Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the City Park Conservancy are proud to host the Big Bass Rodeo, the oldest freshwater fishing rodeo in the nation! This event offers categories and activities for all ages and skill levels and consists of adult and youth divisions for anglers to compete.
In addition to the bank-fishing-only main event, other activities include:
- Battle for the Bass – Student fishing competition grades 6-12 competing for the two heaviest bass
- Boats on the Bayou – Bayou St. John fishing competition for kayakers and other non-motorized vessels competing for the heaviest bass and other species
- Cichlid + Bream Trim – Teams of up to five compete for heaviest 15 stringer of bream, cichilds, and perch
- Fishtival – FREE event featuring DJ, food, door prizes, a host of educational exhibitors, and new and used fishing gear for sale at great prices
Be sure to check out the City Park Big Bass Fishing Rodeo webpage for more information and ways to register. Mark your calendars and join them on March 28, 2026, as they make the 77th Annual Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival the biggest and bassiest year yet!
If you are interested in being a sponsor, exhibitor at the Fishtival, or event volunteer, please contact Danica Williams (dwilliams@wlf.la.gov).
Anglers 18 years and older participating in these events must possess a valid Louisiana recreational fishing license. To purchase a license, visit www.louisianaoutdoors.com.
