumpout
Facility, New Iberia - $5.00 (Bayou Teche)
337-365-9493 31
boatinG inFoRmation
BoatinG information voluntary Gulf of mexiCo
marine CommuniCations protoCol
The voluntary Gulf of Mexico potential haZaRds to be visible from the sea surface.
(GOM) communications protocol is FisheRmen When FishinG Perforating activities require elimina-
an agreed communications format aRoUnd oFFshoRe oil tion of radio transmissions to help
that identifies methods of notifica- and Gas pRodUction prevent an inadvertent triggering of
tion, recommended frequencies and platFoRms the explosive charges. Gas releases,
generally accepted two-way marine Most offshore fishermen target some of which may be poisonous (red
VHF radio protocols. It is for use in oil and gas production platforms as flashing light), have the potential to
GOM Outer Continental Shelf areas their fishing location of choice. drift to the water surface and envelop
and State Territorial Waters adjacent Petroleum platforms, commonly a vessel, where an open flame or
to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and referred to as “rigs,” provide recre- spark could set off the gas.
Alabama. ation for fishermen and scuba divers Therefore, if asked by platform
The objective is to provide a because they act as artificial reefs, personnel to move to another struc-
common voluntary marine communi- attracting and establishing aquatic ture, please understand the request is
cations protocol for GOM resource communities, including highly sought made for your safety, the safety of the
users to use in alerting parties that food and sport fishes. Also, offshore personnel on board the platform and
will be interacting in the same general facilities serve as navigation points the safety of the facilities. Please
area. This protocol will provide a for small marine craft. Manned facili- observe common courtesy and move
common communication format for ties can also provide a haven for small to another location.
notification and feedback between craft operators forced to abandon
offshore platform and rig operators their vessels during storms or follow-
and others in responding to the safety ing accidents. example
needs of all GOM resources users. Generally this interaction
Any vessel operator (commercial, for between fishermen and offshore plat- Contact Request: “Eugene Island
hire (charter/headboat), recreational form personnel takes place without 313 “A” Platform, this is M/V Duck,
fishermen, sport divers and oil and incident. However, periodically, a M/V Duck, on Channel 16”
gas contractors and operators) pro- fisherman or scuba diver may be Response: “Eugene Island 313 “A”
posing to approach either fixed or asked by platform personnel to move back to M/V Duck. Switch to
floating drilling, production and sup- Channel No. ______.”
to another location. This request is
port facilities or oil and gas transpor- Follow Up on New Channel: “M/V
generally made when certain poten- Duck back; we are 5 miles out and
tation infrastructure should utilize the tially dangerous activities are taking in route to your location for ______
GOM communications protocol. place onboard the platform and is (offloading, fishing, diving, bird
made for the safety of both platform watching, etc) and request assis-
pRotocol personnel and the fisherman. tance in determining your current
Any vessel approaching either a Some of these potential hazards facility status.”
fixed or floating offshore facility with to fishermen occur when construction Recognition: “Eugene Island 313
the intent of tying to or remaining or maintenance activities are under- “A” back; we have no current
around (within 1,500 feet of) that way. These activities frequently marine traffic or hazardous opera-
facility for any purpose, should con- require use of marine support vessels tions but expect a supply boat later
tact as far in advance as practical that that limit access to the facility and today.” If the facility was planning
specific facility using a marine VHF require frequent movement and the operations that might preclude safe
radio on Channel No. 16. All off- possibility for entanglement in anchor positioning of marine craft or if
shore facilities are identified by sig- potentially hazardous lifting or well
lines or mooring hardware exists.
work is scheduled, the operator
nage that identifies the Area, Block, Platform cranes making lifts can would so inform the vessel.
Platform and Operator. expose vessels and personnel to Notification: “M/V Duck back; we
This protocol helps GOM off- dropped objects, and overhead work, are a 25 foot sport fisherman out of
shore facility operators identify ves- such as blasting, welding and burning Cocodrie with a total of five people
sels approaching or mooring and or painting, can also potentially on board and will approach your
gives shared resource users a com- expose people and equipment to fall- location at 0900 hours and estimate
mon communication tool. If vessels ing debris and equipment. These our stay at three hours.”
fail to establish communications, a activity types are easy to see and the
facility operator is faced with the task request to move is easily understood. The approaching vessel has estab-
of evaluating the vessel's intent. Some activities taking place on off- lished contact, identified its intent to
Communications will help operators shore platforms that may also be approach or moor, its purpose, and
make a judgment on the activity and dangerous are not as easily seen, and estimated its time of arrival and time
help access if the vessel poises a therefore, a request to move may be at location. The operator is now
threat to the people or facility. alerted to the fact that the vessel is
misunderstood. Activities such as
approaching with the intent of being
well perforating, poisonous gas in the area and can validate actual
releases (red flashing light) or emer- activities by visually observing the
gency shut downs that may require vessel and its crew.
