The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is celebrating the launch of two Get Out & Fish! locations which were added in March 2020. Both Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton and Bayou Country Sports Park in Houma will host a FREE “Get Out & Fish!” event at each pond. These family-friendly events will include fishing instruction for those who want to learn how to fish, along with a fun competition for all ages. LDWF biologists and volunteers will offer various fishing activities and demonstrations, and anyone who attends has a chance to go home with a door prize courtesy of generous local businesses and organizations. The ponds at both sites will be stocked with adult-size channel catfish prior to the event. The information for each event is:
| April 29, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
| Bogue Chitto State Park | Bayou Country Sports Park |
| 17049 State Park Blvd | 4374 Highway 311 |
| Franklinton, LA 70438 | Houma, LA 70360 |
The first 100 youth to register for each event will receive a goody bag, and every participant will be entered into a drawing to win prizes. To pre-register for this event, or for more information visit www.wlf.la.gov/gof. You can also follow us and tag us on Facebook and Instagram @ldwfgetoutandfish. Anglers 18 and older must possess a valid Louisiana recreational fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at www.LouisianaOutdoors.com.
For anglers looking to sharpen their skills, LDWF is hosting a Beginner Catfishing course as part of the Fishing Course Series at the Bayou Country Sports Park site on May 6th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Participants can register for this courses at www.LouisianaOutdoors.com/events.
The Get Out & Fish! Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The LAWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Department and Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources.
The Get Out &Fish! Program is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.
For more information on the Get Out & Fish! Program, contact Danica Williams at gof@wlf.la.gov or (504) 628-7282.