Outdoors

LDWF Secretary Robert Shadoin signed a declaration of emergency to increase the daily creel limit for recreationally harvested red snapper from three to four fish effective Monday, July 17, 2023, thereby maximizing the allowable bag limit delegated to Louisiana under state management.

The free, mandatory permit will required for those 18 and older taking, or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear, or engaging in bowfishing activity below the saltwater line.

The proposed changes result from biological data that indicate the red drum stock is experiencing overfishing resulting in an escapement rate below the 30 percent minimum limit, leading to a declining biomass.

LA Creel, LDWF's near real-time landings data collection program, indicates that 141,994 pounds, or 15.2 percent, of Louisiana’s 2023 annual private recreational allocation of 934,587 pounds have been harvested during the 2023 red snapper season.

LDWF reminds sportsman that hunting and fishing licenses may only be renewed once your current license has expired. To avoid interruption, sign up for the license auto-renewal program.

LSU Ag explains what to do when temperatures are in the triple digits and there's no guarantee of rain.

Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) released the latest private recreational red snapper landing estimates through June 11, 2023.

LDWF announced the 2023 spring inshore shrimp season will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023, in all state inside waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line westward to the Louisiana/Texas state line.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) kicked off the summer fishing season with two weekend-long Women’s Fishing Workshops.

The commercial season for Greater Amberjack in Louisiana waters will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2023, and will remain closed until January 1, 2024. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is alerting the public that the current mix of sizzling summer temperatures, extended cloudy weather, and storms may lead to inland (freshwater) and nearshore marine fish kills in waterways across the state.

Northern Snakeheads, which are native to Asia, are a highly predatory species that can outcompete and prey on our native species. These fish can grow up to 3 feet in length. Please do NOT return these fish to the water!

While some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be knowledgeable and take necessary precautions when encountering water bodies affected by algae blooms.

Over 50K pounds have been harvested during the first weekend of the red snapper season.

“Each year, we designate a weekend of free fishing as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy our beautiful Sportsman’s Paradise,” explained LDWF Secretary Rob Shadoin. “If you are an angler, please bring family and friends and introduce them to Louisiana's great fishing.”