32 significant venting or flaring may not
louisiana fish Consumption advisories
fish Consumption advisories
The following information on The Office of Public Health eval- smaller fish to eat. Usually,
fish consumption advisories has been uates chemicals in fish to determine if younger, smaller fish are less con-
furnished by the Louisiana the fish are contaminated and pose a taminated than larger, older fish.
Department of Health and Hospitals health threat to children, pregnant • Eat fewer predator fish such as
(DHH). The Louisiana Departments women, adults or (when indicated) bass, gar or pickerel. Contaminants
of Health and Hospitals, subsistence anglers. A fish consump- bioaccumulate in predator fish.
Environmental Quality and Wildlife tion advisory is issued when unac- • Vary diet by eating a variety of
and Fisheries coordinate in the issu- ceptable levels of chemical contami- fish, shellfish, meat and poultry.
ance of advisories. nants have been found in the fish • Vary source of fish, seafood, meat,
Unless the fish species is specifi- filet. poultry and wild game.
cally addressed in the details of these
advisories, please limit consumption Fish consUmption
of all species in an advisory area to adVisoRy Consumption adviCe
four meals per month. Louisiana fish Fish consumption advisories in for Women Who are
consumption advisories are based on Louisiana are based on chemical lev- preGnant, nursinG or
the estimate that the average els in the fish filet. Advisories are
Louisiana resident eats four fish issued at very conservative levels to miGht BeCome
meals per month (a meal is consid- insure the safety of individuals con- preGnant and for
ered to be half a pound of fish for suming fish. Advisories provide guid- younG Children
adults and children). If you or your ance regarding fish consumption for (epa and fda, 2004)
family members eat more than four each species of fish. They do not tell
meals of fish a month from local you to stop fishing or to stop eating
By following these three recom-
water bodies, you might increase fish. Just be selective about the fish
mendations for selecting and
your health risks. You can contact the you or your family eat. None of the
eating fish or shellfish, women
Office of Public Health toll free at fish in Louisiana are contaminated
and young children will receive
1-888-293-7020 or visit www.dhh. enough to cause harm after a single or
the benefits of eating fish and
louisiana.gov/ for more information a few meals. The health risk comes
shellfish and be confident that
about eating fish that contain chemi- from eating contaminated fish often
they have reduced their exposure
cals. and regularly over a long period of
to the harmful effects of mercu-
Readers should be aware that the time.
ry. Follow these same recom-
information provided is a summary of
mendations when feeding fish or
the information available at the time health adVice and
shellfish to a young child, but
of printing. Advisories may be GUidelines
serve smaller portions.
changed or added at any time. Contaminants found in Louisiana
1. Do not eat shark, swordfish,
Additional information on mercury fish can be grouped into two catego-
king mackerel or tilefish, as
and health advisories can be found on ries: organic chemicals (HCB,
these contain high levels of
the Louisiana Department of HCBD, PCBs and Dioxin) and metals
mercury.
Environmental Quality’s Internet (mercury, lead). Organic contami-
2. Eat up to 12 ounces a week
address at http://www.deq.louisiana. nants build up in fish fat deposits and
of a variety of fish and
gov. just under the skin, more than in the
shellfish that are lower in
muscle tissue (filet). Metals are dis-
mercury. The five most
contaminants in Fish tributed evenly throughout the fish
commonly eaten fish that
Almost everywhere you look in and cannot be removed from the filet
are low in mercury are
Louisiana there is water, and where by cooking or cleaning.
shrimp, canned light tuna,
there is water, people catch and eat
salmon, pollock and catfish.
fish. However, in a few Louisiana hoW to RedUce
Up to six ounces a week of
waters, fish and shellfish have chemi- oRGanic chemical
albacore (“white”) tuna may
cal contamination in amounts that contamination in Fish
be consumed since this vari-
may be harmful to your health if you • Remove all organs and skin.
ety contains more mercury
were to eat too much over a long Organs and skin can be high in fat
than light tuna.
period of time. and organic chemicals.
