2021 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations

2021 LOUISIANA
RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS
www.wlf.louisiana.gov 1
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CONTENTS
6. LICENSING
9. DEFINITIONS
DON’T
11. GENERAL FISHING INFORMATION
General Regulations.............................................11
Saltwater/Freshwater Line...................................12
LITTER
13. FRESHWATER FISHING SPORTSMEN ARE REMINDED TO:
General Information.............................................13 • Clean out truck beds and refrain from throwing
Freshwater State Creel & Size Limits....................16 cigarette butts or other trash out of the car or
watercraft.
18. SALTWATER FISHING • Carry a trash bag in your car or boat.
General Information.............................................18 • Securely cover trash containers to prevent
Saltwater State Creel & Size Limits.......................21 animals from spreading litter.
26. OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Call the state’s “Litterbug Hotline” to report any
Recreational Shrimping........................................26 potential littering violations including dumpsites
Recreational Oystering.........................................27
and littering in public. Those convicted of littering
Recreational Crabbing..........................................28
Recreational Crawfishing......................................29 face hefty fines and litter abatement work.
Reptiles & Amphibians........................................30 (Littering is a violation of L.R.S.30:2531 et seq.)
32. WMA & REFUGE REGULATIONS 1-888-LITRBUG

38. BOATING SAFETY
39. FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Commerce strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assist-
ed programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program,
activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior,
Washington D.C. 20240.
DISCLAIMER
This publication is not an official copy of the laws in effect and should not be utilized or relied upon as such. It does represent an attempt by the publish-
er to present, as a public service, a partial summary of the laws in effect at the time of the printing of this publication. Substantive changes to the law may
very well occur following the printing of this publication. For these reasons, the accuracy of the information contained within this publication cannot be
guaranteed and the reader is cautioned that it is his responsibility to apprise himself of the laws in effect at any given time. These laws include those contained
within Revised Statutes, particularly Title 56, the official regulations of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, federal laws and any local or parish
ordinances. Contact your local LDWF Enforcement Agent for specific information.
Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental federally assisted programs on the basis of
race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility oper-
ated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington D.C. 20240.
This public document was published at a total cost of $29,700. 200,000 copies of this public document were published in the first printing at a cost of $29,700. This
document was published by J.F. Griffin Publishing, 33 Main St, North Adams, MA 01247 for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide regulations
on the 2021 fishing season. This material was printed in accordance with the standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43:31. Printing of
this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. For advertising inquiries call (413)884-1099.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
P.O. Box 98000
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
225-765-2800
John Bel Edwards, Governor For updated information and
Jack Montoucet, Secretary the latest regulations
Robert Shadoin, Deputy Secretary
Bryan McClinton, Undersecretary visit us online at
Randy Myers, Assistant Secretary www.wlf.louisiana.gov
Patrick Banks, Assistant Secretary
Scott Longman, Deputy Assistant Secretary
INFORMATION HOTLINE
DIVISION ADMINISTRATORS
Jason Froeba, Fisheries
Kenny Ribbeck, Wildlife
1-800-256-2749
Buddy Baker, Coastal & Nongame Resources
Col. Chad Hebert, Enforcement
HELP STOP
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
COMMISSION POACHING
William D. “Bill’’ Hogan, chairman REPORT GAME
Jerri G. Smitko, vice-chairman VIOLATIONS
Andrew Blanchard
Dusty J. Guidry Operation Game Thief
Alfred R. “Al” Sunseri 1-800-442-2511
Chad J. Courville 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
William J. “Joe” McPherson
LDWF MISSION STATEMENT

To manage, conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats through
replenishment, protection, enhancement, research, development, and education for the social and economic benefit of current and future
generations; to provide opportunities for knowledge of and use and enjoyment of these resources; and to promote a safe and healthy en-
vironment for the users of the resources
New regulations appear in red text throughout the pamphlet.
MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2021

1. During the 2020 legislative session, Res/NR Purple Heart licenses were created (see Licensing section).
2. Bussey Brake has been added with special fishing regulations. See pages 16-17 and 33.
3. Detailed information on Best Fishing Practices is now available on our website at: www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices. See
page 11 for more information.
MARINE FISHERIES
Please refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing
1. During 2021, the use of recreational crab traps will be prohibited in designated derelict crab trap cleanup areas. Please check our website
for the most recent information.
2. During the 2019 legislative session, language was amended regarding the placement of escape rings in crab traps.
3. The recreational minimum length limits for male shortfin mako sharks has changed to 71 inches fork length and 83 inches fork length for
female shortfin mako sharks.
4. The minimum length limit of recreationally harvested cobia has changed to 36 inches fork length.
2 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

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Free Fishing Weekend
JUNE 12-13
Enjoy a weekend of fishing in Louisiana without
having to purchase a license. Visit www.wlf.la.gov
for special events and more information
LDWF FISHERIES CONTACT INFORMATION

FRESHWATER OFFICES SALTWATER OFFICES
Minden 318.371.3050 Lacombe 985.882.0027
Monroe 318.343.4044 Grand Isle 985.787.2163
Pineville 318.487.5885 New Orleans 504.284.2030
Lake Charles 337.491.2577 Bourg 985.594.4139
Lafayette 337.262.2080 Lafayette 337.262.2080
Baton Rouge 225.765.2337 Lake Charles 337.491.2579
Lacombe 985.882.5228
Natchitoches 318.357.3214
LDWF ENFORCEMENT OFFICES

Have a specific question that you don’t see answered here?
Call an Enforcement Office to speak with someone directly.
Pineville 318-487-5634 Baton Rouge 225-765-2999
New Orleans 504-284-2023 Lake Charles 337-491-2580
Lafayette 337-262-2080 Minden 318-371-3049
Thibodaux 985-447-0821 Monroe 318-343-2417
LICENSING / BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

(225) 765-2887 or (225) 765-2898
For specific information on boat registration, please visit
www.wlf.la.gov/boat-registration-boat-and-motor-titles

LICENSING
(LICENSE YEAR JUNE 1 - JUNE 30 OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR)
RECREATIONAL FISHING FEES MILITARY RECREATIONAL FISHING FEES
Non- Resident Non-Resident
Resident
Resident
Active Military Basic Fishing $9.50 $9.50
Basic Fishing Season $9.50 $60.00
Active Military Saltwater $5.50 $5.50
Saltwater License
$13.00 $30.00 Resident LA National Guard Fish/Hunt $50.00
(Basic Fishing required)
Basic Fish Trip - 1 day $5.00 Resident/Native Retired Military Hunt/Fish $5.00
Saltwater Trip - 1 day $17.50 Resident Surviving Spouse Killed in Action Fish $2.50
Hook and Line (cane pole) $2.50 Purple Heart Basic Fishing $9.50 $9.50
$10.00 $10.00 Purple Heart Saltwater $13.00 $13.00

Charter Passenger License (3-day)1
Charter Skiff (3-day)2 $30.00 FISHING GEAR8
LA Sportsman's Paradise License3 $100.00 Crab Traps (limit 10) $15.00 $60.00
Slat Traps (limit 5) $20.00 $80.00
Senior Fish/Hunt4 (60 years and
$5.00 Trawls - up to 16 feet $25.00 $100.00
older)
Non-Resident Student Basic Trawls - 16 feet to 25 feet $80.00 $320.00
$9.50
Fishing5 Oyster Tong (per tong) $5.00 $20.00
NR Student Saltwater Fishing Crawfish Traps (limit 35) $15.00 $60.00
$5.50
(Basic Fishing required)5 Pipes/Drums (limit 5) $10.00 $40.00
Resident Disabled Basic Fishing6 $2.50 Cans/Buckets (limit 5) $10.00 $40.00
Resident Disabled Saltwater6 $2.50 Wire Nets (limit 5) 9
$20.00 $80.00
Offshore Landing Permit7 Free Free Hoop Nets (limit 5) 9
$20.00 $80.00
1
Valid to fish from a charter vessel in saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times.
2
Valid to fish under the direction of a charter operation in a licensed charter skiff in saltwater areas of the state.
3
Sportsman’s Paradise License: Includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Basic and Big Game Hunting, Bow, Primitive Firearms, Turkey, LA Duck and
WMA Hunting Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (EXCEPT recreational trawls greater than 16 feet in length).
4
Senior Fish/Hunt License: Any resident who reached age 60 on June 1, 2000 or later must obtain a Senior Hunt/Fish License to hunt or fish. This
license is in lieu of basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, big game, bow, primitive firearms, LA duck license, turkey stamp and WMA hunting
permit. It does not include special gear such as trawls, crab traps, crawfish traps, hoop nets, etc.
5
NR Student: Applies to a nonresident who is enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college, university or high school that has a physical
campus in Louisiana. Verification of full-time status on the Department form available at www.wlf.la.gov/licenses. Any person fishing under a
“student license” must carry valid student I.D. card indicating current full time status while hunting or fishing.
6
LA Disabled Fishing and Saltwater: See page 8.
7
Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP): See page 7.
8
Purple Heart Recipient Fishing Gear Fees: Act 411 of the 2020 Regular Legislative session created gear licenses for Purple Heart recipients. Any
person, whether a resident or non-resident, who has been awarded a Purple Heart shall be issued gear licenses at the resident rate.
9
Recreational wire and hoop nets shall be used only in the geographical areas of the state designated as freshwater (see page 12).
LIFETIME LICENSES
LIFETIME LICENSE FEES Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Lifetime Fishing (5-13 years old) $200 Lifetime licenses are available from Baton Rouge office only. Allow three
weeks processing time. Applicants are required to have lived in Louisiana for the
Lifetime Fishing (14 years and older) $300 immediate 6 months prior to making application to qualify for resident rates.
Lifetime Hunt/Fish (0-4 years old) $200 Mandatory documents required for applicants over the age of 18 are a valid LA
driver’s license issued a minimum of 6 months and one of the following:
Lifetime Hunt/Fish (5-13 years old) $300 1. Louisiana voter’s registration card
Lifetime Hunt/Fish (14 years and older) $500 2. Louisiana vehicle registration or
3. Two previous year’s state tax filing, stamped by Department of Revenue
NR Lifetime Hunt/Fish $3,000 and Taxation.
Lifetime Resident Senior Hunt/Fish (Applications available at www.wlf.la.gov/licenses or by calling 225-765-2887)
$50
(60 or older)
Mandatory paperwork for applicants under the age of 18 is the following:
10 times • Original or certified copy of the birth certificate
Lifetime Fishing Gear annual fee per • Copy of both parents’ driver’s licenses
gear type

LICENSING
Recreational fishing and hunting licenses may be purchased online at

la-web.s3licensing.com. The license can be printed using your home printer for immediate use or saved to a mobile friendly
device. Methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, Discover. A convenience fee is assessed. Customers wanting a license on
durable, waterproof paper can still visit any license vendors.
RECREATIONAL LICENSES
ABOUT THE LICENSE
• Recreational licenses are valid from the date of purchase, are available for purchase each June 1, and expire June 30 of the following year.
• To obtain licenses at resident rates, proof of residency is required. Valid forms of I.D. include (*NOTE: valid ID must be held for 6 months
before buying license):
• Louisiana driver’s license
• Louisiana ID card (issued by the Department of Public Safety)
• Recreational Licenses that are purchased at la-web.s3licensing.com via mobile device (smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) will not receive
a license in the mail. You will receive an email with the attached license that can be saved and/or printed.
• Effective Aug. 1, 2019, a Louisiana Resident who was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States or a reserve com-
ponent of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, for the purposes of purchasing a fishing/hunting license
will be considered a bona fide resident of Louisiana once he/she possess a Louisiana driver’s license, or, if not licensed to drive, is in
possession of a special identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections under the provisions of R.S. 40:1321
WHO NEEDS A LICENSE

Anglers 16 years of age or older who take or possess fish in Louisiana waters must possess a fishing license.
WHO DOES NOT NEED A LICENSE

• Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license (15 and under).
• Residents born before June 1, 1940 who have lived in Louisiana for six months prior to fishing are exempt from basic and saltwater
licenses but MUST have appropriate gear licenses when using trawls, crab traps, slat traps, oyster tongs, crawfish traps, wire nets, hoop
nets or any other legal fishing gear.
FISHING IN SALTWATER
Title 56, Section 302.1.C.(1) requires that all recreational anglers fishing grand isle, LA
south of the “saltwater line” (see page 12) for saltwater species have
in their possession a Louisiana saltwater angler’s license IN ADDITION
grand isle, LA
TO a basic Louisiana fishing license EXCEPT those persons otherwise
exempted. All regulations apply regardless of where the fish is taken.
RECREATIONAL OFFSHORE LANDING PERMIT
Recreational anglers who are 16 years of age or older and charter
captains are required to obtain this permit (free of charge) to possess
tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, hinds, snappers,
dolphinfish, wahoo and cobia. Anglers wishing to obtain or renew a
permit must register or login at rolp.wlf.la.gov. More details on this
program are also available on this site. The requirement for anglers
on a for-hire trip to have the permit has been removed; instead, it is
required that the charter captain have a valid Charter Recreational
Offshore Landing Permit in his/her possession.
ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A LICENSE

A valid Basic Fishing License is required to possess fish in Louisiana
waters OR to use the following gears in pursuit of fish:
• Bow and arrow • Crabbing on a state refuge
• A barbed or barbless spear or wildlife management
• Frog gig/catcher area (WMA)
• Scuba gear • Crab Traps*
• Hook and Line • Trawl*
• Cast net with a radius not to • Oyster tongs (must have
exceed 8 feet, 6 inches a tonging permit to fish
oysters by hand) E V E R y D AY I S
*Gear licenses for crab traps, trawls and/or oyster tongs can be EA V
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T U RI S
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A Ng rAa nDdV- iE
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purchased with the requirement of basic fishing license. If a person
wishes to utilize these gear types in the defined saltwater area, one
must also possess a saltwater license.
NTURE
g r a n d -www.wlf.louisiana.gov
isle.com 7
LICENSING
MILITARY RECREATIONAL LICENSES

