The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has adopted a notice of intent that would alter daily limit regulations for channel and blue catfish caught in boundary waters with Texas including Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake and the Sabine River. Fisheries biologists from each state recommended the action based on the results of a cooperative biological study and angler input.
The current daily limit of 50 catfish, with a limit of five channel and blue catfish over 20 inches in total length, was adopted in 2011 as part of a coordinated effort with Texas fisheries officials to establish uniform regulations on boundary waters. Biologists conducted follow-up sampling, confirming angler concerns that the restriction was unduly restricting harvest.
A joint study determined the catfish populations in question are healthy and the current regulation was restrictive.
The proposed rule change would maintain the 50 fish daily limit, but set a limit of five fish over 30 inches in total length. The action also will maintain standardized regulations in Louisiana-Texas border waters and allow anglers in Toledo Bend, Caddo Lake and the Sabine River to keep a greater amount of channel and blue catfish caught.
Interested persons may submit related comments regarding the proposed rule by March 10 to Mike Wood, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Office of Fisheries, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000 or via email at comment@wlf.la.gov.