3. Check local advisories
These contaminants are in the • Trim off fatty areas shown in
about the safety of fish
environment because of various rea- black on drawing. This includes
caught by family and friends
sons such as natural deposition, belly fat, side fat and back fat.
in your local lakes, rivers
industrial discharges, leaking land- Organic contaminants concentrate
and coastal areas. If no
fills and misuse of pesticides. Fish in fat.
advice is available, eat up to
take in the contaminants from water, • Bake or broil skinned, trimmed
six ounces per week of fish
sediments and food. Larger, older fish fish on a rack or grill so fat drips
caught in local waters. Do
and fish that eat other fish tend to off. Throw away drippings.
not consume any other fish
accumulate more contaminants than • When fish are poached or fried,
that same week.
smaller, younger fish. throw away the broth or oil. Keep
33
CleaninG method to reduCe A “meal” is considered to be a half-pound (8 oz.)
orGaniC Contamination in fish in size. Unless the fish 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 esti-
mate 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 from
local water bodies, you might increase your
health risks. You can contact the Office of Public
Health toll free at 1-888-293-7020 for more infor-
mation about eating fish that
contain chemicals.
loUsiana health/Fish consUmption adVisoRies (meRcURy)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the
under the age of 7 age of 7
Amite River from Limit bigmouth buffa-
Limit bigmouth buffalo,
the Mississippi lo, largemouth bass,
East largemouth bass, spotted
state line to its spotted bass, white
Feliciana, bass, white crappie (sac-
Amite River confluence with crappie (sac-a-lait),
St. Helena, a-lait), freshwater drum
Lake Maurepas, freshwater drum (gas-
Drainage Colyell Creek, the
East Baton (gaspergou) and bowfin
pergou) and bowfin
07/01/04 03/10/04
Basin Rouge, (choupique, grinnel) con-
Amite River (choupique, grinnel)
Livingston, sumption to no more
Diversion Canal consumption to no
Ascension than one meal per
and the Petite more than four meals
month combined.
Amite River per month combined.
Bayou No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
Bartholomew from grinnel); Limit consump- grinnel); Limit con-
Bayou the LA/AR state tion of other fish species sumption of other fish 01/99;
Morehouse 03/10/04
Bartholomew line to its conflu- to no more than one species to no more than 05/29/03
ence with the meal per month com- four meals per month
Ouachita River bined. combined.
Bayou Bonne Idee No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
from its headwa- grinnel); Limit large- grinnel); Limit large-
Bayou Bonne ters near Jones, mouth bass and freshwa- mouth bass and fresh-
Louisiana to its Morehouse ter drum (gaspergou) water drum (gaspergou) 07/01/04 12/04/03
Idee confluence with consumption to no more consumption to no
the Boeuf River than one meal per more than four meals
east of Oak Ridge. month combined. per month combined.
Bayou Chene from
its headwaters near
Jennings to its con-
Limit largemouth bass
fluence with Limit largemouth bass
Bayou Chene Bayou Lacassine, Jefferson and bowfin (choupique,
and bowfin (choupique,
Davis, grinnel) consumption to
& Bayou and Bayou
Calcasieu,
grinnel) consumption to
no more than four
03/08/06 2005
Lacassine Lacassine from its no more than one meal
Cameron meals per month com-
headwaters near per month combined.
bined.
Lacassine to its
confluence with
Bayou Misere.
Bayou de Bayou De Loutre
Loutre & from the Arkansas
associated state line to its Limit consumption of
11/20/00;
confluence with No consumption of any all species to no more
lakes the Ouachita River
Union
species. than two meals per
05/29/03; 03/10/04
(Phillips, 07/01/04
including Phillips, month combined.
Hatley and Hatley, and
Hudson) Hudson Lakes
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the age
under the age of 7 of 7
Limit bowfin
Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel),
Bayou des Cannes (choupique, grinnel),
black crappie (sac-a-
Bayou des from its origin near black crappie (sac-a-lait)
Acadia, lait) or freshwater drum 10/97;
Ville Platte to its or freshwater drum (gas- 04/11/02
Cannes Evangeline (gaspergou) consump- 05/29/03
confluence with pergou) consumption to
tion to no more than
the Mermentau no more than one meal a
four meals a month
month combined.
combined.