• Active-duty members of the United States armed forces, includ- for $50. Information and applications are available at www.wlf.
ing National Guard, are eligible to purchase annual licenses for la.gov/licenses or by calling 225-765-2887.
the same fee that Louisiana residents pay for annual licenses. • A Louisiana resident or native born Retired member of the Unit-
• An active-duty military member’s spouse and/or any depen- ed States armed forces, including Louisiana National Guard,
dents may also obtain a fishing license at the Louisiana resi- is eligible to purchase a combination license to hunt and fish
dent rate. for $5. (Application for this license can be mailed to the Baton
• In order to obtain Louisiana resident rate licenses the ac- Rouge office or presented to the Baton Rouge office in person).
tive-duty member of the military, spouse or dependents must • A Louisiana resident who is a surviving spouse of a member of
present a valid active duty military ID card at the time of the the United States armed forces, including Louisiana National
license purchase. Guard, who was killed in action while in a combat zone, is eligi-
• A Louisiana resident who is a member of the Louisiana National ble to purchase a recreational fishing license for $2.50. (Appli-
Guard or any reserve component of the United States armed cation for this license can be mailed to the Baton Rouge office
forces may purchase a combination license to hunt and fish or presented to the Baton Rouge office in person).
TEXAS/LOUISIANA RECIPROCAL
• Louisiana and Texas residents who hold resident licenses from • Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940 are not required
their resident state or who are exempted from holding resident to have a license to fish border waters, only.
licenses in their state may fish the border waters between Tex- • Louisiana residents who are 17 to 64 years of age must pur-
as and Louisiana without additional licenses. Boundary waters chase Texas non-resident fishing license(s) when fishing in Tex-
include: as, except when fishing in border waters.
• Caddo Lake • Texas residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in Loui-
• Toledo Bend Reservoir siana public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) as long as
• Sabine River they possess valid Texas resident license(s) and comply with
• Sabine Lake Louisiana law.
• Sabine Pass • Texas residents born before Sept. 1, 1930 must possess Texas
• Louisiana residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in resident fishing license(s) when fishing in Louisiana, except in
Texas public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) as long as the border waters.
they possess valid Louisiana resident licenses and comply with
Texas law.
DISABILITY LICENSES
• Resident veterans who have a permanent service-connected • As defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), Mobility impaired persons that
disability classification of 50 percent or more, and residents are bona fide residents of Louisiana, in possession of valid iden-
who are blind, paraplegic or multiple amputee can be issued tification, and over 60 years of age may use one legal slat trap
recreational basic and saltwater fishing license(s) for free. and/or one hoop net not greater than 18 feet by 8 feet, where
• Residents who are totally and permanently disabled and re- those gear are legal, without a license, only for the purpose of
ceiving federal social security disability benefits or disability catching catfish and only for home consumption.
retirement income from a retirement system whose members • Applications for these licenses can be mailed to the Baton
are exempt from social security pursuant to the Railroad Re- Rouge office or presented to the Baton Rouge office in person.
tirement Insurance Act or employees of the state or a political • Application forms for the Resident Disabled Sportsman License
subdivision of the state that has not voluntarily agreed to par- or Resident Disabled with Social Security Benefit License are
ticipate in federal social security may qualify for reduced rate available at www.wlf.la.gov/licenses. For more information
basic and saltwater fishing licenses. (This exemption does not contact Sports License at 225-765-2887
apply to Supplemental Security Income benefits).
• Residents required to use one or more artificial limbs or per-
manent braces for mobility or a single amputee can be issued
recreational basic and saltwater fishing licenses for free.

DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
1. Angling: to fish with rod, fishing pole or hook and line, with or without a reel.
2. Bag Limit/Creel Limit: the maximum number of a species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day.
3. 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 on foot and solely by hand, without any mechanical device, pulley or mechanical assistance whatsoever.
4. Bait Species: all species of fish and other aquatic life utilized for bait.
5. 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)
6. Bona Fide Resident:
A. any person who has resided in this state continuously during the six 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.
• If registered to vote, he is registered to vote in Louisiana.
• If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, he is in possession of a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
• If owning a motor vehicle located within Louisiana, he is in possession of a valid Louisiana registration for that vehicle.
• If earning an income, he has filed a Louisiana state income tax return and has complied with state income tax laws and regulations.
B. Effective Aug. 1, 2019, a Louisiana resident who was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States or a reserve com-
ponent of the armed forces of the United States, including National Guard, for the purpose of purchasing a fishing/hunting license will be
considered a bona fide resident of Louisiana once he/she possesses a Louisiana driver’s license, or, if not licensed to drive, is in possession of
a special identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections under the provisions of R.S. 40:1321.
C. any person who possesses a resident license from any other state shall not qualify for a resident license in Louisiana.
7. Can: a metal container of not more than 55-gallon capacity which is set for the purpose of taking fish.
8. Cast Net: a light circular net of vegetable or synthetic materials that is weighted around its perimeter and is thrown by hand over the water.
9. 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.
10. Crab Trap: a cube-shaped, device constructed of wire, no larger than 30 inches on any side, and with either a bait box or materials providing
cover or shelter for peeler crabs. The entrance funnels must extend no further than 7 inches into the inside of the trap, with the openings to the
entrance funnels on the vertical wall of the trap such that the horizontal diameter of each opening is at least one and one-half times the vertical
diameter of the opening.
11. 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.
12. Crawfish Trap: any device constructed of coated wire with the opening of the throats or flues not exceeding 2 inches and which is used for the
express purpose of taking crawfish.
13. Dip Net: a net, usually a deep mesh bag of vegetable or synthetic materials, on a fixed frame not to exceed 3 feet in diameter attached to a
handle that is held and worked solely by hand by no more than one individual, and without any mechanical assistance.
14. Finfish: (noun) any of numerous cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates that characteristically swim with fins, breathe with gills and are covered with
skin or scales.
15. Fish: (noun) all finfish, shellfish and crustaceans and all other species of aquatic life.
16. Fork Length: distance from tip of snout to midline of caudal fin. Used to measure some fish with deeply forked tails, such as amberjack.
17. Freshwater Game Fish: see “Game Fish” definition.
18. Freshwater Recreational Fish: any species of freshwater fish taken for recreational purposes.
19. 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.
20. 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 ari-
ommus), black and white crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus, P. annularis), white bass (Morone chrysops), yellow bass (Morone mississippi-
ensis), 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 (Istiophorus platypterus), blue marlin (Makaira indica), black marlin (Makaira nigricans), striped marlin
(Tetrapturus audax), hatchet marlin (Tetrapturus spp.), white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus).
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Landing Net: means a net, usually a mesh bag of vegetable or synthetic material on a fixed frame attached to a handle held and operated by
hand for the sole purpose of assisting in the landing of fish legally caught by other legal gear.
24. 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.
25. Licensee: any resident or nonresident lawful holder of an effective license duly issued under the authority of the Louisiana Department of Wild-
life and Fisheries (LDWF).
26. 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.
27. 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. In woven nets, stretched
measure is the full stretched distance of the opening of the mesh; bar measure is one-half of stretched measure.
28. Monofilament: a single untwisted synthetic filament.
29. 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 definition).
30. 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.
DEFINITIONS
31. 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.
32. Reptiles and Amphibians: native frogs, toads, turtles, snakes, lizards and salamanders.
33. Saltwater Fish: all species of finfish which normally inhabit the saline waters of the marine and estuarine environment for most of their life cycle.
34. Saltwater Game Fish: see “Game Fish” definition.
35. Saltwater Recreational Fish: any species of saltwater fish taken for recreational purposes.
36. 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.
37. 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 1 inch apart from each other on at least three sides of the
trap and which is no more than 6 feet in length, 2 feet in diameter or width and which has one or more cone-shaped throats, flues or entrances.
38. Slot Limit: protective size limits denoting that fish within the range, inclusive of stated measurements, must be returned to the water immediately.
39. Snagging: a method of hooking fish without the fish taking the bait with their mouth. The angler jerks the fishing line out of the water as soon
as any movement is felt on the line.
40. Stupefying Substances or Devices: explosives or chemicals or comparable destructive fishing practices as a capture technique.
41. Take: in its different tenses, the attempt or act of hooking, pursuing, netting, capturing, snaring, trapping, shooting, hunting, wounding or killing
by any means or device.
42. Test Trawl: a trawl which is not more than 16 feet along the corkline or 20 feet along the headline or headrope.
43. (Oyster) Tong: Oyster tongs shall be made as a grasping device consisting of two pieces joined by a pivot or hinged like scissors used for picking
up objects. A single rake is not considered a tong.
44. Total Length: the longest measurable distance from the outermost portion of the snout lengthwise to the outermost portion of the caudal fin.
45. Transport: in its different tenses, the act of shipping, attempting to ship, receiving or delivering for shipment, transporting, conveying, carrying
or exporting by air, land or water, or by any means whatsoever.
46. 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.
Trawls are only allowed to be used in state waters when and where the shrimp season is open.
47. Trigger: any tension-loaded 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.
48. Turtle Trap: any device designed to attract and/or capture turtles in aquatic habitats. It must be open above water to allow respiration of
air-breathing animals and clearly marked “turtle trap.”
49. Venting Tool: a device intended to deflate the abdominal cavity of a fish to release the gases so the fish may be released with minimum damage.
50. Wing Net: see Lead Net on page 9.
51. Wire Net: a cone-shaped net of vegetable (cotton, flax, burlap) or synthetic materials (nylon, polypropylene, plastic), with a mesh no less than
1-inch square or 2 inches stretched, having throats or flues and which is stretched over wire of 5-inch mesh or greater to support the webbing.
find more places to fish

with the ldwf community
fishing program!
In an effort to increase easy access to fishing, LDWF
is partnering with local government or community
organizations to stock adult size channel catfish or
rainbow trout in community ponds throughout the state.
For Get Out & Fish! locations and stocking information visit:
www.wlf.la.gov/page/get-out-and-fish
or contact Megan MacMenamin at [email protected] or 225-765-2375
GENERAL INFORMATION
SALE OF RECREATIONAL FISH PROHIBITED
All aquatic species caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes.
It is illegal to buy, sell or trade any game fish.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FRESHWATER & SALTWATER ANGLERS

Louisiana is known around the world as a premier sport fishing destination. The Office of Fisheries uses scientific management methods to
protect and enhance fish environments, habitats and other populations of aquatic species. As an angler, the decisions you make and your
catch help us sustain the fisheries for present and future generations.
BEST FISHING PRACTICES

For detailed information about best
fishing practices, please visit
www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-
practices. Information includes:
• Special tools or equipment
requirements for certain species
• Appropriate gear needed for
fishing
• Proper fish handling techniques
• How to measure a fish
• Signs of barotrauma in fish and
how to reverse it
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Want to check the weather and river
stages before you leave on your next
fishing trip? Call the National Weather
Service’s Dial A Forecast for regularly
updated marine forecasts.
Shreveport
318-635-7575 or www.weather.gov/shv
Lake Charles
337-439-0000 or www.weather.gov/lch
New Orleans
504-522-7330 or www.weather.gov/lix
Also stay tuned to the NOAA Weather
Radio (NWR) for up to the minute
broadcasts.
GENERAL INFORMATION
SALTWATER - FRESHWATER LINE

The saltwater-freshwater line in Louisiana extends easterly from the Texas state line all the way to the Mississippi state line. The areas north
of this saltwater-freshwater line are deemed freshwater. The areas south of the described line, including a number of saltwater lakes and
waterways, are legally considered saltwater. Although the actual levels of salt in the water may differ from day to day due to tides and shifts in
wind and currents, in most cases, the flora and fauna found on either side of the line differ dramatically. A detailed description of the saltwa-
ter-freshwater line can be found below. As with any regulation issue, please contact your local LDWF Enforcement Office with any questions
you may have (see page 4).
NOTE: Persons fishing and/or possessing saltwater fish in these areas are required to have a saltwater fishing license in addition to the basic
fishing license. Persons fishing for and/or possessing freshwater fish in saltwater areas are not required to hold a saltwater license.
LOUISIANA SALTWATER LINE DEFINITION

The Intracoastal waterway from the Texas-Louisiana boundary to its junction with Louisiana Highway 27 at Gibbstown, south along Louisiana
Highway 82, east to its junction with the Intracoastal Waterway at Forked Island, the Intracoastal Waterway from Forked Island to Bayou
Barataria to the Harvey Canal, the Harvey Canal to the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River to the Industrial Canal, the Industrial Canal to
the Intracoastal Waterway, the Intracoastal Waterway to the Rigolets in Orleans Parish to the Louisville & Nashville Railroad bridge, the
Louisville & Nashville Railroad right-of-way from the Orleans Parish line to the Mississippi state line.
All the areas south of the saltwater line described above, plus the saltwater lakes known as Lake Maurepas, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake St.
Catherine, Chef Menteur Pass (except that 7/10 of a mile section from Bayou Sauvage south to the Intracoastal Waterway), the Rigolets,
Unknown Pass, Pass Manchac, Intracoastal, and that portion of the Calcasieu Ship Channel from the Intracoastal Waterway south to the Gulf of
Mexico, shall be designated as saltwater areas.
CLEAN WATER - DO YOUR PART

Be part of the solution
• Use shore-side toilet facilities before going out on the water.
• Dispose of waste from portable toilets or on-board sewage
holding tanks properly.
• Don’t throw anything overboard.
• Bring cut fishing line ashore.
• Avoid discharging bilge waste into the water.
• Be careful when fueling; try to prevent spills.
• For more information on boat sewage disposal facilities or the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant
Program, please contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (225) 765-
2864, or visit the Louisiana CVA web page at www.wlf.la.gov/page/boat-sewage-clean-
vessel-act.
FRESHWATER FISHING
No fish of any species from outside of the state of Louisiana shall be liberated within the state
except upon written permission of the Secretary of LDWF.
FRESHWATER FISHING IN LOUISIANA

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
All anglers fishing in freshwater must possess a valid Basic Fishing License.
A Basic Fishing License is also required to use the following gear:
• Bow and arrow
• Barbed or barbless spear
• Frog gig/catcher
• Scuba gear
• Hook and Line
• Cast net (radius not to exceed 8 feet, 6 inches)
All applicable licenses must be in possession of the fisherman.
FRESHWATER SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST

The federally listed threatened and endangered, or prohibited species listed below are off limits for recreational take. Civil and criminal pen-
alties may apply for taking the following aquatic species.
• Louisiana pearlshell mussel (Margaritifera hembeli)
• Inflated heelsplitter mussel (Potamilus inflatus)
• Fat pocketbook mussel (Potamilus capax)
• Pink mucket mussel (Lampsilis abrupta)
• Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)
• Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)
• Shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)
• Rabbitsfoot Mussel (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica)
PROHIBITED FRESHWATER FISH

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess, sell, or transport any of the following species of fish into Louisiana without first
obtaining the written permission of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
• All species of tilapia
• Carp (except koi, common carp and goldfish)
• Freshwater electric eel
• Rudd
• All members of the families of Asian swamp eels, snakeheads, walking catfishes, and pencil catfishes
Exotic species of Asian carp (silver, bighead, black and grass) taken from state waters must not be returned to the water and may not be
possessed alive.
No person shall have in possession or sell in this state a piranha or Rio Grande cichlid. If an angler catches a Rio Grande cichlid using legal
methods, the fish shall not be returned to the water or kept alive while in the possession of the angler.
DAILY BAG LIMIT

Recreational anglers must not exceed the daily bag limit for any species while on the water.
POSSESSION LIMIT
No recreational anglers can have in their possession more than twice the daily bag limit of any species of freshwater recreational fish, EXCEPT
that anglers may have up to three times the daily bag limit of black bass (Micropterus spp.) below U.S. Highway 90 in coastal Louisiana.
Anglers may have up to 100 crappie in their possession at Toledo Bend Reservoir.
All freshwater game fish caught in any type of recreational or commercial net or trap must be returned immediately to the water from which
it was taken without injury. See tips for safely releasing fish at www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices.
No person shall possess filleted fish while aboard a vessel in freshwater. However, for the purpose of consumption, a person shall have no
more than 2 pounds of filleted finfish per person on board a vessel in freshwater, provided that the vessel is equipped to cook such finish
and such finfish does not exceed the applicable take limit.
FRESHWATER FISHING
METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING FRESHWATER FISH

