Fishing Workshops and Courses
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers several fishing workshops and courses throughout the year. Based on participants’ experience and comfort level, there are courses and workshops for everyone.
While not required to apply, participants 18 & older must possess a valid Louisiana recreational fishing license to participate in the fishing workshops and courses.
Fishing Course Series
LDWF continues to expand the offerings in the series of fishing education courses.
- Intro to Fishing serves as the entry course into the exciting Fishing Course Series. It is geared towards both beginners and rusty anglers looking to gain enough knowledge and confidence to fish on their own. Experienced anglers will likely take away valuable information as well. Participants will learn core fishing skills, including simple, but versatile rigging, bait, and gear selection, followed by an hour of fishing with LDWF staff. Classes are held monthly across the state.
- The course series continues with an expanding list of Beginner courses such as Beginner Catfishing, Beginner Rainbow Trout Fishing (at select sites in Louisiana), and Beginner Bass Fishing. Future courses also being considered include species-specific Intermediate and Advanced lessons. Classes will be announced once scheduled.
Upcoming Dates:
- September 18th, 5:30 pm at Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge, LA – Fishing Secrets Explained
- September 21st, 9 am at Oil & Gas Park, Jennings, LA – Intro to Fishing
- September 21st, 1 pm at Oil & Gas Park, Jennings, LA – Beginner Bass Fishing
- September 27th, 5:30 pm at Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge, LA – Beginner Catfishing
To view details about each event and to register for these upcoming courses offered through the Fishing Course Series, visit www.louisianaoutdoors.com/events.
Women's Fishing Workshops
LDWF partners with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation to present Women’s Fishing Workshops. The goals of these workshops are to help new participants become knowledgeable, confident anglers who enjoy and protect Louisiana’s world-class fishing.
Whether you've never fished before or you haven't cast a line in 20 years, these workshops are for you. Lead by LDWF biologists and volunteer instructors, these workshops cover a variety of topics and teach numerous skills to help make fishing more enjoyable for everyone. Workshop topics include fish identification, best fish handling practices, preparing fishing equipment, and basic fishing skills.
Spring Women’s Fishing Workshop dates are to be announced soon.
All workshops will be held from 9 am to 4:30 pm at LDWF's Waddill Wildlife Refuge in Baton Rouge.
Sport Fish Restoration Program Funding
Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops are funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a U.S. Fish and Wildilfe Service grant program that provides funds to the states, the District of Columbia, and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education.