No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
Bayou DeSiard
grinnel); Limit consump- grinnel); Limit con-
Bayou from its headwa-
tion of other fish species sumption of other fish
ters to its conflu- Ouachita 05/29/03 09/04/02
DeSiard to no more than one species to no more than
ence with the
meal per month com- four meals per month
Ouachita River
bined. combined.
Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
spotted bass, black crap- spotted bass, black crap-
Bayou Dorcheat pie, freshwater drum pie, freshwater drum
Bayou from the Arkansas (gaspergou), flathead (gaspergou), flathead
07/01/04;
State Line to its Webster catfish and bowfin catfish and bowfin 2005
Dorcheat 03/08/06
confluence with (choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
Lake Bisteneau. consumption to no more consumption to no more
than one meal per than four meal per
month combined. month combined.
Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
crappie (sac-a-lait), crappie (sac-a-lait),
Bayou freshwater drum (gasper- freshwater drum (gas-
The entire length St. 01/31/97;
gou) and redear sunfish pergou) and redear sun- 03/10/04
Liberty of Bayou Liberty Tammany 05/29/03
consumption to no more fish consumption to no
than one meal a month more than four meals a
combined. month combined.
Bayou Louis from
No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
its headwaters to
grinnel); Limit consump- grinnel); Limit con-
its confluence with
tion of other fish species sumption of other fish
Bayou Louis the Ouachita River Catahoula
to no more than one species to no more than
05/29/03 09/04/02
including Lake
meal per month com- four meals per month
Louis (Lovelace
bined. combined.
Lake)
No more than six meals
No more than two
Headwaters of Acadia, per year of bowfin
meals per month of
Bayou Bayou Nezpique to Allen, (choupique, grinnel) or
bowfin, or no more than
the Mermentau Evangeline, no more than one meal 02/11/09
Nezpique four meals per month
River Jefferson per month of large-
of largemouth bass,
65.0 miles Davis mouth bass, from the
from the advisory area.
advisory area.
Limit bowfin
No bowfin (choupique, (choupique, grinnel) to
Bayou Plaquemine grinnel) consumption. two meals per month;
Bayou Brule from its ori- Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
gin near Opelousas Acadia, crappie (sac-a-lait) and crappie (sac-a-lait) and 10/96;
Plaquemine to its confluence St. Landry freshwater drum (gasper- freshwater drum (gas- 05/29/03
04/11/02
Brule with the gou) consumption to no pergou) consumption to
Mermentau River more than one meal a no more than four
month combined. meals a month com-
bined.
Bayou Queue de
Tortue from its
Limit bowfin Limit bowfin
Bayou headwaters near
Acadiana, (choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
Cankton, La. to its
Queue De confluence with
Lafayette, consumption to no more consumption to no more 07/01/04 03/10/04
Tortue Vermillion than one meal per than four meals per
the Mermentau
month. month.
River east of Lake
Arthur, La.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the age
under the age of 7 of 7
The entire length
Limit consumption of
of Big Alabama
all catfish species to no
Bayou from the Pointe Limit consumption of all
Big Alabama more than two meals a
boat landing at Coupee, species to no more than
month; Limit consump- 05/29/03 09/04/02
Bayou Hwy 975 to near Iberville, one meal per month
tion of all other species
the Atchafalaya St. Martin combined.
to four meals a month
River Pilot
combined.
Channel
Limit largemouth bass
Limit largemouth bass
and bowfin (choupique,
Black Bayou Black Bayou Lake and bowfin (choupique,
grinnel) consumption to
Caddo grinnel) consumption to 03/08/06 2005
Lake only no more than four
no more than one meal
meals per month com-
per month combined.
bined.
Limit bowfin
Black Bayou Black Bayou Lake No bowfin (choupique, (choupique, grinnel)
Ouachita 05/29/03 09/04/02
Lake only grinnel) consumption. consumption to one
meal a month.
Limit bowfin
No bowfin (choupique,
(choupique, grinnel) to
grinnel) consumption;
two meals per month;
Limit largemouth bass,
Limit largemouth bass,
white bass, crappie (sac-
white bass, crappie (sac- 10/96;
Black Lake Black Lake only Natchitoches a-lait) and freshwater
a-lait) and freshwater 05/29/03
09/04/02
drum (gaspergou) con-
drum (gaspergou) con-
sumption to no more
sumption to no more
than one meal a month
than four meals a
combined.
month combined.