There are many ways to catch fish and other aquatic species in Louisiana’s beautiful rivers, lakes, bayous, ponds and streams. The headings below
define the legal methods and illegal methods of take, and certain exceptions that are allowable by species, methods and locations.
Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you have questions. See page 4 for contact information.
LEGAL METHODS OF TAKE

• Hook and Line • Standard Spearing Equipment (used by recreational skin divers
• Bow and Arrow submerged in water when sport fishing)
• Yo-yos or Trigger Devices • Barbed Gig (allowed in saltwater for taking flounder ONLY)
• Recreational Slat Traps • Recreational Hoop Nets*
• Recreational Crawfish Traps (must be marked with a water- • Recreational Wire Nets*
proof tag, provided by the fisherman, with the name and rec- * Allowed only in the geographical areas of the state designated as
reational gear license number of the fisherman legibly printed Freshwater (see map and definition on page 12).
on the tag, and must have a minimum mesh size of a hexagon
of 3/4 by 11/16 of 1 inch from wire to wire not including any
coating on the wire)
ILLEGAL METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING ALL FISH

It is unlawful to possess any of the prohibited instruments, weap- • Guns
ons, substances or devices described below with the intent to take • Any instrument or device capable of producing electric current
fish. to shock fish
• Crossbows • Snagging Devices (see catfish, silver carp, and big head carp
• Poisons exceptions listed below)
• Spears (see garfish, silver carp and bighead carp exception
listed in “Gear Restrictions by Species” section) You may not use any aircraft including fixed-wing, dirigibles, bal-
• Stupefying Substances or Devices loons, helicopters, or any other form of aerial surveillance to assist
• Explosives in harvesting finfish, except menhaden and herring-like fish.
GEAR RESTRICTIONS BY SPECIES

Some alternative methods are allowed for catching/taking specific aquatic species.
FRESHWATER GAME FISH GARFISH
Game fish are defined as largemouth bass, spotted bass, shadow LEGAL
bass, yellow bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, black • Spears
crappie, white crappie, and bream • Bows and arrows
LEGAL
• Bream (Lepomis spp.) may not be taken as bait for sportfishing LEGAL BAIT SPECIES
purposes in any form of trap EXCEPT at Toledo Bend Reservoir, Including minnows, crawfish and shrimp (does not include game fish)
where a minnow trap not exceeding 24 inches in length and LEGAL
having a throat no larger than 1 inch by 3 inches may be used • Cast nets
to take bream for non-commercial bait purposes • Minnow traps
• Recreational Trawls
NOT LEGAL • Dip Nets (net must be on a fixed frame no larger than 3 feet in
• Standard Spearing Equipment used by recreational skin divers diameter worked exclusively by hand, by no more than one
is prohibited. person, without any mechanical assistance)
• Bow and Arrow • Bait Seines (with a maximum mesh size not exceeding 1/4 inch
• Possession of game fish with nets or traps including recreation- bar, 1/2 inch stretched and 30 feet in length; must be operated
al hoop nets, slat traps, pipes, buckets, drums, tires or cans solely on foot and by hand, without any pulley, mechanical
including those licensed for recreational purposes. device or assistance whatsoever)
CATFISH SILVER CARP & BIGHEAD CARP
LEGAL – snagging devices LEGAL
PADDLEFISH (commonly called “spoonbill catfish,” but are not • Boats
catfish) • Dip nets
NOT LEGAL – snagging devices • Spears
• Snagging
RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS BY METHOD

DIVERS MOBILITY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
LEGAL As defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), mobility impaired persons who are
• Standard spearing equipment is the only legal method of take bona fide residents of Louisiana, in possession of valid identification,
for non-game species that can be used by a skin diver sub- and over 60 years of age may use one legal slat trap and/or one hoop
merged in water net not greater than 18 feet by 8 feet, where those gear are legal,
NOT LEGAL without a license, only for the purpose of catching catfish and only
• The taking of gamefish with standard spearing equipment is for home consumption.
prohibited.

FRESHWATER FISHING
RESTRICTIONS BY LOCATION
Some Louisiana waterbodies have specific gear restrictions and are listed below.
TROTLINES AND YO-YOS

• You must tag trotlines with your name, address, phone number and the date you placed the
line. You must mark each end of the line with a visible floating object. You must attach an
8-foot cotton leader on each end to ensure that if the trotline is left unattended, the leader
will deteriorate and the line will sink. You may set no more than three trotlines with no more
Black-Clear Lake, Caddo Lake, than 50 hooks per line and must attend them daily.
Chicot Lake, Lake D’Arbonne, Lake • You may not use more than 50 yo-yos or trigger devices. You must clearly tag each device
Lafourche, Lake St. Joseph, and with your name, address and phone number. You may not attach them to a metallic object
Prairie Lake or anchor them with any artificial object. You may only anchor them to an existing pier,
boathouse, seawall or dock - you may not use any object such as rebar, cane, PVC tubing or
construction material to anchor a yo-yo or trigger device to a water bottom, stump, tree or
shoreline. You must rebait each yo-yo or trigger device at least once every 24 hours. You must
immediately remove all fish or any other animals caught or hooked on the device.
Poverty Point Lake and Bussey Brake
You may not use trotlines or yo-yos.
Reservoir
NETS
Anacoco Lake, Lake Vernon and the
portion of Anacoco Bayou between
the lakes, Lake Bistineau, Bundick No fish seines, gill nets, hoop nets or trammel nets.
Lake, Caney Creek Reservoir, Cross
Lake, and Chicot Lake
Lake Bartholomew, Caddo Lake,
Lake Claiborne, Lake Concordia, and No fish seines, gill nets or trammel nets.
D’Arbonne Lake
• No seines, nets or webbing in the Bogue Chitto River from where it enters the state in
northern Washington Parish to where it enters the Pearl River in St. Tammany Parish.
Bogue Chitto River
• No hand grabbing to take fish from logs, buckets, barrels, drums or natural or artificial nesting
areas.
Lake Charles, Moss Lake, and Prien No butterfly nets or shrimp trawls longer than 16 feet, fish seines, gill nets, strike nets or trammel
Lake nets.
Cypress Lake and Black Bayou • No fish seines, gill nets or trammel nets.
Reservoir • No hoop nets, slat traps or wire nets from March 1 - Oct. 31.
You may only use gill and trammel nets from Oct. 1 through sunset on the last day of February
False River Lake, Lake Bruin, Lake
of the following year. Net mesh must be at least 3.5 inches square (7 inches stretched). You may
Providence, and Poverty Point Lake
leave gear overnight but may only remove fish during daylight hours.
Fool River No fish seines.
John K. Kelly-Grand Bayou Reservoir No fish seines, gill nets, hoop nets, trammel nets or wire nets.
No gill nets, hoop nets or trammel nets from March 1 - Nov. 30 (in the portion that flows through
Lacassine Bayou
Lacassine National Refuge).
Nantachie Lake and Bussey Brake
No nets allowed.
Reservoir
No seines, nets or webbing in this river or its tributaries, from its origin in Washington Parish to
Tchefuncte River
where it empties into Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish.
No gill nets, trammel nets, flag webbing or fish seines. No hoop nets from March 1 to May 15
(only in that portion of the reservoir from a point north of Logansport where the lake enters
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Texas and south to a point on the lake where the Texas Duck Refuge Canal intersects the Old
Channel of the Sabine River).
TRAPS
Slat traps are allowed from Oct. 1 through sunset on the last day of February of the following
Lake Bruin
year. You may leave gear overnight but may only remove fish during daylight hours.
Poverty Point Lake No slat traps.
No traps in this river or its tributaries, from its origin in Washington Parish to where it empties
Tchefuncte River
into Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish.
FRESHWATER FISHING
FRESHWATER STATE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS

MLL - Minimum Length Limit SL - Slot Limit
Possession Limit is TWICE the daily creel limit unless otherwise stated.4
FRESHWATER GAME FISH
Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass
BLACK BASS (Largemouth & Spotted)1

Location Size Limit Daily Creel Limit
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 10 daily
Eagle Lake 16” MLL 10 daily
8 daily
Poverty Point Reservoir 15-19” protected SL2 No more than one over 19” total length
False River (Pointe Coupee Parish) 14” MLL 5 daily
8 daily
John K. Kelly-Grand Bayou Reservoir (Red River Parish) 14-17” protected SL2 No more than four over 17” total length
14-18” protected SL2 for Largemouth 8 daily
Caddo Lake Bass No more than four Largemouth Bass
No length restriction for Spotted Bass over 18” total length
14” MLL for Largemouth Bass
Toledo Bend Reservoir and the Sabine River3 above Toledo Bend No MLL for Spotted Bass 8 daily in combination or aggregate
12” MLL for Largemouth Bass

Sabine River from Toledo Bend dam to I-10 8 daily in combination or aggregate
No MLL for Spotted Bass
Sabine River south of I-10 (Louisiana waters only) Statewide regulations apply 10 daily
5 daily, in the aggregate
16” maximum total length limit, EXCEPT
Bussey Brake 5 fish while on water and 10 fish while off
one fish over 16 inches may be kept
water possession limit, in the aggregate
1
NOTE: For enforcement purposes, a spotted bass is defined as a black bass with a tooth patch on the tongue.
2
Fish falling within a protected slot limit must be immediately released.
3
Sabine River upstream from Toledo Bend Reservoir to the point at which the entire river enters TX (state line is marked with a sign).
4
Anglers may have up to three times the daily bag limit of black bass (Micropterus spp.) below U.S. Highway 90 in coastal Louisiana providing the fish are kept
whole or whole gutted in separate bags for each daily take limit. The bags must be marked with the date fish were taken, the species and number of fish contained
in the bag, and the name and recreational fishing license number of the person taking the fish.
FRESHWATER GAME FISH

STRIPED OR HYBRID STRIPED BASS (or any combination thereof)
5 daily
All state waters None No more than two over 30” total length Striped Bass
WHITE BASS
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo Bend Reservoir None 25 daily White Bass
CRAPPIE
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None 50 daily; 100 fish possession limit
Poverty Point, Caddo Lake and Sabine River None 25 daily; 50 fish possession limit
Black Crappie
Toledo Bend Reservoir None 25 daily; 100 fish possession limit
Eagle Lake (Madison Parish) 11” MLL 30 daily; 30 fish possession limit
Bussey Brake 10” MLL 25 fish while on water and 50 fish while off
White Crappie
water possession limit, in the aggregate
BOWFIN (Choupique)
All state waters 16” MLL No limit Bowfin

FRESHWATER FISHING
FRESHWATER GAME FISH CONTINUED
YELLOW BASS
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo None No limit Yellow Bass
Bend Reservoir
FRESHWATER NONGAME FISH
BUFFALO FISH (or their hybrids)
Smallmouth Buffalo
All state waters 16” MLL 25 daily
Bigmouth Buffalo
CATFISH
Blue Catfish: 12” MLL
Blue Catfish
100 daily in the aggregate. A fisherman
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: Channel Catfish: 11” MLL may possess up to 25 undersized catfish of
the three species combined.
Flathead Catfish: 14” MLL Channel Catfish
Blue & Channel Catfish: None 50 daily in the aggregate No more than
Caddo Lake, Sabine River and Toledo five over 30” total length
Bend Reservoir
Flathead Catfish: 18” MLL 10 daily Flathead Catfish
FRESHWATER DRUM (Gaspergou)
All state waters 12” MLL 25 daily

Freshwater Drum
PADDLEFISH
30” max lower jaw fork length 2 daily (fish cannot be retained alive &
Statewide cannot be harvested by snagging methods)
Boundary waters with Texas and below Paddlefish
no legal harvest or possession
the saltwater line
SHAD
All state waters None 50 pounds daily Gizzard Shad
STURGEON
All state waters N/A No legal harvest or possession Sturgeon
OTHER FRESHWATER FISH

BLUEGILL (Bream)
All state waters EXCEPT as follows: None None
50 fish while on the water and 100 fish Bluegill
Bussey Brake None
while off the water possession limit, in the
aggregate
Redear Sunfish
All state waters None No limit

Spotted Gar
Yellow Bullhead
CRAWFISH
All state waters None 150 pounds daily
Yellow Bass: Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Gizzard Shad: NOAA; All other images by Duane Raver www.wlf.louisiana.gov 17
SALTWATER FISHING
SALTWATER FISHING IN LOUISIANA

STATE AND FEDERAL LICENSES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
STATE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 1. An Atlantic HMS Angling Permit is required for vessels fishing
1. Basic Fishing License for tunas, billfishes, swordfish and sharks. You may apply for an
2. Saltwater Fishing License initial or renewal permit in one of several ways. The permit fee
3. A Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP), free of is $20.
charge, is required of all anglers to possess tunas, billfish, • To apply for an initial or renewal permit online visit the
swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, hinds, snappers, dolphinfish, NMFS Permit Shop at hmspermits.noaa.gov.
wahoo and cobia, EXCEPT those anglers on a paid for-hire trip • An initial or renewal application package can be download-
where the captain possesses a valid Charter Recreational ed from the NMFS Permit Shop or mailed by calling the
Offshore Landing Permit, or those anglers that are under the NMFS at 888-872-8862.
age of 16, not normally required to have a fishing license. • Renew permits by calling the automated voice response
• The Recreational Offshore Landing Permit can be found on system at 888-872-8862. Permits will be valid from the
the LDWF website at rolp.wlf.la.gov or through smart- date of issuance through Dec. 31, 2021.
phone applications. The iPhone app can be downloaded • A shark endorsement is required when targeting or pos-
free of charge from the App Store by searching for the sessing sharks under this permit. See hmspermits.noaa.gov
“LDWF ROLP.” The Android app can also be downloaded for more details.
free of charge from the Google Play Store by searching for 2. An Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat Permit is required for all
“LDWF ROLP.” charter or headboat fishing for and/or retaining regulated
Atlantic HMS in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico The permit
All applicable licenses must be in possession of the fisherman.
fee is $20. HMS Charter/Headboat Permit will be valid from the
FEDERAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS date of issuance through Dec. 31, 2021.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) manages the Atlantic
Information about obtaining HMS permits and regulations are
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Division in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf
available at hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling 888-872-8862.
of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The National Marine Fisheries Service has a Memorandum of Agreement with the • 162.400
National Weather Service to broadcast unanticipated and time-critical fishery regula- • 162.525
tory actions where there is minimal opportunity for advance public notice. These • 162.550
broadcasts are issued for four or five days, 24 hours a day, by selected NWR coastal • 162.425
stations. (VHF frequencies in MHz) • 162.450
• 162.475
SALTWATER SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED AND PROHIBITED SPECIES
The federally listed threatened and endangered, or prohibited species listed below are off limits for fishing or recreational take. Civil and
criminal penalties may apply for taking the following aquatic species. If any of these protected species are incidentally caught, they must be
released immediately unharmed. For information on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices.
• All Whales SHARKS
• Dolphin (mammal) • Atlantic Angel Shark • Galapagos Shark
• Goliath Grouper • Basking Shark • Longfin Mako Shark
• Gulf Sturgeon • Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark • Narrowtooth Shark
(Acipenser oxyrinchus • Bigeye Sixgill Shark • Night Shark
desotoi) • Bigeye Thresher Shark • Sand Tiger Shark
• Largetooth Sawfish • Bignose Shark • Sevengill Shark
• Nassau Grouper • Caribbean Reef Shark • Sixgill Shark
• Sea Turtles • Caribbean Sharpnose • Smalltail Shark
• Smalltooth Sawfish Shark • Whale Shark
• West Indian Manatee • Dusky Shark • White Shark
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FISHING IN GULF OF MEXICO FEDERAL WATERS

