A management tool

The primary objective of a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for the conservation and protection of all species of native wildlife. The harvest of animals is one tool used to manage fish and wildlife populations.

Carefully managed hunting and fishing help maintain these populations at a level compatible with the environment, provide wholesome recreational opportunities, and permit the use of valuable renewable resources.

Fishing

Black Bayou Lake is open for fishing from dawn to dusk every day, offering excellent year-round fishing opportunities in a beautiful setting.

Fishermen commonly pursue largemouth bass, crappie, and redear, bluegill and other bream species. A Boat Launch is located near the visitor center and motors are restricted to 50 horsepower or less. A $2 launch fee is required and anglers must adhere to Louisiana freshwater fishing regulations.

Warning

On May 29, 2003, the state of Louisiana issued the following fish consumption advisory for Black Bayou Lake: women of childbearing age and children under the age of seven - no consumption of bowfin (choupique, grinnel); other adults and children over the age of seven - limit bowfin (choupique, grinnel) to 1 meal per month.

Hunting

Black Bayou Lake NWR offers an either sex archery season for whitetail deer. There is a long squirrel and rabbit season and they can be hunted with dogs after deer season closes. Raccoon and opossum can be hunted at night for one month and they can be hunted during daylight hours throughout the small game season. Recognized breeds of bird dogs may be used to hunt quail and woodcock. Historically a duck hunter's paradise, most of the lake is now a waterfowl sanctuary. Duck hunting, like all other hunting on the refuge, is allowed in the designated hunting area only. Review the Black Bayou Lake NWR Hunting and Fishing Regulations pamphlet for specifics.