LWFC Adopts a NOI for Black Bass Regulations on Black Bayou Lake, Chicot Lake, Cross Lake, Lake Rodemacher, Vernon Lake and Spanish Lake

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News

LWFC Adopts a NOI for Black Bass Regulations on Black Bayou Lake, Chicot Lake, Cross Lake, Lake Rodemacher, Vernon Lake and Spanish Lake

(Jan. 9, 2014)  – The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a Notice of Intent that would remove length regulations for black bass in Bayou Lake in Bossier Parish, Chicot Lake in Evangeline Parish, Cross Lake in Caddo Parish, Lake Rodemacher in Rapides Parish, Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish and Spanish Lake in New Iberia and St. Martin parishes.

A recently completed biological evaluation determined the length regulations are not effective due to habitat impairments and inadequate angler harvest of bass harvest smaller than the slot limit.

The removal of the slot limit on these water bodies will increase angler harvest opportunities.  LDWF biologists will continue frequent sampling to monitor the bass population status, but the potential for overharvest is expected to be very low.

With the removal of this regulation, the statewide creel limit of ten black bass per day will apply.

Interested persons may submit related comments regarding the proposed rule by March 10, 2014, to Mike Wood, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Office of Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 or via email at comment@wlf.la.gov.

LDWF is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources.  For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.

Posted in News