The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has begun developing the state’s first ever stakeholder-driven Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP) to guide conservation, management, and fishing opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Florida Bass across Louisiana.
Black bass are among Louisiana’s most popular sport fish, attracting anglers to lakes, ponds, and rivers across the state, generating significant economic benefits statewide. The new plan will establish a long-term vision for managing these iconic species and the diverse bass fishing opportunities that make Louisiana truly special.
Stakeholder Engagement and Public Input
The BBMP will be developed through a collaborative process that includes:
- A Stakeholder Working Group of anglers, guides, tournament organizers, conservation partners, and others connected to our bass fishing resource.
- A comprehensive black bass angler survey to capture the opinions, values, and priorities of Louisiana’s bass fishing community.
- Public updates and opportunities for comment at key milestones during plan development.
Next steps
The BBMP Stakeholder Working Group held its inaugural meeting on Oct. 23 at the LDWF Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery to begin shaping goals for the BBMP and to preview the upcoming Statewide Black Bass Angler Survey. Louisiana bass anglers can participate in the survey on the LDWF website from Nov. 19 through Dec. 1.
