The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has begun developing the state’s first ever stakeholder-driven Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP) to guide conservation, management, and fishing opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Florida Bass across Louisiana.

Black bass are among Louisiana’s most popular sport fish, attracting anglers to lakes, ponds, and rivers across the state, generating significant economic benefits statewide. The new plan will establish a long-term vision for managing these iconic species and the diverse bass fishing opportunities that make Louisiana truly special.

Stakeholder Engagement and Public Input

The BBMP will be developed through a collaborative process that includes:

• A Stakeholder Working Group of anglers, guides, tournament organizers, conservation partners, and others connected to our bass fishing resource.
• A comprehensive black bass angler survey to capture the opinions, values, and priorities of Louisiana’s bass fishing community.
• Public updates and opportunities for comment at key milestones during plan development.

Next Steps

The BBMP Stakeholder Working Group held its inaugural meeting on October 23 at the LDWF Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery to begin shaping goals for the BBMP and to preview the upcoming Statewide Black Bass Angler Survey. Louisiana bass anglers can participate in the survey on the LDWF website from November 19 through December 1.

For more information regarding the Black Bass Management Plan, contact Zane LeBlanc, LDWF Black Bass Coordinator, at zleblanc@wlf.la.gov or (225) 765-2312

About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.

Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.

To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.

Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Click here to view the official rules page.