St. James, Limit bowfin Limit bowfin
Ascension, (choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
The Blind River 04/23/98;
Blind River only
Livingston, consumption to no more consumption to no more
05/29/03
12/04/03
St. John the than one meal per than four meals a
Baptist month. month.
The Boeuf River No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
from the conflu- Caldwell, grinnel); Limit consump- grinnel); Limit con-
ence with Lake Franklin, tion of other fish species sumption of other fish
Boeuf River Lafourche to the Richland, to no more than one species to no more than
05/29/03 03/10/04
confluence with Catahoula meal per month com- four meals a month
the Ouachita River bined. combined.
Limit consumption of
The Bogue Chitto Limit consumption of all
all bass species and
Bogue Chitto River from MS/LA St. bass species and bowfin
bowfin (choupique, 08/96;
state line to the Tammany, (choupique, grinnel) to 03/10/04
River grinnel) to no more than 05/29/03
Pearl River Washington no more than one meal
four meals a month
Navigation Canal per month combined.
combined.
Limit largemouth bass
and crappie (sac-a-lait)
The Bogue Falaya
No largemouth bass or consumption to no more
from its headwa-
Bogue Falaya ters to its conflu- crappie (sac-a-lait); than two meals a
Washington,
and Limit freshwater drum month combined; Limit
ence with the St.
(gaspergou), spotted bass freshwater drum (gas- 05/29/03 09/04/02
Tchefuncte Tchefuncte and the Tammany,
and catfish consumption pergou), spotted bass
Rivers Tchefuncte from Tangipahoa
to no more than one and catfish consumption
its headwaters to
meal a month combined to no more than four
Lake Pontchartrain
meals a month com-
bined.
No more than six meals No more than two
Caddo Lake Only per year of bowfin meals per month of
Caddo Lake -32,640 acres
Caddo
(choupique, grinnel) bowfin from the adviso-
02/11/09
from the advisory area. ry area.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the age
under the age of 7 of 7
Calcasieu River
from Hwy 26 to
the Saltwater
Limit largemouth bass,
Barrier north of
Calcasieu No largemouth bass, bowfin (choupique,
Lake Charles, the Calcasieu,
River bowfin (choupique, grin- grinnel) and freshwater 11/20/00;
West Fork Jefferson
nel) or freshwater drum drum (gaspergou) con- 05/29/03; 03/10/04
Drainage Calcasieu River, Davis,
(gaspergou) consump- sumption to no more 07/01/04
Basin Houston River, Allen
tion. than two meals per
Hickory Creek,
month combined.
Beckwith Creek,
English Bayou and
Little River
Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel)
No bowfin (choupique,
consumption to no more
grinnel) consumption.
than two meals a 05/97;
Chicot Lake Chicot Lake only Evangeline Limit largemouth bass to
month; Limit large- 05/29/03
09/04/02
no more than one meal
mouth bass consump-
per month.
tion to no more than
four meals per month
Limit consumption of
No consumption of bow- bowfin (choupique,
Cheniere fin (choupique, grinnel) grinnel) to no more than
Cheniere (Brake) and limit consumption of two meals a month;
(Brake) Lake only
Ouachita
largemouth bass to no Limit consumption of
07/01/04 03/10/04
Lake more than two meals largemouth bass to no
per month. more than four meals
per month.
No more than one meal
per month of black
Clear Lake Clear Lake - crappie, bowfin
(Lake 2,944 acres DeSoto (choupique, grinnel), 02/11/09
Edwards) largemouth bass, or big-
mouth buffalo combined,
from the advisory area.
No more than six meals
No more than two
per year of bowfin
meals per year of bow-
(choupique, grinnel), or
fin, or no more than
Cocodrie no more than one meal
Cocodrie Lake - Evangeline, three meals per month
per month of large- 02/11/09
Lake 6,099 acres Rapides of largemouth bass or
mouth bass, black crap-
bigmouth buffalo, com-
pie, or bigmouth buffalo
bined, from the advisory
combined, from the
area.
advisory area.
Limit largemouth bass
Limit largemouth bass or
or bowfin (choupique,
Corney bowfin (choupique, grin-
grinnel) consumption to
Corney Lake only Claiborne nel) consumption to no 05/29/03 09/04/02
Lake no more than four
more than one meal per
meals per month com-
month combined.
bined.