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council manages federal Appropriations Act. The resolution clearly states that fishing gear
waters from where the Louisiana gulfward boundary ends and used by the reef fish fishermen in the commercial and recreational
extends 200 miles seaward into the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana recre- sectors will not change within these new boundary waters. The fish-
ational and commercial anglers fishing beyond the 3 nautical-mile ermen of Louisiana will have the benefit of Louisiana’s reef fish
Louisiana gulfward boundary are in federal waters. management to 9 nautical miles, but there will be no change to the
method of take or gear restrictions. Please also note that red drum
*NOTE: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a are not considered reef fish; therefore, there is no change to regula-
resolution to clarify the effects of the extension of the state water tions impacting this species.
boundary from three to nine nautical miles for reef fish manage-
ment purposes, as established by the 2016 Consolidated

SALTWATER FISHING
LDWF reminds charter fishermen with federal reef fish permits that These waters are also known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
they are only allowed to fish these new boundary waters when the Federal fishing regulations are not always the same as state fishing
federal recreational reef fish season is open. Federal reef fish permit regulations. To make sure that you are in complete compliance with
regulations restrict the permit holder to the most restrictive season. federal regulations call the Gulf Council at 888-833-1844, or e-mail
[email protected]. Visit www.gulfcouncil.org for informa-
tion about federal fishing regulations, measurement guidelines,
sanctuaries & closures and fish identification charts.
RECREATIONAL SALTWATER TOURNAMENT OPERATORS

Federal regulations require any person conducting a fishing tourna- Mailing Address:
ment in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico involving the catch HMS Tournament Registration
and/or landing of any HMS regulated species to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service
HMS Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service 263 13th Avenue S.
at least four weeks prior to start of the tournament. A Tournament St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Registration Form and more information is available on the NMFS
website at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/tournaments/ Once the registration form has been processed an Atlantic HMS
registration.html. Tournament Confirmation Number will be produced and provided
to the tournament operator.
To register a tournament, an Atlantic HMS Tournament Registration
Form must be completed, signed, and sent to the Atlantic HMS NOTE: Registration is not complete unless the tournament operator
Management Division by mail or fax. has received a confirmation number from the HMS Management
Fax: 727-824-5398 Division of NMFS. For more information call 727-824-5399;
hmspermits.noaa.gov.
METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING SALTWATER FISH

There are many ways to catch fish and other aquatic species in Louisiana’s beautiful coastal waters. The headings below define the legal
methods and illegal methods of take, plus certain exceptions that are allowed by species, methods and locations.
Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you have questions.
LEGAL METHODS
Some species of gamefish may not be taken with the gear listed below.
• Hook and Line
• Trolling Line
• Handline
• Bait Casting
• Yo-yos or Trigger Devices
• Bow and Arrow
• Dip Nets
• Fly Casting Apparatus
• Recreational Crawfish Traps (must be marked with a waterproof tag, provided by the fisherman, with the name and recreational gear
license number of the fisherman legibly printed on the tag, and must have a minimum mesh size of a hexagon of 3/4 by 11/16 of 1 inch
from wire to wire not including any coating on the wire)
• Standard Spearing Equipment (used by a skin diver sport fishing in saltwater or freshwater when submerged in the water)
• Barbless Spear or Multi-pronged Barbed Gig (may be used in saltwater for taking flounder ONLY)
EXCEPTIONS TO METHODS OF TAKE BY SPECIES

An alternative method is allowed for taking red drum. Harvest of any other saltwater species by this method is prohibited.
RED DRUM
LEGAL
• Bow and Arrows
• Standard Spearing Equipment used by a skin diver submerged in water when sport fishing
SALTWATER RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS BY METHOD

SKIN DIVERS
With the exception of freshwater game fish, the only legal method for a skin diver to take fish is when submerged in water using standard
spearing equipment. See page 9 for definition of game fish.
MOBILITY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS
As defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), mobility impaired persons who are bona fide residents of Louisiana, in possession of valid identification, and
over 60 years of age may use one legal slat trap and/or one hoop net not greater than 18 feet by 8 feet, where those gear are legal, without
a license, only for the purpose of catching catfish and only for home consumption.
SALTWATER FISHING
ILLEGAL METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING ALL FISH
It is unlawful to possess any of the prohibited instruments, weap- • Guns
ons, substances or devices described below with the intent to take • Tree-topping Devices
fish. • Any instrument or device capable of producing electric current
• Crossbows to shock fish
• Gill Nets (freshwater and saltwater) • Snagging Devices
• Spears
• Poisons You may not use any aircraft including fixed-wing, dirigibles, bal-
• Stupefying Substances or Devices loons, helicopters, or any other form of aerial surveillance to assist
• Explosives in harvesting finfish, except menhaden and herring-like fish.
LEGAL BAIT SPECIES

INCLUDING MINNOWS, CRAWFISH AND SHRIMP (not includ- • Bait Seines (a maximum mesh size not exceeding 1/4-inch bar,
ing game fish) 1/2 inch stretched and 30 feet in length; must be operated
LEGAL solely on foot and by hand, without any pulley, mechanical
• Cast nets device or assistance whatsoever)
• Minnow traps • Recreational Trawls, only allowed in state waters when and
• Dip Nets(net must be on a fixed frame no larger than 3 feet in where shrimp season is open (see Recreational Shrimping on
diameter worked exclusively by hand, by no more than one page 26).
person, without any mechanical assistance)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BRINGING YOUR SALTWATER CATCH TO SHORE

All saltwater finfish in the possession of a recreational angler must All regulations regarding these species apply whether caught in
have the head and caudal fin intact until set on shore. Garfish may freshwater or saltwater areas.
have the head and caudal fin removed prior to the fish being on FILLETS EXCEPTION:
shore as long as a sufficient patch of skin that clearly identifies the A fisherman who holds and is in possession of a valid recreational
fish remains on the fish. fishing license and can demonstrate to the department’s satisfac-
EXCEPTION: Tuna, swordfish and shark possessed by a recreational tion use of a boat launch located south of U.S. Hwy 90 and that the
angler must not be skinned or scaled until set or put on shore. Tuna fisherman has been actively on the water or at a remote camp that
that meet minimum size requirements may have the head removed can be accessed only by water for two days or more may possess up
if the carcass length is in excess of the minimum total length. For to the possession limit of filleted red drum, spotted seatrout, and
more information on Lengths, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best- southern flounder. The filleted fish shall have sufficient skin remain-
fishing-practices. ing on the fillet to allow for identification of the species and shall be
Fillets may not be possessed on the water, except for the purpose segregated by species into plastic bags or plastic containers that are
of consumption at sea aboard the harvesting vessel. An individual marked by species to allow for easy identification, the date caught,
must not have more than 2 pounds of finfish parts per person in and the name and license number of the person who took the fish.
state waters, or more than 1.5 pounds of finfish parts per person in The spotted sea trout fillets shall be no less than 10 inches in length
federal waters, on board the vessel, provided that the vessel is and the red drum fillets shall be no less than 14 inches in length.
equipped to cook finfish and that the finfish does not exceed appli- The fish shall be in possession only of the person who took the fish.
cable bag limits. These provisions do not apply to bait species. However, no fisherman shall be actively fishing or engaged in fishing
while in possession of more than the daily take limit.
Saltwater finfish caught or transported by a recreational fisherman
are presumed to have been caught in Louisiana waters, for license
requirements.
REQUIRED ONBOARD GEAR FOR FISHING IN GULF OF MEXICO FEDERAL WATERS

Louisiana state waters extend 9 nautical miles (10.357 statute miles or DEHOOKING DEVICE
3 marine leagues) seaward from the nearest land, but in some cases At least one dehooking device is required on board and must be used
extend further. The EEZ is described as waters that extend seaward to remove hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimum damage.
from that point out to 200 miles from the coast. The device must be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and
Recreational anglers onboard a vessel to fish for or possess Gulf reef the barb shielded without reengaging during the removal process.
fish in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ must possess onboard and use the The dehooking end must be blunt and all edges rounded. The device
required gear as specified below. These devices are required must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and
because they reduce mortality on released fish. For more styles used in the Gulf reef fishery.
information on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.la.gov/page/best-
fishing-practices.
NON-STAINLESS STEEL CIRCLE HOOKS
Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with nat-
ural baits for reef fish.

SALTWATER FISHING
Unless otherwise established, there are no size limits on species not listed and unless otherwise noted,
possession limits for saltwater fish are the same as the daily bag limit.
SALTWATER STATE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS

COMMON COASTAL SPECIES
Size Limit Bag & Possession Limit
COBIA (Ling or Lemonfish)
14
36” min fork length 2 daily per person Cobia

DRUM
BLACK DRUM:
5 daily per person - bag and possession
No more than one over 27” max total length Black Drum
16” min total length
27” max total length
RED DRUM (Redfish)1:
5 daily per person - bag2
No more than one over 27” max total length
Red Drum
SOUTHERN FLOUNDER
No Size Limit 10 daily per person

Southern Flounder
MACKEREL
KING MACKEREL3:
3 daily per person King Mackerel
24” min fork length
SPANISH MACKEREL3:
15 daily per person
Spanish Mackerel
STRIPED MULLET
No Size Limit 100 lbs. daily

Striped Mullet
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) 4
25 daily per person - bag2; 15 daily per person with no more than two over
12” min total length
25” (in specified areas) Spotted Seatrout
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES5

MARLIN 14
BLUE MARLIN: Blue Marlin

99” min lower jaw fork length
No Bag or Possession Limit
WHITE MARLIN:
66” min lower jaw fork length
White Marlin
SAILFISH14
63” min lower jaw fork length No Bag or Possession Limit

Sailfish
SALTWATER FISHING
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES5

SHARK 6
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
ATLANTIC SHARPNOSE & BONNETHEAD SHARK6: 1 daily per person - possession. All shark harvest
None prohibited from April 1 - June 30
SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK6:

Males: 71” min fork length Blacktip Shark
Females: 83” min fork length 1 in aggregate per vessel per trip - possession. No silky
or sandbar sharks. No prohibited species. All shark
harvest prohibited from April 1 - June 30. (See
OTHER SHARKS (EXCEPT Prohibited silky and sandbar)6: complete list of Prohibited Sharks on page 24)
Shortfin Mako Shark
SWORDFISH7,14
29” min carcass length or

Not more than 5 per vessel per trip
33 lbs. min dressed weight
Swordfish
TUNA 8,14
BLUEFIN TUNA8: 1 per vessel per year with appropriate federal permit
73” min curved fork length as incidental catch during the open season Bluefin Tuna
BIGEYE TUNA8: No Bag or Possession Limit

27” min curved fork length
Bigeye Tuna
YELLOWFIN TUNA8: 3 daily per person

27” min curved fork length
Yellowfin Tuna
REEF FISH 3
*NOTE:
- Species within the 20 fish aggregate bag limit are Vermilion Snapper, Lane Snapper, Almaco Jack, Gray Triggerfish, Tilefish, Goldface Tilefish, and
Blueline Tilefish.
- Species within the 10 fish aggregate bag limit are all snappers (Gray, Mutton, Yellowtail, Cubera, Queen, Blackfin, Silk and Wenchman) except
Red, Vermilion and Lane.
GROUPER 9,10,14
BLACK & GAG9: 24” min total length 4 daily in aggregate

No more than 1 speckled hind and 1 Warsaw grouper
RED & YELLOWFIN9: 20” min total length per vessel, not more than 2 red grouper per person,
and not more than 2 gag per person included in the
SCAMP9: 16” min total length bag limit Gag Grouper
GOLIATH & NASSAU: Take Prohibited Take/Possession Prohibited

SNAPPER 14
RED10,11: 16” min total length 2 daily per person2

MUTTON: 18” min total length
Red Snapper
QUEEN, BLACKFIN, SILK & WENCHMAN: None 10 daily per person in aggregate with no more than 5
mutton snapper3*
CUBERA, GRAY (mangrove) & YELLOWTAIL: 12” min
total length
Gray Snapper
LANE: 8” min total length
20 daily per person in aggregate, with no more than 1
gray triggerfish and not more than 10 vermilion
snapper per person included in the bag limit3*
VERMILION: 10” min total length
Lane Snapper

SALTWATER FISHING
TURKEY
REEF FISH AND OTHER3

ALMACO JACK
No Size Limit 20 daily per person in aggregate*

Almaco Jack
GRAY TRIGGERFISH 12
15” min fork length 1 daily per person in aggregate3*

Gray Triggerfish
TILEFISH (Goldface & Blueline)
No Size Limit 20 daily per person in aggregate*

Blueline Tilefish
AMBERJACK 13
GREATER10,13: 34” min fork length 1 daily per person3
LESSER & BANDED RUDDERFISH13: Greater Amberjack

5 daily per person in aggregate
14-22” fork length slot limit
HOGFISH
14” min fork length 5 daily per person

Hogfish
TRIPLETAIL
18” min total length 5 daily per person
Tripletail
Images by Duane Raver
EXPLANATION OF SALTWATER CREEL & SIZE LIMITS

