Fishing Regulations

 
 

Fishing in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

What comes to mind when you think about fishing? Patience, relaxation, challenge, and memories are a few words often associated with fishing. You will find all that and a sense of stewardship, conservation, and preservation on this page. We want you to have an enjoyable time during your visit, and for those who come after you to fish. Take some time to explore, learn what the park has to offer and learn your responsibilities before casting a line or flicking a fly into the water.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources.

Fishing is only permitted at the Barataria Preserve and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center.


At the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, fishing is permitted from the banks.

The Barataria Preserve is a wetland area with several locations for fishing. Fishing is permitted bankside, by canoe or pirogue, and by motorized boat in some areas. There are roughly nine miles of waterways dedicated to fishing bankside or from canoe/pirogue, and 20 miles of waterways were motorized boats are allowed. Motorized boats are not allowed in marsh area.

Fishing bankside or from pirogue and canoe (motorized boats not permitted):

  • Bayou des Familles

  • Bayou Coquille

  • Kenta Canal
  • Twin Canals

Fishing from motorized boat allowed:

  • Bayou Segnette Waterway

  • Tarpaper Canal-up to the 'No Motorized Boats' sign

  • Bayou Boeuf
  • Millaudon Canal
  • Pipeline Canal-up to the 'No Motorized Boats' sign

Please follow these general rules and regulations listed further down this page.

  • Do not fish from boardwalks, trails, or bridges. Twin Canals is the only place in Barataria Preserve where you can fish from a trail.

  • Leave the plants and animals as you find them. Harassing, collecting, feeding, or releasing any animal (including insects) can cause direct harm or stress for the animal and reduce its chance for survival. Releasing non-native species (bait) into the habitat can harm the habitat for the fish and other animals and plants. Picking plants could remove seeds necessary for the plants to reproduce next year, food sources for wildlife, and flowers for other visitors to enjoy.

  • Leave no trace. Litter decreases enjoyment for other visitors, pollutes the water, and causes harm to wildlife. Carry a water bottle or canteen while out fishing. If you must bring food and drink containers with you, pack out all your trash (and remember that trash includes unused bait and other items you intend to dispose of). Trashcans are located at all the trailheads, canoe launches, and at the visitor center.

Licenses

A valid Louisiana fishing license is required to fish in the park although exceptions may apply, and fees vary. Children under 16 years of age do not require a license. Visitors fishing within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Barataria Preserve is a freshwater habitat. Although we are above the saltwater line, anglers do catch saltwater fish occasionally. If you're fishing and/or possessing saltwater fish, you must have a Saltwater Fishing License in addition to a Basic Fishing License. Louisiana has many areas where you can catch fresh and saltwater species side by side. Instead of trying to determine exactly where the saltwater line is, the best practice is to purchase the additional Saltwater Fishing License if you’re fishing anywhere in south Louisiana and plan to catch any saltwater species. Please see Louisiana Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits Webpage for information on licenses.

Know the state size and creel limits. Due to the increasing number of species with size and creel limits, anglers are required to release many of the fish they catch. If handled properly, these fish have a very good chance to live, grow, and provide further opportunities for Louisiana anglers.

 
 
 

Fishing Regulations

Unless otherwise provided for, fishing regulations apply to all finfish found in both fresh and saltwater, and mollusks and crustaceans found in saltwater (shellfish). Other taxa, including amphibians, and freshwater mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and are addressed by NPS regulations governing “wildlife” (36CFR2.2). 

These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

Fishing regulations for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve follow those set by the State of Louisiana (36CFR7). However, commercial fishing methods allowed under State law are not included within the scope of this authorization.

For state fishing regulations, please visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

For more information on how NPS fishing regulations work, please visit the regulations page on the NPS Fish and Fishing website.

 

Fish Consumption Advisories in National Park Waters


The Environmental Protection Agency, states, territories, and tribes provide advice on fish and shellfish caught in the waters in their jurisdiction to help people make informed decisions about eating fish. Advisories are recommendations to limit your consumption of, or avoid eating entirely, certain species of fish or shellfish from specific bodies of water due to chemical or biological contamination.

Fish is part of a healthy balanced diet, but eating wild fish and shellfish caught in park waters is not risk free. Parks are “islands”, but the much larger “ocean” that surrounds them affects the natural resources inside a park. Other aquatic toxins are the result of natural biological processes. Also, chemical contaminants that originate outside of park boundaries can come into parks.

Mercury is an example of a toxin originating outside a park that can find its way into a park. Mercury exists naturally in some rocks, including coal. When power plants burn coal, mercury can travel in the air long distances before falling to the ground, usually in low concentrations. Once on the ground, microorganisms can change this elemental mercury to methyl mercury. This type of mercury can build up in animal tissues, and it can increase in concentration to harmful levels. This high concentration can occur in large predatory fish - those often pursued and eaten by anglers. Studies have shown that fish in some National Park System waters have mercury levels that may be a concern to people who regularly eat a lot of fish.

Check Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Fishing Comsumption Advisories

 

Aquatic Invasive Species


Imagine your favorite fishing spot and the wonderful memories. Things may look fine but underneath the surface there is a serious threat. Everything you remembered is now cemented together in a sharp, smelly mess. Invaders have wiped out the fish species you used to catch.

Aquatic invasive species are not native to an ecosystem. Their introduction causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the economy, the environment, or to human health. Aquatic invasive species are a growing risk to parks and their values. In the United States alone, there are more than 250 non-native aquatic species.

For many centuries, humans have contributed to spreading non-native species around the globe. You can make a difference. To learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species in the National Park Service, visit the Fish & Fishing website.

How Can You Help?

Educate yourself by exploring the issues at sites such as the LSU Ag Center or the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

Practice good "invasive hygiene." Check your hiking shoes and backpack for land trails; your boat and trailer for waterways to make sure there are no weeds hanging on to your equipment. Don't ever release aquarium contents into parks or nearby waters.

Learn more about invasive species at the Barataria Preserve.

 

Fishing Throughout the National Park Service

We invite you to visit the Fish and Fishing website for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. You will learn about conservation, different fish species, and parks that offer fishing.

 
(Revised 04/2021)

Last updated: February 13, 2024

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