Crooked Crooked Creek No more than one meal No more than four
Reservoir - per month of large- meals per month of
Creek 370 acres
Evangeline
mouth bass from the largemouth bass from
02/11/09
Reservoir advisory area. the advisory area.
No bowfin (choupique,
Limit bowfin
Grand grinnel) consumption.
John K. Kelley- (choupique, grinnel) and
Limit largemouth bass
Bayou Grand Bayou Red River
consumption to no more
largemouth bass con- 05/29/03 09/04/02
Reservoir Reservoir sumption to two meals
than one meal per
per month.
month.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear-
Other adults and chil- DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children
dren over the age of 7
under the age of 7
No consumption of king
mackerel greater than 39
inches in total length;
Limit consumption of
No consumption of king
king mackerel 39 inches
mackerel; Limit cobia,
Gulf of Gulf of Mexico or less in total length to
Coastal blackfin tuna and greater 09/04/97;
waters off of all no more than two meals 2005
Mexico Parishes amberjack consumption 03/08/06
coastal parishes per month; Limit con-
to no more that one
sumption of cobia,
meal per month.
blackfin tuna and greater
amberjack to no more
that four meals per
month combined.
Henderson Lake,
Lake Bigeux and
all waters within
the area bounded
on the north by the
Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
St. Landry/St.
crappie (sac-a-lait) and crappie (sac-a-lait) and
Henderson Martin Parish line,
freshwater drum (gasper- freshwater drum (gasper- 01/31/96;
on the east by the St. Martin 12/04/03
Lake Area gou) consumption to no gou) consumption to no 05/29/03
West Atchafalaya
more than one meal per more than four meals
River levee, on the
month. per month combined.
south by Hwy
3177 and on the
west by the West
Atchafalaya Basin
levee
The canal that is
between the I-10
bridges (between Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
I-10 Canal Whiskey Bay and black crappie and bowfin black crappie, bowfin
Ramah) and the (choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
and Work canal known as
Iberville
consumption to no more consumption to no more
07/01/04 03/10/04
Canal Work Canal, which than one meal per than four meals per
runs north to south month combined. month combined.
and intersects the
I-10 Canal.
Limit largemouth bass Limit largemouth bass
and bowfin (choupique, and bowfin (choupique,
Iatt Lake Iatt Lake only Grant grinnel) consumption to grinnel) consumption to 03/08/06 2005
no more than one meal no more than four meals
per month combined. per month combined.
Limit consumption of
No consumption of bow- bowfin (choupique, grin-
fin (choupique, grinnel). nel) to no more than two
Limit consumption of meals a month; Limit 11/20/00;
Ivan Lake Ivan Lake only Bossier
largemouth bass to no consumption of large- 05/29/03
09/04/02
more than one meal per mouth bass to no more
month. than four meals a
month.
Limit bowfin
Kepler Kepler Creek Lake No bowfin (choupique, (choupique, grinnel)
Bienville 05/29/03 09/04/02
Creek Lake only grinnel) consumption. consumption to one
meal per month.
Limit largemouth bass, Limit largemouth bass,
flathead catfish, redear flathead catfish, redear
Lake and bluegill sunfish and bluegill sunfish
Lake Vernon only Vernon 03/08/06 2005
Vernon (bream) consumption to (bream) consumption to
no more than one meal a no more than four meals
month. a month combined.
Fish consUmption adVisoRies
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the age
under the age of 7 of 7
Limit bowfin Limit bowfin
Lake Webster, (choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
Lake Bistineau 08/97;
Bossier, consumption to no more consumption to no more 09/04/02
Bistineau only 05/29/03
Bienville than one meal per than four meals per
month. month.
Limit largemouth bass,
Catahoula Lake, No largemouth bass, white bass, freshwater
Little River, Old white bass, freshwater drum (gaspergou), flat-
River, Black Avoyelles, drum (gaspergou), flat- head catfish and bowfin
Little River/ River, Saline Catahoula, head catfish or bowfin (choupique, grinnel)
Lake, Larto Lake Concordia, (choupique, grinnel) consumption to no more 11/20/00;
Catahoula (Saline-Larto Grant, consumption; Limit than two meals per 05/29/03
03/10/04
Lake Area Complex), Shad LaSalle, white crappie consump- month; Limit white
Lake and Rapides tion to no more than two crappie consumption to
Associated Water meals per month com- no more than four
Bodies bined. meals a month com-
bined.