1
RED DRUM (REDFISH) AND SPOTTED SEATROUT (SPECKLED TROUT)
Recreational saltwater anglers may possess a two days’ bag limit on land; however, no person shall be in possession of fish over the daily bag
limit in any one day or while fishing or while on the water, unless that recreational saltwater angler is aboard a trawler engaged in commer-
cial fishing for a consecutive period of longer than 25 hours. Take or possession of red drum in federal waters is prohibited.
The possession limit for red drum and spotted seatrout taken south of U.S. Hwy 90 shall be three times the daily take limit when the fisher-
man holds and is in possession of a valid recreational fishing license and can show a landing receipt from a public boat launch located south
of U.S. Hwy 90 that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that the fisherman has been actively on the water or at a remote
camp that can be accessed only by water for two days or more. The fish shall be kept whole or whole gutted in separate bags for each species
of fish. The bags shall be marked with the date the fish were taken, the species, the number of fish contained in the bag, and the name and
license number of the person taking the fish. The fish shall only be in the possession of the person who took the fish. However, no fisherman
shall be actively fishing or engaged in fishing while in possession of more than the daily take limit.
2
OFF-WATER BAG LIMIT
Two days’ bag limit allowed in possession off of the water, not while fishing or in a boat EXCEPT as mentioned above in relation to south of
U.S. Hwy 90.
3
CHARTER VESSELS & HEADBOATS
Two-day limit allowed in possession only on charter vessels and headboats on multi day trips, if the vessels have two licensed operators, as
required by the U.S. Coast Guard for trips more than 12 hours, and if each angler has in possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel
verifying the length of the trip.
SALTWATER FISHING
4
SPOTTED SEATROUT (SPECKLED TROUT)
12-inch minimum total length, 25 fish per person daily bag limit. to Oak Grove, then due south to the western shore of the
EXCEPT: 15 fish daily bag and possession limit, with no more than Mermentau River, following this shoreline south to the junction
two spotted seatrout exceeding 25 inches total length, regardless of with the Gulf of Mexico, and then due south to the limit of the state
where taken in a defined area of Cameron and Calcasieu parishes territorial sea. Under the authority of the provisions of R. S.
located in southwestern Louisiana. The defined area, including 56:325.1(A), the daily bag and possession limit shall be 15 fish,
coastal territorial waters, is as follows: south of Interstate 10 from regardless of where taken, with no more than two spotted seatrout
its junction at the Texas-Louisiana boundary eastward to its junction exceeding 25 inches total length. Those spotted seatrout exceeding
with Louisiana Highway 171, south to Highway 14, south to 25 inches in length shall be considered as part of the daily recre-
Holmwood, and then south on Highway 27 through Gibbstown, ational bag and possession limit.
south to Louisiana Highway 82 at Creole and south on Highway 82
5
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES
An HMS Permit is required for all owners/operator of vessels in the in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The HMS Charter/Headboat
Gulf of Mexico fishing for and/or retaining the HMS regulated Permit will be valid from the date of issuance through Dec. 31,
species of tunas, billfishes, swordfish and sharks. The Atlantic HMS 2021. The permit fee is $20.
Permits will be valid from the date of issuance through Dec. 31,
2021. The permit fee is $20. NOTE: This permit requires the For information about contact the National Marine Fisheries Service
reporting of all recreationally caught swordfish, billfish, and (NMFS) Permitting Office at 1-888-872-8862 or 727-824-5399 or
bluefin tuna within 24 hours of landing that species, please see visit the NMFS Permit Shop at hmspermits.noaa.gov. For complete
hmspermits.noaa.gov/catchReports for more details. HMS regulations, contact the HMS Management Division at 301-
713-2347 or visit the website at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/
An Atlantic HMS Charter/Headboat Permit is required for all char- atlantic-highly-migratory-species. See page 18 for a complete listing
ter or headboat fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic HMS of Highly Migratory Species contact information.
6
SHARKS
Other seasons and rules may be currently in place in Federal waters NOTE: A person subject to a bag limit shall not possess at any time,
off Louisiana, please check those rules at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ regardless of the number of trips or the duration of a trip, any shark
rules-and-regulations. in excess of the bag limits listed under Highly Migratory Species on
CLOSED SEASON Saltwater Creel and Size Limits chart (page 22). The practice of “fin-
All Louisiana state waters seaward to the gulfward boundary of the ning,” that is, removing only the fins and returning the remainder of
Louisiana Territorial Sea shall be closed to the recreational and com- the shark to the sea, is prohibited within and without Louisiana
mercial harvest and possession of all sharks between April 1 and June waters. Notwithstanding other provisions of this part, a person may
30 of each year. fish for, but not retain, white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) with
rod and reel only under a catch-and-release program, provided the
SMALL COASTAL SHARKS person releases and returns such fish to the sea immediately with a
Atlantic sharpnose shark; bonnethead shark; blacknose shark; fine- minimum of injury (For tips on safely releasing fish, visit www.wlf.
tooth shark la.gov/page/best-fishing-practices).
LARGE COASTAL SHARKS PROHIBITED SHARKS
Blacktip shark; nurse shark; smooth hammerhead; bull shark; sand- The following is a list of shark species that are prohibited: Atlantic
bar shark*; spinner shark; great hammerhead; scalloped hammer- angel shark, sand tiger shark, dusky shark, bigeye sand tiger shark,
head; tiger shark; lemon shark; silky shark* sixgill shark, largetooth sawfish, bigeye thresher shark, smalltooth
*NOTE: Recreational harvest of sandbar and silky sharks (ridgeback sawfish, narrowtooth shark, Caribbean reef shark, white shark,
sharks) is not allowed. Caribbean sharpnose shark, basking shark, sevengill shark, Galapagos
PELAGIC SHARKS shark, bigeye sixgill shark, smalltail shark, longfin mako, bignose
Blue shark; porbeagle shark; thresher shark; oceanic whitetip shark; shark, whale shark and night shark. No sandbar or silky sharks may
shortfin mako be retained under a recreational bag limit.
7
SWORDFISH
Recreational fishing vessels shall not possess more than five swordfish per vessel per trip. Swordfish taken under a recreational bag limit shall
not be sold, purchased, exchanged, bartered, or attempted to be sold, purchased, exchanged or bartered. No person aboard any vessel shall
transfer or cause the transfer of swordfish between vessels on state or federal waters. All recreationally harvested swordfish must be
reported, see hmspermits.noaa.gov/catchReports or call (800) 894-5528.

SALTWATER FISHING
8
TUNA
Anglers fishing for tunas within or outside Louisiana state waters are following websites (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/species/tunas/
subject to both state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Federal index.html and www.fisheries.noaa.gov/rules-and-announcements/
regulations regarding the recreational harvest of tunas change notices-and-rules) for current federal regulations. State requirements
often, especially for bluefin tuna. Prior to angling for or harvest of regarding tuna regulations may also be subject to change, please
tuna, be aware of the most current federal regulations for fishing or refer to the LDWF website for current information: www.wlf.la.gov/
harvest, including sizes, bag limits and closed seasons. For updates fishing/saltwater-seasons-limits and www.wlf.la.gov/regulations.
on tuna quota monitoring and tuna retention limit adjustments,
anglers may call the Atlantic Tunas Information Line at 888-872- BLUEFIN TUNA
8862. The “Atlantic Tunas Regulations Brochure” is available at All bluefin tuna must be reported within 24 hours of landing to
hmspermits.noaa.gov/library and announcements of changes may NMFS by calling 888-872-8862 or visiting hmspermits.noaa.gov. For
be accessed via the web at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/rules-and- further information about angling category permits call the NMFS
announcements/notices-and-rules. HMS Division at 888-872-8862 or 301-713-2347. Federal quotas
and regulations for bluefin tuna can change often, be aware of the
Permanent Louisiana regulations on tuna harvest may be superseded most current bluefin tuna regulations and federal seasons by visit-
by seasonal changes within the federal regulatory system. See the ing hmspermits.noaa.gov.
9
GROUPER
There is a closed season for the recreational harvest of gag from Jan. 1 through May 31 of each year. A closed season for the recreational
harvest of black, red, yellowfin and yellowmouth groupers as well as scamp has also been established from Feb. 1 - March 31 of each year
sea-ward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) curve.
Other seasons and rules are currently in place in Federal waters off of Louisiana. Please check those rules at www.gulfcouncil.org under
“Fishing Regulations.”
10
CHARTER CAPTAIN & CREW
No harvest of red snapper, greater amberjack or grouper of any species is allowed for the captain and crew of vessel under charter (their
creel limit/bag limit is zero).
11
RED SNAPPER
Regulations for the recreational harvest of red snapper in Louisiana state waters may change frequently. For current red snapper seasons,
bag limits, and possession information check the LDWF website at: www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/recreational-fishing.
12
GRAY TRIGGERFISH
There is a closed season for the recreational harvest of gray triggerfish from Jan. 1 through the end of February and from June 1 - July 31
annually.
13
AMBERJACK
The recreational greater amberjack season is open May 1-31. There is a fixed closed season from June 1 - July 31. The season reopens Aug.
1 - Oct. 31, or until the annual quota is met or projected to be met. For more information, go to www.wlf.la.gov/news?cat=18 OR sero.nmfs.
noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2018/021/index.html.
14
RECREATIONAL OFFSHORE LANDING PERMIT (ROLP)
All recreational anglers, including those not normally required to have a fishing license, and charter captains must obtain an ROLP to possess
tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, dolphinfish, wahoo, and cobia. Charter captains mush obtain a Charter ROLP
in order to conduct trips possessing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, dolphinfish, wahoo, and cobia. Anglers
on a paid for-hire trip (if the licensed charter guide on board has a valid Charter ROLP) and anglers 15 years of age or younger are not required
to have an ROLP (see pages 7 & 18 for details).
OTHER SEASONS
RECREATIONAL SHRIMPING
CAST NET LICENSE REQUIREMENTS 4. Federal Shrimp Vessel Permit required for vessels fishing
1. Basic Fishing License shrimp in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (EEZ)
TRAWL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS No license required for use of bait seines and dip nets.
1. Basic Fishing License * A saltwater license only needs to be purchased if planning to fish
2. Saltwater License* in the saltwater area as described in 56:322(A)&(B)
3. Trawl License
HARVEST AREAS
For management purposes, Louisiana’s state waters are divided into Commission (Commission) may amend the shrimp line due to
inside and outside waters. The “shrimp line” separates these environmental changes. See the latest coordinates at www.wlf.la.
waters. It generally follows the coastline from the Louisiana/Texas gov/fishing/insideoutside-shrimp-line.
state line to the Louisiana/Mississippi state line. Inside waters
(landward of the shrimp line) are inshore waters; outside waters The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the
(seaward out to three nautical miles) are the territorial seas. Inside Commission, and the Louisiana Legislature are responsible for man-
waters are further divided by major estuarine basin. The current aging the shrimp fishery in inshore waters and the territorial seas.
shrimp line can be found in LAC 76:370 or at www.wlf.la.gov/ The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and NOAA
amended_shrimp_line. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Fisheries are responsible for federal waters.
SEASONS
Trawl, skimmer and butterfly nets cannot be used for any purpose season in portions of state outside waters, which may be set during
in state waters during the closed shrimp season. Shrimp seasons are the late winter to early spring months, usually beginning in
flexible and are determined by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries December or January and extending into March or April. The shrimp
Commission based upon biological and technical data relative to season in the EEZ is usually open year-round.
shrimp populations as well as public input. The spring inshore sea-
son usually begins in early to mid-May, and may extend into July. NOTE: Restricted areas exist within WMAs, refuges and other areas
The fall inshore season usually begins near mid-August and typically and may be closed to certain gear types or methods of fishing.
extends into December. The shrimp season in Louisiana’s outside Check with your local LDWF Office or refer to the WMA and Refuge
territorial waters is generally open year round EXCEPT for a closed section of this pamphlet.
SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS

• No size limit on any saltwater shrimp taken during the spring EXCEPTION: There is no possession count on white shrimp taken or
open season in Louisiana. possessed from Oct. 15 through the third Monday in December.
• No size limit on brown shrimp or seabobs taken during any When more than 50 percent by weight of the shrimp taken or pos-
open season. sessed is seabobs or brown shrimp, the maximum allowable
amount of undersized white shrimp taken or possessed shall not
There is a minimum possession of 100 count (whole shrimp per exceed 10 percent by weight of the total shrimp taken or possessed.
pound) on white shrimp taken in either inside or outside (offshore)
waters of Louisiana. This size restriction applies to the taking or
possession of such shrimp aboard a vessel.
CAST NETS, DIP NETS AND BAIT SEINES

A recreational fisherman is allowed to use dip nets, bait seines, and cast nets not to exceed 8 and 1/2 feet in radius. Recreational fishermen
shall not take at any time more than 50 pounds of shrimp per day during closed shrimp season and 100 pounds of shrimp per day during the
open season, in the aggregate, per boat or vehicle, regardless of the number of persons thereon. Shrimp taken are to be used for bait or for
the fisherman’s own consumption and are not sold, traded or otherwise permitted to enter into commerce. Certain WMAs and state or
federal refuges may have different rules. Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you have questions.
RESTRICTIONS ON NIGHT SHRIMPING

• Night shrimping is prohibited between the hours of one-half River Ship Channel out to Eugene Island as described by the
hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the follow- inside-outside line.
ing areas: Vermilion Bay, East and West Cote Blanche bays, and • Trawling at night is prohibited in Cameron Parish sections of
in Atchafalaya Bay, from the western shore of Vermilion Bay to Calcasieu Lake, the Black Lake Bayou System, Grand Bayou,
the western shore of the Atchafalaya River and the Atchafalaya Little Burton’s Ditch, Grand Lake, and White Lake.

OTHER SEASONS
TRAWLS
Trawls cannot have a mesh size less than 5/8-inch bar or 1 and 1/4 TRAWLING RESTRICTIONS
inches stretched. In that portion of state inside waters from the • No net or beam trawl used for taking fish or shrimp from the
western shore of the Atchafalaya River to the western shore of saltwater areas of the state is allowed to be left unattended.
Vermilion Bay and Southwest Pass at Marsh Island, mesh size must • Taking shrimp with saltwater trawls from May 1 - Sept. 15 each
not be less than 3/4-inch bar or 1 and 1/2 inches stretched during year is prohibited in state waters on the south side of Grand
the fall inshore shrimp season. Isle from Caminada Pass to Barataria Pass in Jefferson Parish;
from the southeast side of the Caminada bridge to the north-
TRAWLING DURING OPEN SEASON AND POSSESSION LIMITS west side of Barataria Pass at Fort Livingston, extending from
During the open shrimping seasons trawls 25 feet and less are the beach side of Grand Isle to a distance of 500 feet beyond
allowed for recreational purposes. the shoreline into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Trawls cannot be used for any purpose in state waters during
Recreational shrimpers using trawls 16 feet in length or less are the closed shrimp season.
limited to 100 pounds (heads on) of shrimp per boat per day. • No person is allowed to trawl over any privately leased bedding
grounds or oyster propagating place that is staked off, marked
Recreational shrimpers using trawls greater than 16 feet in length or posted as required by law or regulation.
are limited to no more than 250 pounds of (heads-on) shrimp per • Trawling is prohibited in Lake Maurepas and that portion of
day per boat. Lake Pontchartrain from the shoreline to 1.25 miles out from
the Jefferson/Orleans Parish line east to the eastern shore of
Shrimp taken recreationally may only be used for bait or the fisher-
South Point, from South Point to North Shore along the rail-
man’s own consumption and may not be sold, traded or otherwise
road bridge west from North Shore to Goose Point.
permitted to enter commerce.
• Trawling is prohibited between the railroad bridge and
Federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) regulations require any shrimp Interstate 10 in Lake Pontchartrain.
trawler in the Gulf Area to have an approved TED installed in each • Trawls are prohibited in the waters of Bayou Judge Perez
net that is rigged for fishing. However, certain exemptions to these (Bayou Hermitage) from its entrance into Lake Judge Perez
requirements may apply (e.g. vessels without mechanical advantage (Lake Hermitage) to Devils Bayou, a distance of approximately
or power net retrieval, test trawls). A net is rigged for fishing if it is in 1 mile, located in Plaquemines Parish.
the water, or if it is shackled, tied, or otherwise connected to any • Trawling is prohibited north of the LA Highway 631 Bridge at
trawl door or board, or to any tow rope, cable, pole or extension, Des Allemands, Louisiana, and in Lac Des Allemands, its
either on board or attached in any manner to the shrimp trawler. streams and tributaries.
• Trawling is also prohibited in the cove immediately adjacent to
More information concerning federal shrimp vessel permits, Turtle Cypremort Point State Park landward of a line from Blue Point
Excluder Device (TED) and Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRD) require- to Cypremort Point.
ments and exemptions can be obtained by contacting the NOAA
Fisheries Service at 727-824-5312 for TEDs or 727- 824-5305 for
BRDs or at www.nmfs.noaa.gov. Detailed information on TEDs may
be found at the following link to the NOAA Fisheries website www.
nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/teds.html.
RECREATIONAL OYSTERING
1. Basic Fishing License
2. Saltwater Fishing License
3. A Recreational Tonging License is required for each tong in use.
4. A Senior Fishing License is required of residents who turned 60 years of age on or after June 1, 2000, to take oysters.
METHODS OF TAKE
Recreational oyster harvest for home consumption is limited to areas closed to oyster harvest. The culling of oysters (the act of
tonging or gathering by hand. separating undersized oysters or dead shell and returning to
the water), must occur over the reefs where harvest occurred.
RESTRICTIONS ON METHODS OF TAKE
• The harvest or take of oysters during the period of one-half hour
• Recreational oyster harvest is allowed only from public oyster
after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited.
areas open for the harvesting of oysters or from private leases
• Oysters taken from the reefs of Louisiana either for sale or
on which the fisherman is authorized to take oysters.
consumption must be landed in Louisiana, except with a valid
Recreational oyster fishermen may harvest oysters from a pri-
out-of-state oyster-landing permit and with the fisherman
vate lease only with the written permission of the leaseholder.
being in compliance with all other rules and regulations.
At no time will the act of harvesting oysters be permitted in
OTHER SEASONS
SEASONS
The LWFC determines the public oyster areas to be opened for oyster fishing by opening and closing the seasons as biological and technical data
indicates. The owner of an oyster lease or his designee, with written permission, may fish oysters at any time of year on their lease.
EXCEPTION: Public oyster areas opened by the LWFC and private leases may, however, be closed by the Louisiana Department of Health
(LDH) for public health reasons. Information on LDH closed areas is available at ldh.la.gov.

