New black bass regulations on Bussey Brake Reservoir in Morehouse Parish will go into effect on August 20, 2025. The new regulations will increase the maximum length limit for black bass from 16 to 18 inches and remove the allowance of one bass over the maximum length limit. Under the new regulations, any bass over 18 inches must be immediately released, with one exception. One bass greater than 22 inches may be temporarily held in an aerated livewell for the sole purpose of weighing on a personal scale or LDWF-provided certified scale at the Bussey Brake boat launch site, prior to being released back into the lake. The daily creel limit for bass below 18 inches will remain at five bass per day.

The LDWF realizes that bass anglers may want to obtain accurate weights of their trophy catch, thus the new rule legally permits anglers to temporarily possess a fish larger than 22 inches for weighing purposes. A certified* scale is provided at the Bussey Brake boat launch with instructions for accessing the scale printed on the building door.

The LDWF recognizes Bussey Brake Reservoir as a unique fishery that has become one of the premiere trophy bass fishing destinations in the country. Following a lengthy renovation, the reservoir was reopened to the public in July of 2020. This fishery has experienced a phenomenal “new lake effect” period where habitat and proper stocking resulted in high growth rates of largemouth bass. However, periodic regulatory adjustments are necessary to best manage this rapidly evolving fishery. Protecting and prolonging this trophy fishery is a top priority and should help provide for the maximum opportunity for anglers to catch a new state record or a personal best bass.

For more information on the new regulations, you may contact Ryan Daniel in the LDWF District 2 office by phone: 318-343-4044 or email: rdaniel@wlf.la.gov.