No more than six meals
per year of bowfin
(choupique, grinnel), or
no more than two meals No more than three
From headwaters
Old River per month black crappie meals per month of
to confluence with
or redear sunfish com- freshwater drum, or no
(Nibletts Sabine River Calcasieu
bined, or no more than more than two meals
02/11/09
Bluff) 10.6 miles
one meal per month of per month of bowfin
freshwater drum, large- from the advisory area.
mouth bass or spotted
bass combined, from the
advisory area.
LA/ARK border
to the confluence
No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
of the Tensas Ouachita,
grinnel); Limit consump- grinnel); Limit con-
Ouachita River including Union,
tion of other fish species sumption of other fish 07/92;
any lakes that are Morehouse, 03/10/04
River to no more than one species to no more than 05/29/03
inside the levee Caldwell,
meal per month com- four meals per month
system or within Catahoula
bined. combined.
the Ouachita
River flood plain
No bowfin (choupique, No bowfin (choupique,
grinnel) consumption. grinnel) consumption;
Limit bass, bigmouth Limit bass, bigmouth
St.
The entire length buffalo and freshwater buffalo and freshwater 01/31/97;
Pearl River of the Pearl River
Tammany,
drum (gaspergou) con- drum (gaspergou) con- 05/29/03
03/10/04
Washington
sumption to no more sumption to no more
than one meal per than four meals per
month combined. month combined.
No more than six meals
per year of largemouth
bass, or no more than
three meals per month
From headwaters No more than three
of carp, freshwater drum,
of Saline Bayou in meals per month of
longear sunfish, or war-
Saline Bienville Parish bowfin or spotted bass
Bienville, mouth combined, or no
to, and including, combined, or no more
Bayou and Saline Lake in
Winn, more than two meals
than two meals per
02/11/09
Saline Lake Natchitoches per month of black
Winn and month of largemouth
crappie, or no more than
Natchitoches par- bass, from the advisory
one meal per month of
ishes area.
bowfin (choupique, grin-
nel) or spotted bass com-
bined, from the advisory
area.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
CONSUMPTION
ISSUE LAST
LOCATION BOUNDARIES PARISH Women of childbear- Other adults and DATE REVIEWED
ing age and children children over the age
under the age of 7 of 7
Limit bowfin
Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel),
(choupique, grinnel),
flathead catfish, white
flathead catfish, white
Seventh The Seventh Ward crappie (sac-a-lait) and
crappie (sac-a-lait) and 07/97;
Canal (southwest Vermilion freshwater drum (gas- 03/10/04
Ward Canal of Abbeville) freshwater drum (gasper- 05/29/03
pergou) consumption to
gou) consumption to no
no more than four
more than one meal per
meals per month com-
month combined.
bined.
Limit bowfin Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel), (choupique, grinnel),
The Tangipahoa flathead catfish, large- flathead catfish, large-
Tangipahoa River from the mouth bass, spotted bass mouth bass, spotted
LA/MS state line Tangipahoa and freshwater drum bass and freshwater 05/29/03 09/04/02
River to Lake (gaspergou) consumption drum (gaspergou) con-
Pontchartrain to no more than one sumption to no more
meal per month com- than four meals per
bined. month combined.
Limit bowfin Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel) (choupique, grinnel)
Tew Lake Tew Lake only Catahoula consumption to no more consumption to no more 07/01/04 12/04/03
than one meal per than four meals per
month. month.
The Tickfaw
Limit freshwater drum Limit freshwater drum
River (from MS/
(gaspergou), largemouth (gaspergou), largemouth
LA state line to
bass, bowfin (choupique, bass, bowfin
Tickfaw Lake Maurepas), St. Helena,
grinnel) and white crap- (choupique, grinnel) and 07/08/02;
the Blood River, Tangipahoa, 11/19/01
River Area pie (sac-a-lait) consump- white crappie (sac-a- 05/29/03
Natalbany River, Livingston
tion to no more than one lait) consumption to no
Lizard Creek, and
meal per month com- more than four meals
Ponchatoula
bined. per month combined.