• All oysters taken from public oyster areas must be 3 inches or greater in length from hinge to mouth. Size limits do not apply to oysters
taken from private leases.
• Recreational oyster harvesters are limited to two sacks per person per day for personal consumption, except in the Calcasieu Lake Public
Oyster area where the limit is set at one sack per person per day.
• Possession limits apply to oysters taken from a private lease.
LEASES
For information on Oyster Leases visit www.wlf.la.gov/fishing/oyster-lease-section or call (504) 284-5279.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2045 Lakeshore Dr., Ste. 420
New Orleans, LA 70122
RECREATIONAL CRABBING
REQUIRED LICENSES
1. No license is required for any person using crab nets or crab lines for the purpose of taking crabs, unless they are fishing on a WMA
or state refuge.
2. Persons harvesting crabs on LDWF WMAs or refuges must possess a basic recreational fishing license or a Wild Louisiana Stamp.
3. A Recreational Crab Trap Gear License is required to use crab traps.* There is a limit of 10 traps per licensed fisherman. Crab traps may
be prohibited on certain LDWF WMAs and refuges. Consult fishing regulations on WMAs and refuges for more details.
*If using crab traps in the saltwater area, as defined in 56:322(A)&(B), one must also possess a saltwater license.
METHODS OF TAKE
• Blue crabs or stone crabs can be taken with any legal crab trap, • No crab traps shall be set in navigable channels or entrances to
crab drop net, trawl, hoop net, trotline, handline, bushline, dip streams. Traps must be placed so vessels can safely navigate.
net or cast net. • Metal tackle or metal crab traps shall not be used in any of the
• The taking of crabs by means of trawls in inside waters is per- public waters north of the Intracoastal Waterway in the
mitted only during the open season for shrimp and with legal Calcasieu River or in any body of water comprising the
mesh sizes. For legal mesh sizes refer to the section about Calcasieu River System north of the Intracoastal Canal or in the
trawls listed under Recreational Shrimping. waters of Vermilion Bay from Cypremort Point 1 mile offshore
• Gear restrictions may exist within certain wildlife management to Blue Point.
areas (WMAs), refuges or other areas. • Crab traps are prohibited in the Tchefuncte River.
• The use of crab traps may be prohibited for derelict crab trap
RESTRICTIONS ON METHODS OF TAKE removal in 2021 for portions of February and/or March.
• Dredges are not allowed for the intentional taking of crabs. (NOTE: Please check our website for the most recent informa-
• No person may possess adult female crabs in the berry stage tion).
(i.e., carrying the eggs or young attached to the abdomen). All • NOTE: During the 2019 legislative session, language was
crabs taken in the berry stage by any means must be returned amended regarding the placement of escape rings in crab traps.
immediately to the waters.

• There is no minimum recreational size limit for blue crabs. The limit is 12 dozen per person, daily and in possession.
• Certain WMAs and state and federal refuges may have different possession limits. Consult a local LDWF or Enforcement Office for spe-
cifics (see WMA and Refuge Regulations on page 32).
• There is no minimum recreational size limit for stone crabs or stone crab claws.

OTHER SEASONS
ABOUT CRAB TRAPS
• A crab trap is a cube-shaped device, constructed of wire, no volume size. Crab traps located in areas designated as freshwa-
larger than 30 inches on any side, and with either a bait box or ter north of the northern bank of the Intracoastal Waterway
materials providing cover or shelter for peeler crabs. The and west of Louisiana Hwy 70 and those areas located on the
entrance funnels must extend no further than 7 inches into the eastern side of the Mississippi River and inland from the saltwa-
inside of the trap, with the openings to the entrance funnels ter line are not required to be marked with a float and float line,
on the vertical wall of the trap such that the horizontal diame- unless the trap is placed in a lake. Each crab trap on a trotline
ter of each opening is at least one and one-half times the ver- shall be registered with LDWF and shall have attached to it a tag
tical diameter of the opening. bearing the crab fisherman’s license number. This is the LDWF
• Certain traps advertised by retail outlets as crab/fish/crawfish traps number located at the top of your license.
may not be legal. If unsure that the trap you purchased or plan to • All crab traps are required to be marked with a solid float at
use is legal, please consult your local Enforcement Agent. least 6 inches in diameter. The float must be attached to the
• The baiting, tending, checking or removing of serviceable crab trap with a non-floating line at least 1/4 inch in diameter. West
traps in use, the contents of such crab traps or their lines, of Louisiana Hwy 70, there is no mark required.
buoys or markers is prohibited in public waters from one-half • Each trap shall have a minimum of three escape rings. A mini-
hour after legal sunset until one-half hour before legal sunrise. mum of two escape rings shall be located in the upper chamber
• Crab traps that are no longer serviceable or no longer in use must flush with the baffle. A minimum of one escape ring shall be
be removed by the owner and properly disposed of or stored. located in the lower chamber no greater than one mesh length
• No person other than the licensee or his agent shall intention- from the trap floor. Beginning on July 1, 2022, all escape rings
ally damage or destroy serviceable crab traps or the floats or shall be located no greater than one mesh length from the cor-
lines to which they are attached, nor shall they remove the ners. The minimum sizes of the rings shall be 2 and 3/8 inches in
contents thereof. inside diameter, not including the ring material. The rings shall
• Each crab trap shall be marked with a 2-inch stainless steel be rigid and attached to the trap with material of an equal or
self-locking tag attached to the center of the trap ceiling. Tags smaller diameter than the wire strands of the trap. Except from
shall be supplied by the fishermen and shall have the recre- April 1 through June 30 and from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31,
ational crab trap gear license number printed thereon. Crabbers escape ring openings shall not be obstructed with any material
are allowed to use a durable plastic bait box marker as an alter- that prevents or hampers exit of crabs. However, the provisions
nate means of tagging crab taps. Crab traps may be attached to of this shall not apply to any crab trap constructed of wire mesh
a trotline to which at least one end is attached to a non-floating 2 and 5/16 inches square or greater.
line and a visible float of at least 6 inches in diameter or 2-gallon
RECREATIONAL CRAWFISHING
1. Basic Fishing License EXCEPTIONS
2. A Recreational Crawfish Trap Gear License is required to use • A Basic Recreational Fishing License or a Wild Louisiana Stamp
crawfish traps in public waters. is required to use crawfish nets, dip nets, hand lines, or bait
seines on LDWF WMAs or refuges.
• A Basic Recreational Fishing License or a gear license is not
required to use crawfish nets, dip nets, hand lines, or bait
seines for taking crawfish recreationally.
METHODS OF TAKE
Crawfish may be taken with any legal crawfish trap, crawfish net, minimum mesh size of a hexagon of 3/4 by 11/16 of 1 inch from
hoop net, wire net, handline, bushline, bait seine or dip net. A cast wire to wire not including any coating on the wire.
net must not exceed 8.5 feet in radius. Crawfish traps may be pro-
hibited on certain LDWF WMAs and refuges. Consult fishing regula- Crawfish traps must be marked with a waterproof tag, provided by
tions on WMA’s and Refuges for more details. the fisherman, with the name and recreational gear license number
of the fisherman legibly printed on the tag.
CRAWFISH TRAP
A crawfish trap is defined as any device constructed of coated wire CRAWFISH NET
with the opening of the throats or flues not exceeding 2 inches, and A crawfish net is defined as any device constructed with vegetable
which is used for the express use of taking crawfish. Crawfish traps or synthetic material without flues or throats attached to a wire
are typically of the pillow style or cone style with minimum mesh frame that forms a net basket and is used for the purpose of taking
size no smaller than 3/4 inches by 11/16 inches. Traps must have a crawfish.
SEASONS
There is no closed season for wild crawfish harvest EXCEPT for some wildlife management areas and state and federal refuges (see WMAs
and Refuges on page 32).

• There is no minimum size for crawfish.
• The bag and possession limit for crawfish is 150 pounds daily per person in state waters.
• No more than 35 traps may be used per person while fishing recreationally for crawfish.
OTHER SEASONS
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

1. Basic Resident or Non-Resident Fishing License.
METHODS FOR COLLECTING OR CATCHING THESE SPECIES
The regulations listed below apply to all frogs, salamanders, lizards, ILLEGAL METHODS OF TAKE FOR ALL REPTILES AND
snakes, turtles and related species. All reptiles and amphibians AMPHIBIANS
caught are for personal (non-commercial) use only. These regula- • Removal of nesting or nest-tending animals is prohibited.
tions do not include alligators. For alligator regulations visit www. • Use of gasoline to flush animals from hiding places is prohibited.
wlf.la.gov. Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you • Natural cover such as stumps and logs may not be destroyed
have questions. while searching for animals.
• Additional illegal methods of take are species specific and
are grouped accordingly.
SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST

• Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) • Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• Southern red backed salamander (Plethodon serratus) • Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Webster’s salamander (Plethodon websteri) • Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
• Mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus) • Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
• Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) • Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
• Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES • Ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera)
The following federally listed threatened and endangered, or pro- • Dusky gopher frog (Rana sevosa)
hibited species are off limits for recreational take. Civil and criminal • Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
penalties may apply for taking the following aquatic species. If any • Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni)
of these protected species are incidentally caught, they must be • Black pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)
released unharmed immediately:
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS AND STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS

WMAs, state refuges and federal lands may have specific regulations regarding open seasons, harvest and gear restrictions. For state or
federally regulated areas refer to the “WMAs, Refuges and Federal Lands” section on page 32.
TURTLES
ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES

• No size limit.
• Take is limited to no more than one snapping turtle per day, per person, per vehicle/vessel.
DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS
• Must measure 6 inches or more carapace length.
• Legal during all months except between the dates of April 15 - June 15.
• It is illegal to take this species by a trap of any kind.
BOX TURTLES
• Take is limited to two box turtles per day.
Carapace
• Possession is limited to four box turtles of the genus Terrapene at any time.
Length
TURTLE EGGS
• No turtle eggs may be taken except for those of the red eared slider.
TURTLE TRAPS
• Traps must be checked daily.
• Must be marked as “turtle trap.”
• Must be open above water to allow breathing.
• Must be constructed as a horizontal, single-throated device.
• It is illegal to possess finfish while turtle trapping.

OTHER SEASONS
FROGS
LEGAL METHOD OF TAKE
• Frogs may be taken using any visible light and mechanical devices
known as frog catchers or with devices that puncture the skin, such
as gigs or spears.
Frog
ILLEGAL METHOD OF TAKE Length
• Possession of firearms while taking or hunting frogs at night is pro-
hibited.
BULLFROGS AND PIG FROGS
• Length requirements (measured from tip of the muzzle to the pos-
terior end of the body between the hind legs)
• Bullfrogs harvested must be 5 inches or larger.
• Pig frogs harvested must be 3 inches or larger.
• Frogs harvested on private lands, ponds or waters where the indi-
vidual is an authorized representative are not limited by length
requirements.
• Harvest is legal during all months of the year except April and May.
The Sport Fish Restoration Program is a “user pays, user benefits” system of
resource management. The federal and state governments, the sport fishing
industry, anglers and boaters formed the cooperative effort to increase
boating and sport fishing opportunities.
The cycle of funding (illustrated

to the left) shows how Louisiana
anglers and outdoor enthusiasts
support the Sport Fish Restoration
Program, and the benefits they
receive in return.
WMAs, REFUGES & FEDERAL LANDS
FISHING REGULATIONS ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, REFUGES &

