Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Tyler Bosworth signed a declaration of emergency to close the private recreational red snapper season in state and federal waters off the Louisiana coast at 11:59 p.m. on August 9, 2026.
LA Creel estimates indicate that Louisiana is approaching the statewide quota, and we still have two weeks of fishing data outstanding. In an effort to ensure Louisiana does not exceed its quota, an emergency closure of the season is necessary at this time. LDWF will analyze outstanding LA Creel data to determine if any quota remains.
“This year’s red snapper season has been a great success thanks to active state management through LA Creel,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “Our anglers have showed up and showed out, taking full advantage of the two 5-fish holiday weekend limits and maximizing their time spent out fishing.”
LDWF and the WLF Commission have historically managed the season to allow red snapper fishing opportunity during Labor Day weekend. Assuming there is sufficient quota remaining after the outstanding landings are accounted for, LDWF intends to reopen prior to the Labor Day Holiday weekend to allow anglers to get out and catch Louisiana’s remaining allocation.