Creek
Limit bowfin
(choupique, grinnel)
No consumption of bow-
consumption to no more
fin (choupique, grinnel).
than two meals per
Limit consumption of
Toledo Bend The entire reser- month combined; Limit
Desoto, largemouth bass and 07/19/01;
largemouth bass and 09/04/02
Reservoir voir Sabine freshwater drum (gasper-
freshwater drum (gas-
05/29/03
gou) to no more than
pergou) consumption to
one meal per month
no more than four
combined.
meals per month com-
bined.
loUisiana health/Fish consUmption adVisoRies (otheR chemical contaminants)
FISH & SHELLFISH
LOCATION AREA PARISH CONSUMPTION ADVI- POLLUTANT DATES
SORIES
Fish/shellfish consumption of
no more than 2 meals a
Bayou d’Inde Calcasieu, HCB, HCBD, (issued 1/87; reviewed
6 miles month; no swimming, water
Cameron PCBs 4/92, 10/94 and 7/99)
sports & contact with bottom
sediments
East Baton No fish consumption; (issued 8/83; reviewed
Capitol Lake 0.12 miles PCBs
Rouge Sediment contamination 11/94)
Fish consumption of no more
Devil’s Swamp, Devil’s HCB, HCBD,
East Baton than 2 meals a month, no (issued 10/87; expanded
Swamp Lake, Bayou 7 sq. miles PCBs, lead, mer-
Rouge water contact sports, no advisory area 7/93)
Baton Rouge cury, arsenic
Swimming
Instructions on proper fish
trimming, cleaning and cook-
ing must be followed. Select
(issued 2/89, reviewed
one of the two options: large-
Sibley Lake 3.4 sq. miles Natchitoches PCBs 6/94, revised 1/96,
mouth bass or crappie- 1 meal/
reviewed 3/17/00)
week; or channel catfish,
stripped bass- 1 meal/month.
Do not eat shad, gar or carp.
Wham Brake near Ouachita, (issued 11/87; reviewed
7.2 sq. miles No fish consumption Dioxin
Swartz Morehouse 3/94, 11/96, and 11/01)
Fish consumption of all spe-
Bayou Lafourche (Hwy Ouachita, (issued 3/94; revised
2 miles cies of no more than 2 meals Dioxin
80 overpass to I-20) Richland 11/96, reviewed 11/01)
per month
INFORMATIONAL
LOCATION AREA PARISH POLLUTANT DATES
HEALTH ADVISORIES
Calcasieu, Long term fish consumption HCB, HCBD, (issued 4/92; reviewed
Calcasieu Estuary 37 miles
Cameron may cause health risks PCBs 10/94)
Bayou Olsen at Lake Avoid sediment contact, fish/ Chloroform, (issued 1/89, reviewed
0.5 miles Calcasieu
Charles shellfish consumption limits misc.chemicals 10/94)
Franklin,
Tensas, Long-term fish consumption
Tensas River 83 miles DDT, Toxaphene (issued 2/92)
Madison, may cause health risk
Richland
No swimming or sediment (issued 11/87); (revised
Bayou Bonfouca, Slidell 7 miles St. Tammany Creosote
contact 12/98)
loUisiana aRtiFicial ReeF pRoGRam
Fisheries scientists have long recognized that, on the continental shelf of the Gulf of Mexico, oil and gas platforms pro-
vided hard substrate, to which various marine organisms quickly attached. The resulting food chain formation served to attract
many fish species, just as occurs on natural reefs.
Oil and gas platforms are the destination of more than 70 percent of all recreational offshore fishing trips originating in
Louisiana.
The Louisiana Artificial Reef Program was established in 1986 to offset the loss of recreational and commercial fishing
opportunities associated with the removal of offshore oil and gas platforms.
To date, the Artificial Reef Program has constructed 61 offshore reefs utilizing the components of 256 oil and gas struc-
tures. In addition, the program has created the world’s largest artificial reef from the Freeport sulphur mine located seven miles
south of Grand Isle. The reef is in approximately 50 feet of water and has 30 feet of clearance. The program has also deployed
40 armored personnel carriers and one offshore tug. Through the cooperation of civic groups, the department has created 22
inshore reefs composed of shell, limestone and reef balls.
The coordinates for the deployed structures and materials can be found on the LDWF web site at: http://www.wlf.louisiana.
gov/fishing/programs/habitat/artificialreef.cfm or obtained by calling 225-765-2375.
Find Fishing regulations and information
for all 50 states at:
www.huntandfishregs.com
