Fishing In Atchafalaya Basin Just Got A Little Stricter

(KMDL-FM) In the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country is the Atchafalaya River and the associated swamps and marshes connected to the basin of that waterway. The area is a haven for recreational fishermen, and for those who fish the basin, you should know that new fishing limits, size regulations, and restrictions will be in place as of August 1st.

The changes in existing policy were brought about as a way to improve the quality of fishing and the fishing experience for those who come to try their luck in Louisiana waters. The restructuring of limits should help improve the fish population in the area.

Why are Limits and Size Regulations Changing in the Atchafalaya Basin?

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The improved population should also bring about a better quality of fishing for those who enjoy wetting a line in one of Louisiana's most popular places to fish. Every year, wildlife officials estimate that tens of thousands of anglers flock to the 1.4 million-acre expanse of water, wetlands, swamps, and marshes to try their luck.

What Are the New Limits for Bass Caught in the Atchaflaya Basin?

The specific changes outlined by the newly passed legislation will reduce the number of bass that can be harvested from ten fish down to five fish. The minimum size requirement for a bass is 14 inches.

What Are the New Limits for Sac-a-lait or Crappie Caught in the Atchaflaya Basin?

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The changes for sac-a-lait or crappie, as they are often called outside of Louisiana, include a limit drop as well. The sac-a-lait limit will drop from 50 fish to 25 fish. There will be an eight-inch minimum size requirement for those fish.

READ MORE: 7 Amazing Facts About the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

We should note that these changes apply to the Atchafalaya Basin and its connected waters only. These are not statewide changes. Many anglers and outdoorsmen whom we visited about the changes say they would be in favor of making the rules and regulations uniform statewide.

Some anglers spoke of confusion over what the limits for different lakes and bodies of water were. However, that information can be readily obtained online or via websites connected with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

READ MORE: Vintage Video Shows Construction of Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

Of course, here in Louisiana, we are partial to our own lakes, rivers, streams, and bayous when it comes to catching a mess of fish. But we understand some of you like to branch out and experience new fishing spots. Here are some of the places that we've gotten some good reports about. Feel free to share or keep it to yourself; you know how those fishermen like to run their mouths.