FEDERAL LANDS
Wildlife management areas (WMAs), refuges and certain federal lands may have special fishing seasons and bag and possession limits, size
limits or closures that differ from general regulations.
REQUIRED LICENSES
A Wild Louisiana Stamp, hunting license or fishing license, depending on activities in which an individual is engaged, is required for use of depart-
ment-administered lands, including wildlife refuges, WMAs and habitat conservation areas. Persons under 16 years of age and over 60 years of
age or older are exempt from this requirement. Persons attending official functions of private, non-profit and charitable organizations recognized
as tax-exempt under the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code shall also be exempted from this requirement.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Use of airboats, aircraft, personal water craft, “mud crawling ves- • The check-out portion must be carried by each person while
sels” (commonly referred to as crawfish combines which use paddle on the WMA and must be completed and put in a permit box
wheels for locomotion) and hover craft is prohibited on WMAs, immediately upon exiting the WMA
EXCEPT type A personal water craft, model year 2003 and beyond, • Self-Clearing Permits are not required of fishers and boaters
which are eight feet in length and greater, may be operated within who enter a WMA via watercraft from outside the WMA, pro-
WMAs from April 1 until the Monday of Labor Day weekend, from vided they do not get out of the watercraft and onto WMA
sunrise to sunset only, and EXCEPT personal water craft are allowed property.
on designated portions of Alexander State Forest WMA year • Self-Clearing Permits are not required for motorists traveling
around. No person shall operate such watercraft at a speed greater through the WMA provided that the most direct route is taken
than “slow/no wake” within 100 feet of an anchored or moored and no activities or stops take place.
vessel, shoreline, dock, pier or persons engaged in angling or any
Operating, modifying, tampering with or altering water control
other manually powered vessel.
structures on WMAs is prohibited.
Operation of internal combustion powered vessels within designat- Additional restrictions may apply at some WMAs. The following
ed Limited Access Areas (LAAs) prohibited during the months of information includes specific restrictions by WMA. For additional
September through January. Trolling motors may be used to access information, contact your local LDWF Office.
and navigate within LAAs. Vehicles prohibited November through
January. LAAs are on Atchafalaya Delta, Boeuf, Dewey W. Wills, For National Wildlife Refuges, please contact the area offices as
Joyce, Manchac, Pass-A-Loutre, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and Russell Sage follows:
WMAs. See WMA maps for specific locations. • North Louisiana Complex -
318-726-4222
Operation of vessels beyond bare steerage speed (the slowest • Central Louisiana Complex -
speed a vessel can travel while maintaining directional control) in no 318-253-4238
wake zones prohibited. • Southeast Louisiana Complex -
985-882-2000
A Self-Clearing Permit is required for ALL ACTIVITIES on WMAs. The • Southwest Louisiana Complex -
Self-Clearing Permit consists of two portions: Check In and Check 337-598-2216
Out.
• All persons must obtain a WMA Self-Clearing Permit from a For fishing information on the Indian Bayou Recreational Area with-
Self-Clearing Permit Station or check in/out electronically in the Atchafalaya Basin or the Bonne Carre Spillway contact the U.S.
through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app/Internet Web por- Army Corps of Engineers at 337-585-0853.
tal. If checking in through a Self-Clearing Permit Station check- For fishing information within the Catahoula and Red Dirt National
in portion must be completed and put in a permit box before Wildlife Management Preserves, contact Kisatchie National forest
each day’s activity on the day of the activity. Users may check 318-473-7160.
in one day in advance of use.
ATCHAFALAYA DELTA
• Camping and houseboat mooring is allowed only in designated areas. Houseboat mooring is allowed via permit only (through annual
lottery or by a bid lease program during hunting season and by 16-day permit during the remainder of the year). Contact Lafayette Field
Office for details.
• Vessels/Vehicles: Mudboats or air-cooled propulsion vessels powered by more than 36 total horsepower are prohibited on the WMA.
• Self-Clearing Permits available from Main Delta campground, Wax Delta Campground, Cul-de-sac on Big Island, and Berwick Public Boat
Launch (Jesse Fontenot Boat Launch) or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web portal.
BODCAU
Nets and traps prohibited in Ivan Lake.
BIG LAKE
Yoyos, limb lines and trotlines prohibited on Big Lake and Chain Lake. Commercial fishing prohibited.

BILOXI
Vessels/Vehicles: Mud boats or air-cooled propulsion vessels can only be powered by straight shaft “long tail” air-cooled mud motors that
are 25 total horsepower or less on the WMA. All other types of airboats, mud boats or air cooled propulsion vessels (including “surface drive”
boats) are prohibited.
• Overnight mooring of all vessels 50 in length or longer is prohibited.
• Camping and houseboat mooring Is allowed only in designated areas.
BUSSEY BRAKE
• Recreational fishing and all other allowed non-consumptive • Shoreline (non-boat) fishing only allowed at designated
uses only. locations.
• No personal watercraft or water skiing. • No fishing or lake access from rocks along interior of reservoir
• No camping. levee.
• No ATVs/UTVs or electric bicycles allowed.
• No motorized vehicles of any type allowed on reservoir levee BLACK BASS
except at boat launch for purpose of launching boat or to • Daily Limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be five fish, in
access fishing pier. the aggregate.
• Pulling boats over levees or any other activities that cause • Possession Limit: possession limit shall be five fish while on
detriment to the levees is prohibited. water and 10 fish while off water, in the aggregate.
• Horseback riding and non-motorized bicycles are allowed only • Length: the maximum total length limit shall be 16 inches, with
on the designated trail named levee trail (see map at boat the exception that one fish over 16 inches may be kept.
launch kiosk). Access is granted at two marked locations, adja-
cent to the boat launch and just beyond the boat launch park- CRAPPIE
ing area. • Daily Limit: recreational daily limit shall be 25 fish, in the
• No tying boats to channel marker poles. aggregate.
• A no-wake zone is in effect in the harbor inside the wave break. • Possession Limit: possession limit shall be 25 fish while on
• No boats allowed within 30 feet of fishing piers. water and 50 fish while off water, in the aggregate.
• Length: the minimum total length shall be 10 inches.
FISHING
• Fish may be taken only by rod and reel or cane pole for recre- BLUEGILL (BREAM)
ational purposes. • Daily Limit: recreational daily creel limit shall be 50 fish, in the
• All types of nets, including but not limited to gill nets, trammel aggregate.
nets, hoop nets, wire nets, fyke nets and fish seines are • Possession Limit: possession limit shall be 50 fish while on the
prohibited. water and 100 while off the water in the aggregate.
• Trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, stump lines, slat traps, jugs, cans, • Length: no minimum length.
and pipes are prohibited.
CAMP BEAUREGARD
Special regulations to be posted at Twin Lakes.
DEWEY W. WILLS
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
ELMER’S ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE

• Commercial fishing, including guide service, is CLOSED.
• Access and use of Elmer’s Island is only permitted 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset seven days a week.
However, the secretary of LDWF may restrict any portion of Elmer’s Island whenever circumstances exist such that restrictions are nec-
essary to protect the Refuge or to protect the public from harm.
• Camping or overnight activities are prohibited.
• No glass containers are allowed.
• The discharge of firearms, including muzzleloaders, bows and arrows, or crossbows is prohibited.
• Maximum speed limit on the island is 5 MPH.
• Check for emergency closures and other information on Elmer’s Island at www.wlf.la.gov/refuge/elmers-island.
FORT POLK-VERNON
Special regulations pertaining to fishing are posted at specific lakes.
GRASSY LAKE
• Recreational fishing is permitted only after 2 p.m., during the waterfowl season in Smith and Red River bays, and in Grassy Lake proper.
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to
be left overnight.
ISLE DERNIERES BARRIER ISLANDS REFUGE
WINE ISLAND, EAST ISLAND, WHISKEY ISLAND AND RAC- • Travel on or across this area shall be limited to foot or bicycle
COON ISLAND traffic only. No use of ATVs or other vehicles powered by in-
• Public access by any means to the exposed land areas, wet- ternal combustion engines or electric motors shall be allowed.
lands, and interior waterways of these islands is prohibited • Carrying, possessing, or discharging firearms, fireworks, or ex-
without a permit. plosives in the designated public use area is prohibited.
• Disturbing, injuring, or collecting flora, fauna, or other property • Littering is prohibited.
is prohibited without a permit. • Disturbing, injuring, or collecting flora, fauna, or other property
• Boat traffic is allowed adjacent to the islands in open water is prohibited without a permit.
(Gulf and bays). • Any member of the public utilizing the public use area must
• Boat traffic is prohibited in waterways extending into the in- have a portable waste disposal container to collect all human
terior of the islands or within any land-locked open waters or waste and to remove it upon leaving the island.
wetlands of the islands. • Public access outside of the public use area is prohibited with-
• Fishing from boats along the shore and wade fishing in the surf out a permit.
areas of the islands is allowed. • Boat traffic is allowed adjacent to the island in open water (Gulf
• Littering is prohibited. and bays) and within the man-made canal commonly known as
California Canal.
TRINITY ISLAND • Fishing from boats along the shore and wade fishing in the surf
• Public access is allowed in a designated public use area. areas of the island is allowed.
• The area is approximately 3,000 linear feet by 500 linear feet • No boat traffic is allowed in other man-made or natural water-
and it borders the western end of the man-made canal com- ways extending into the interior of the island or in any land-
monly known as California Canal. It is accessible via California locked open waters or wetlands of the island.
Canal or the Gulf of Mexico. The boundaries are marked and
maintained by LDWF.
• Public recreation such as bird-watching, picnicking, fishing, and
overnight camping is allowed in this area.
J.C. SONNY GILBERT

Fishing restricted to rod and reel, and pole fishing only. All other gear prohibited.
JOYCE
Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Recreational crawfishing only.
LAKE BOEUF
• Self-Clearing Permits available at Theriot Canal Boat Landing off LA 308 or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web
portal.
• All nighttime activities prohibited, including frogging.
MANCHAC
Crab traps are prohibited. Attended lift nets are allowed.
MAUREPAS SWAMP
PASS-A-LOUTRE
• Oyster harvesting is prohibited.
• Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at all designated camping areas, Camp Canal and at the WMA Headquarters or through the LDWF Self-
Clearing Permit app or internet/web portal.
• Vessels/Vehicles: Mudboats or air-cooled propulsion vessels powered by more than 36 total horsepower are prohibited on the WMA.
Operation of mud boats and air-cooled propulsion engines prohibited after 2:00 p.m. Sept. 1 - Jan. 31, EXCEPT allowed after 2:00 p.m.
in South Pass, Pass-a-Loutre, Southeast Pass, Loomis Pass, Dennis Pass, and Cadro Pass.
PEARL RIVER

POINTE-AUX-CHENES
• All nighttime activities prohibited. Possession of more than one • No drop nets left unattended at any time. A maximum of 12
daily limit of fish/crab/shrimp while on the WMA is prohibited. drop nets may be possessed/attended per boat or vehicle.
• The harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish is for recre- • Twelve dozen crabs maximum are allowed per boat or vehicle
ational purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited. per day.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at Grand Bayou Boat Launch and CRAWFISHING
at Point Farm gate behind Montegut Middle School or through • Crawfish may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the
the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or internet/web portal. WMA and shall be limited to 100 pounds per person per day.
SHRIMPING • Fishing gear used to catch crawfish must not remain set overnight.
• Shrimp may be taken by the use of cast nets only. VESSELS & VEHICLES
• During the inside open shrimp season, 25 pounds per boat or • All boats powered by internal combustion engines having
vehicle per day (heads on) maximum allowed. Size count must horsepower ratings above 25 hp., are not allowed in the Grand
conform to open season requirements. Bayou, Montegut and Pointe-aux-Chenes water management
• During the inside closed season, 10 pounds per boat or vehicle units. The public is permitted to travel anytime through the
per day (heads on) may be taken for bait. WMA for access purposes only, in the waterways known as
• All castnet contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to Bayou Pointe-aux-Chenes, Grand Bayou, Humble Canal, Little
the water immediately. Bayou Blue, St. Louis Canal, and Grand Bayou Blue. All other
OYSTERS motorized vehicles, as well as horses and mules, are prohibited
• Oyster harvesting is prohibited. unless authorized by LDWF.
FINFISH • Type A personal watercraft, model year 2003 and beyond,
• Fish may be taken only by rod and reel or by hand lines for which are 8 or more feet in length may be operated on Pointe-
recreational purposes only. aux-Chenes WMA from April 1 until the Monday after Labor
Day Weekend, from sunrise to sunset only. No person shall
CRABBING operate such watercraft at a speed greater than “slow/no
• Crabs may be taken only through the use of hand lines or nets; wake” within 100 feet of any anchored or moored vessel,
however, none are to remain set overnight. shoreline, dock, pier, persons engaged in angling or any other
manually powered vessel.
POMME DE TERRE
• Recreational fishing regulations are the same as outside. NOTE: Allowed only after 2 p.m., during waterfowl season.
• Recreational crawfishing is allowed from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be
left overnight.
QUEEN BESS ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE

• Access is prohibited Feb. 1 - Sept. 30.
• No disturbance or removal of vegetation or natural debris from the island is allowed.
• No fishing between the breakwaters and the island from Feb. 1 - Sept. 30.
• Vehicles are prohibited.
• No nighttime activities allowed.
RICHARD K. YANCEY
• That portion West of the Mississippi River Levee, March 15 - • Fishing closed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 2 p.m. on:
July 31, recreational crawfishing only. Grand Bay, Silver Lake, Lower Sunk Lake, Lac A’ Sostein,
• Crawfish harvest limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Moreau Lake, and Hog Pen Lake during open waterfowl sea-
• No nets or traps may be left overnight. No motorized water- sons, EXCEPT during early Teal Season, recreational fishing
craft allowed. allowed after 10 a.m.
RUSSELL SAGE
• Crawfishing is limited to 100 pounds per person per day limit.
• The waterfowl refuge north of LA Hwy. 15 is closed to all fishing during duck season, including early teal season, EXCEPT allowed during
the “Falconry for Ducks” portion of the waterfowl season.
SALVADOR/TIMKEN
• All nighttime activities prohibited, EXCEPT during the SHRIMPING
Experimental Nighttime Activity Season. • Shrimp may be taken by the use of cast nets only.
• Self-Clearing Permits available at Pier 90, Bayou Gauche, Bayou • During the inside open shrimp season, 25 pounds per boat per
Segnette State Park landings, and at Airboat Adventures in day (heads on) maximum shall be permitted. Size count shall
Lafitte or through the LDWF Self-Clearing Permit app or inter- conform with any open season requirements.
net/web portal. • During the inside closed season, 10 pounds per boat per day
• The harvest of all fish, shrimp, crabs and crawfish are for rec- (heads on) maximum may be taken for bait.
reational purposes only and any commercial use is prohibited. • All castnet contents shall be contained and bycatch returned to
the water immediately.
FINFISH
• Fish may be taken only by rod and reel, or by hand lines for EXPERIMENTAL NIGHTTIME ACTIVITY SEASON
recreational purposes. • 12 a.m., June 1 through official sunrise Aug. 15. Nighttime
activities LIMITED to the take of frogs and fishing with a rod
CRABBING and reel. All other nighttime activities prohibited. Daily limit of
• Crabs may be taken only through the use of hand lines or nets; 50 frogs per vessel in aggregate (bull frogs/pig frogs). If
however, none are to remain set overnight. engaged in frogging on or while traversing the WMA, all frogs
• Twelve dozen crabs maximum are allowed per boat or vehicle in possession will be deemed to have been taken from the
per day. WMA. At no time may anyone possess more than on daily limit
of frogs while on the water.
CRAWFISHING • Size Limit: (Measured from the tip of the muzzle to the poste-
• Crawfish may be harvested in unrestricted portions of the WMA rior end of the body between the hind legs). Bull frogs harvest-
and shall be limited to 100 pounds per person per day. Fishing ed must be 5 inches or larger. Pig frogs harvested must be 3
gear used to catch crawfish shall not remain set overnight. inches or larger.
• Check out portion of Self-Clearing Permit must include boat
VESSELS & VEHICLES registration number under the comments section. Possession
• Use of mudboats powered by internal combustion engines with of firearms while participation in any experimental nighttime
more than four cylinders is prohibited. activity is prohibited.
• Pulling boats over levees, dams or water control structures or
any other activities that may cause detriment to the integrity
of levees, dams and water control structures is prohibited.
SHERBURNE
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted from March 15 - July 31 with a limit of 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to be
left overnight.
• No motorized watercrafts are allowed on the farm complex.
SODA LAKE
That portion west of Twelve Mile Bayou closed to fishing Oct. 1 - March 31.
SPRING BAYOU
• Recreational fishing is permitted, EXCEPT only after 2 p.m. during waterfowl season, EXCEPT during early teal season, recreational fishing
allowed after 10 a.m.
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted from March 15 - July 31 and is limited to 100 pounds per person per day. No traps or nets are to
be left overnight.
ROCKEFELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE, STATE WILDLIFE REFUGE (Vermilion) & MARSH ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
• Trawling is prohibited. CRABBING
• Trotlines, jug lines, trammel and gill nets, and traps are • Crabs may be harvested from the open portion of the refuge
prohibited. with a limit of 12 dozen crabs per boat or vehicle per day.
• Use of the refuges is permitted from official sunrise to official • NOTE: No commercial harvest is allowed on Marsh Island,
sunset. This includes access routes through the refuge. Overnight State Wildlife and Rockefeller refuges.
camping is prohibited.
• Firearms are prohibited. Littering is prohibited. Damage to or OYSTERS
removal of trees, shrubs, and wild plants without prior approv- • Oysters may be harvested by tonging (properly licensed) or by
al is prohibited. hand collection from the natural reefs, but only in waters
approved (open) for harvest by the Department of Health.
SHRIMPING • One gallon per boat or vehicle per day is allowed and oysters
• 25 pounds of shrimp (heads on) per boat or vehicle per day is must be opened at the reef and the shells returned to the reef.
allowed during the inside open shrimp season as established • Taking of oysters from the natural reefs may be closed at any
by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. time by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
• 10 pounds of shrimp (heads on) for bait purposes may be
caught during the closed season. VESSELS & VEHICLES
• Shrimp may be harvested only by cast net on the refuge and • Speedboat racing and water skiing are prohibited.
only for sport fishing or home consumption use. When har- • All boat traffic shall honor no wake zones and shall keep wave
vesting shrimp with a cast net, contents shall be dumped in a wash to a minimum.
container and not on the ground. • Pulling boats over or around levees, dams or water control
structures or any other activities that may cause detriment to
CRAWFISHING the integrity of levees, dams and water control structures is
• Recreational crawfishing is permitted in the open portion of the prohibited.
refuge with a limit of 100 pounds per boat or vehicle per day. • Jet skis and airboats are prohibited.
• Set nets may be used but must be attended and removed from
the refuge daily. No commercial harvest is allowed.

KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST- NATIONAL CATAHOULA AND NATIONAL RED DIRT
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PRESERVES
Preserves will be closed to fishing during deer gun hunts. Consult hunting regulations for dates.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS - INDIAN BAYOU AREA

Commercial and recreational crawfishing is permitted from Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 starting at 12 PM each day and all day from Feb. 1 - July 31 with
an additional permit required. The permit is available Jan. 1. Call USACE Port Barre Office for more details 337-585-0853 or visit www.mvn.
usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/AtchafalayaBasin.aspx.
BARATARIA PRESERVE - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, CROWN POINT

Fishing or engaging in related activities, like crabbing or crawfish • Jug lines are removed when no longer tended.
harvesting is permitted in the preserve subject to the following • Trotlines and lines attached to anything other than a float are
conditions: prohibited.
• All reptile species are protected in the park and may not be har-
vested, collected or possessed while within the park. CRABBING
• Amphibian species that are authorized by the state of Louisiana The taking of crabs by means of a trap is permitted within the
to be taken as game may be taken within the preserve. preserve with the following conditions:
• Anglers must otherwise comply with all State of Louisiana fishing • The trapper has a valid fishing license with a recreational crab trap
regulations. endorsement.
• Anglers may only fish from or access fishing areas from the • The trapper clearly marks the float of the trap with their name,
Twin Canals trail and the Kenta Canal area. All other trails, phone number and date last set.
bridges and canoe docks are closed to fishing. • The trapper sets no more than 10 traps per person.
• The trapper checks the traps at least twice a week.
Fishing is prohibited in any of the following areas of the Barataria • The trapper removes the traps when no longer tended.
Preserve: Visitor Center and Visitor Center Trail; Palmetto Trail; • Recreational crabbing possession limit is 12 dozen (144) crabs per
Bayou Coquille Trail; Marsh Overlook Trail; Ring Levee Trail; Pecan person per day.
Grove Canoe Launch Trail; or from any vehicular bridge, sidewalks,
trails, old road beds and utility access corridors. CRAWFISH
Crawfish harvesting is permitted in the preserve along road side
Mooring or grounding of any watercraft over 25 feet in length is pro- areas and along the Wood Duck trail, subject to the following har-
hibited within any waters administered by Jean Lafitte NHP&P. vesting conditions:
• Crawfish harvesting occurs between March 1 and June 30.
Operating a motorized watercraft, including electric trolling motors • Conducted up to 50 feet beyond the outside toe of the road-
or airboats, is prohibited in the following areas of the Barataria way, or trail shoulder or embankment.
Preserve: Bayou Des Famillies; Bayou Coquille; and Twin Canals • Conducted while using baited lift type mesh nets or baited
HOOP NETS wire traps. All other types of traps are prohibited.
The use of a hoop net to capture fish is prohibited within all areas • Anglers are limited to 10 or fewer nets or traps. Each trap must
of the preserve. be continuously attended.
• Anglers require a valid fishing license with a gear endorsement
JUG LINE FISHING to harvest crawfish within the preserve if using crawfish traps.
Fishing with an unattended baited line attached to a float (jug line • The use of crawfish nets does not require a fishing license.
fishing) is permitted within the preserve with the following conditions: • Anglers are limited to 150 pounds of crawfish per person.
• The angler clearly marks the float with their name, phone
number and date last set.
• Jug lines are checked at least once every 24 hours.
BOATING SAFETY
All boaters are encouraged to ensure their vessels are in good working
condition and all required safety equipment is on board.
LOUISIANA REQUIRED BOATING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
BOATS LESS BOATS 16 FEET

PERSONAL
THAN 16 TO LESS THAN
WATERCRAFT
FEET 26 FEET
Registration on Board P P P
Validation Decals Displayed P P P
PFDs: Type I, II or III P1 P 2,3,4 P 2,4
PFDs: Type IV P
Engine Cut Off Device P 5 5
Type B Fire Extinguishers P P P
Navigation Lights 6 P P
Horn, Whistle or Bell P
Daytime Visual Distress Signals P7
Nighttime Visual Distress
6 7 7
Signals
Backfire Flame Arrestor P 8 8
Ventilation System P P P
Muffler/Underwater Exhaust P P P
1. Those on personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
2. Children 16 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II or III PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. A
wearable USCG approved Type I, II or III PFD must be readily available for each of the other passengers onboard.
3. All persons onboard a motorboat less than 16 feet which is being propelled by a hand tiller outboard motor are required to wear a USCG
approved Type I, II, III or V PFD while the motorboat is underway.
4. Persons engaged in water sports, which includes but is not limited to water skiing, being towed on a tube, wake boarding, wake surfing,
etc. must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. An inflatable PFD does not meet the requirements.
5. A motorboat less than 26 feet with a hand tiller outboard motor in excess of 10 horsepower designed to have or having an engine cut-off
switch must have the engine cut-off switch link attached to the operator, the operator’s clothing, or the operator’s PFD, if worn, while
the motor is running and the vessel is underway.
6. Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because PWCs are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.
7. Required on federally controlled waters (offshore, tidal coastal areas).
8. Required for inboards and stern drivers only.
BOATER EDUCATION
All persons born after Jan. 1, 1984 are required to complete a NASBLA approved boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10
horsepower and must carry proof of such when operating the motorboat. A motorboat may be operated if any person on board or participat-
ing in any boating activity from the motorboat is over the age of 18, and if required to have completed a boating course, has completed the
required boating safety course.
LDWF offers Boating Classes in every region of the state, free of charge to the public.
For those who cannot attend a classroom setting an online boating class is available, however, it is not administered by LDWF and a fee is
assessed. Visit www.wlf.la.gov for more information about Boater Education.
TO REPORT MISSING/OVERDUE BOATERS, REPORT A BOAT CRASH

INCIDENT OR REPORT VIOLATIONS, PLEASE CALL 1-800-442-2511.
LADWF TIPS APP now available from the Apple Store and Google Play
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES

LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

Fish are a lean and nutritious source of protein. However, some fish Unless the fish species is specifically addressed in the details of these
may contain chemicals that could pose health risks. Louisiana fish advisories, please limit consumption of all species in an advisory area
consumption advisories are based on the estimate that the average to four meals per month. You can contact the Office of Public Health
Louisiana resident eats four fish meals per month (a meal is consid- toll free at 1-855-229-6848 for more information about eating fish
ered to be 1/2 pound of fish for adults and children). If you or your that contain chemicals.
family members eat more than four meals of fish a month from local
water bodies, you might increase your health risks. Readers should be aware that the information provided is a summary
of the information available at the time of printing. Advisories may be
The following information on fish consumption advisories has been changed or added at any time. For current advisories call Al Hindrichs
furnished by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). LDH, De- at the Department of Environmental Quality at 225-219-3189, or visit
partment of Environmental Quality and Louisiana Department of LDH at ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/564 or more information about
Wildlife and Fisheries coordinate in the issuance of advisories. eating fish that may contain chemicals.
CONTAMINANTS IN FISH
Almost everywhere you look in Louisiana there is water, and where from water, sediments and food. Larger, older fish and fish that eat
there is water, people catch and eat fish. However, in a few Louisiana other fish tend to accumulate more contaminants than smaller,
waters, fish and shellfish have chemical contamination in amounts younger fish.
that may be harmful to your health if you were to eat too much over
a long period of time. The Office of Public Health evaluates chemicals in fish to determine
if the fish are contaminated and pose a health threat to children,
These contaminants are in the environment because of various pregnant women, adults or (when indicated) subsistence anglers. A
reasons such as natural deposition, industrial discharges, leaking fish consumption advisory is issued when unacceptable levels of
landfills and misuse of pesticides. Fish take in the contaminants chemical contaminants have been found in the fish filet.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY

Fish consumption advisories in Louisiana are based on chemical levels regularly over a long period of time. For information on specific
in the fish filet. Advisories are issued at very conservative levels to waterbodies with advisories please visit deq.louisiana.gov/page/
insure the safety of individuals consuming fish. Advisories provide fishing-consumption-and-swimming-advisories for a downloadable
guidance regarding fish consumption for each species of fish. They do map of advisory locations. A cell phone application is also available
not tell you to stop fishing or to stop eating fish. Just be selective through Google Play and the Apple Store by entering the search term:
about the fish you or your family eats. None of the fish in Louisiana LA Fish Advisories. More information can also be obtained by calling
are contaminated enough to cause harm after a single or a few meals. the Louisiana Department of Health hotline at 1-888-293-7020 or the
The health risk comes from eating contaminated fish often and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at 225-219-3189.
A “meal” is considered to be 1/2 pound (8 oz.) 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 estimate that the average Louisiana resident eats four fish meals per
month. If you or your family eat more than four meals of fish a month 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 information about
eating fish that contain chemicals.
LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) save lives. Get one and wear it when you’re on the water.
Remember that children 16 years old or younger must wear a properly sized and fitted, per-
sonal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard at all times when a vessel is under-
way. Get your child fitted for a proper life vest and lead by example by wearing one too. For
more information on how to find the right life vest or for more boating safety tips, visit www.
uscgboating.org or www.wlf.la.gov.
CONSUMER ALERT: Choosing the correct Personal Flotation Device (PFD) can be the
difference between life and death when on the water. Make sure the PFD is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
approved. A USCG approved PFD will have an approval number on the label usually on the inside part of the PFD. A PFD that is
not USCG approved is illegal and unsafe. More and more non-approved PFDs are showing up in the marketplace and are being
sold at larger retailers where most customers assume it is an approved version.
HEALTH ADVICE AND GUIDELINES
Contaminants found in Louisiana fish can be grouped into two categories: organic chemicals (HCB, HCBD, PCBs and Dioxin) and metals (mer-
cury, lead). Organic contaminants build up in fish fat deposits and just under the skin, more than in the muscle tissue (filet). Metals are dis-
tributed evenly throughout the fish and cannot be removed from the filet by cooking or cleaning.
HOW TO REDUCE ORGANIC CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION IN FISH

• Remove all organs and skin. Organs and skin can be high in fat • When fish are poached or fried, throw away the broth or oil.
and organic chemicals. Keep smaller fish to eat. Usually, younger, smaller fish are less
• Trim off fatty areas. This includes belly fat, side fat and back fat. contaminated than larger, older fish.
Organic contaminants concentrate in fat. • Eat fewer predator fish such as bass, gar or pickerel.
• Bake or broil skinned, trimmed fish on a rack or grill so fat drips Contaminants bio-accumulate in predator fish.
off. Throw away drippings. • Vary diet by eating a variety of fish, shellfish, meat and poultry.
• Vary source of fish, seafood, meat, poultry and wild game.
CONSUMPTION ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT, NURSING OR MIGHT BECOME PREGNANT
AND FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (EPA AND FDA, 2004)
By following these three recommendations for selecting and eating are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pol-
fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits lock and catfish. Up to 6 ounces a week of albacore (“white”)
of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced tuna may be consumed since this variety contains more mer-
their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury. Follow these same cury than light tuna.
recommendations when feeding fish or shellfish to a young child, 3. Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family
but serve smaller portions. and friends in your local lakes, rivers and coastal areas. If no
1. Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish, as these advice is available, eat up to six ounces per week of fish caught
contain high levels of mercury. in local waters. Do not consume any other fish that same week.
2. Eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that
are lower in mercury. The five most commonly eaten fish that
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2021 LOUISIANA

RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS

32. WMA & REFUGE REGULATIONS 1-888-LITRBUG

39. FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

LDWF MISSION STATEMENT

New regulations appear in red text throughout the pamphlet.

MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2021

2 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

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LDWF FISHERIES CONTACT INFORMATION

LDWF ENFORCEMENT OFFICES

LICENSING / BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

4 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

$10.00 $10.00 Purple Heart Saltwater $13.00 $13.00

6 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

Recreational fishing and hunting licenses may be purchased online at

WHO NEEDS A LICENSE

WHO DOES NOT NEED A LICENSE

ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A LICENSE

MILITARY RECREATIONAL LICENSES

8 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

find more places to fish

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FRESHWATER & SALTWATER ANGLERS

BEST FISHING PRACTICES

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

SALTWATER - FRESHWATER LINE

LOUISIANA SALTWATER LINE DEFINITION

CLEAN WATER - DO YOUR PART

FRESHWATER FISHING IN LOUISIANA

FRESHWATER SPECIES YOU CANNOT HARVEST

PROHIBITED FRESHWATER FISH

DAILY BAG LIMIT

METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING FRESHWATER FISH

LEGAL METHODS OF TAKE

ILLEGAL METHODS FOR FISHING OR TAKING ALL FISH

GEAR RESTRICTIONS BY SPECIES

RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS BY METHOD

14 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

TROTLINES AND YO-YOS

FRESHWATER STATE CREEL AND SIZE LIMITS

FRESHWATER GAME FISH

Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass

BLACK BASS (Largemouth & Spotted)1

12” MLL for Largemouth Bass

FRESHWATER GAME FISH

16 2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations

All state waters 16” MLL 25 daily

FRESHWATER DRUM (Gaspergou)

All state waters 12” MLL 25 daily

OTHER FRESHWATER FISH