Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Fishing Regulations
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife
Refuge Complex Fishing Regulations
Cameron Prairie, Lacassine, and Sabine
The Southwest Louisiana Requirements during the Louisiana inshore water
National Wildlife Refuge Complex Fishing shrimp season. See refuge specific
All recreational anglers must possess regulations for additional information.
consists of Cameron Prairie, a valid basic Louisiana fishing license;
Lacassine, Sabine and Shell additionally all recreational anglers Possession Limits
fishing south of the state designated Daily fish limits are the same as
Keys National Wildlife Refuges Louisiana’s Sport Fishing Limits. The
“saltwater line” for saltwater species
(NWR). The headquarters office must have in their possession a Louisiana daily crab limit is five dozen (60) per day
is located at Cameron Prairie saltwater angler’s license in addition per vehicle or boat. The daily shrimp
National Wildlife Refuge. The to their basic Louisiana fishing license. limit during the Louisiana inshore shrimp
To review additional information, season is five gallons of heads-on shrimp
Complex provides a wide variety per day, per vehicle or boat. The daily
the Louisiana Recreational Fishing
of wildlife dependent public uses Regulations may be found at www.wlf. bait shrimp limit is one gallon per day
such as hunting, fishing, wildlife louisiana.gov. per boat.
photography, environmental Fishing is permitted with rod and reel Universal Access
education, wildlife interpretation or pole and line only on Cameron Prairie Several universally accessible fishing
and observation. and Lacassine NWR’s. Sabine NWR docks are available at Lacassine and
permits jug fishing in designated areas in Sabine NWRs. For further assistance
For more information about these addition to rod and reel and pole and line contact our Refuge Complex office at
fishing. See refuge specific regulations. 337/598 2216.
refuges visit our web site at http://
www.fws.gov/swlarefugecomplex Anglers seeking freshwater fishing Boat, Motor and Operation Limits
opportunities should try Lacassine, Outboard motors and go-devil type
General Fishing Regulations for the Cameron Prairie’s Gibbstown Unit and or air cooled motors may be operated
Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife the fresher interior waters of Sabine in designated refuge canals, bayous,
Refuge Complex NWR. Those anglers seeking saltwater and boat trails only. Operation of any
Fishing regulations are designed to fishes should try fishing at Cameron outboard or air cooled motor in refuge
protect the fisherman and wildlife Prairie’s East Cove Unit and Sabine marshes is prohibited. The operation
populations. Fishing seasons and NWR’s roadside recreation area wharfs of trolling motors is permitted, unless
activities on the Complex are listed and tidal marshes throughout the refuge. specifically prohibited.
within this brochure. The regulations Freshwater species include largemouth Activities Prohibited throughout
within this brochure supplement the bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and bowfin. the SW Louisiana Refuge Complex
general regulations that govern fishing Saltwater species include flounder, n Leaving boats on refuge property
on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. overnight.
in the Title 50 Volume 6 Chapter 1 Parts
18-199 Code of Federal Regulations Crabbing n Dragging, jumping or rolling boats over
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr. No license is required to recreationally levees.
crab with a crab net and/or hand line. See n Use of air thrust boats, all terrain
All fishing, crabbing, and cast netting refuge specific regulations for crabbing vehicles (ATV’s), or jet skis.
on refuges are in accordance with opportunities.
applicable State licensing. n Taking or possession of any wildlife
Cast netting including alligators, turtles, frogs,
Individuals utilizing the refuges are Each person is required to have valid snakes, crawfish.
subject to inspections of licenses, fishing basic and saltwater licenses to cast net n The sale, offer for sale, of any fish, crab,
equipment, daily limits, boats, vehicles for shrimp. Cast nets must be less than shrimp or other wildlife resource taken
and their contents by federal and state 8.5 feet in radius. Recreational cast from the refuge.
officers. netting for shrimp is only permitted
Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Office hours: 7:30 am - 4 pm Monday-Friday
Complex Headquarters
1428 Highway 27 Website: http://www.fws.gov/swlarefugecomplex
Bell City, LA 70630
Phone: 337/598 2216 Fax: 337/598 2492
email: fw4rwcameronprairie@fws.govU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
n Feeding or approaching wildlife. Cameron Prairie 10
Sulphur
n Possession of glass containers. NWR Specific 90
n Littering. Fishing Regulations 10
Lake
Charles
n Fires. Cameron Prairie 27 210
n Swimming or wading.
National Wildlife Refuge, 14
established in 1988, is
n Blocking gates or roadways with 384
located in Cameron Parish Holmwood 14
vehicles. in southwestern Louisiana. 385
27
n Driving nails or other objects Cameron Prairie NWR
into boardwalks and other refuge consists of two separate and Intracoastal
Cameron Prairie
structures. distinct units, East Cove Waterway National Wildlife Refuge
n Marking trails with tape, ribbons, paper, Unit and Gibbstown Unit. 384
Sweet
paint, flagging, reflective tacks, etc. East Cove Unit of Cameron Hackberry Lake
n Removal of any object or equipment Prairie NWR
owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife The East Cove Unit
Service consists of 14,927 acres of
27 East Cove Unit Gibbstown
n Cutting or removing any live intermediate and brackish
vegetation, limbs, etc. marshes. It is bordered Calcasieu 27
on the west by Calcasieu Lake
n Camping and/or overnight parking Lake and on the north,
n Disturbing, collecting, injuring, or south and east by privately Creole
attempting to disturb, collect, or injure owned marshes. It is part Cameron 27 Grand
Holly Oak Grove
any plant, artifact, rock, or animal on of a 64,000 acre marsh Beach 27 82 Cheniere
any refuge. restoration program 82
known as the Cameron Gulf of Mexico
n Pets roaming at large. All pets must be
leashed at all times. Creole Watershed Project.
Five water control or on the marsh, levees, or structures is
Signs Protect Visitors and Resources structures and a protection levee improve prohibited.
marsh conditions and stop marsh erosion
National Wildlife by controlling salt water intrusion. Permitted Activities, Gear, and
NATIONAL Refuge Possession Limits
WILDLIFE This sign marks Closed Areas: Areas designated by No
REFUGE Fishing: Fishing is permitted with rod
the boundary of the Fishing or Area Closed signs are closed and reel or pole and line only. The use or
refuge. Consult the for safety or management purposes. possession of any other type of fishing
UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY refuge manager for gear including: limb, trot, or jug lines and
PROHIBITED
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
authorized activities. Season: Public access into East Cove Unit gill, trammel, or hoop nets is prohibited
is open year round, except during the
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Area Closed in all refuge waters. The daily fish limits
Louisiana west zone waterfowl hunting are the same as Louisiana’s Sport Fishing
Certain areas of the season or when Grand Bayou boat bay is
refuge are closed to limits.
AREA closed. When Grand Bayou boat bay is
visitors for safety and
BEYOND U.S.
FISH &WILDLIFE
SERVICE
management purposes.
closed, the East Cove Unit is closed to Crabbing: Crabs may be taken with hand
THIS Unauthorized entry
ALL public use. lines or drop nets. Only cotton line and
SIGN drop nets up to 24” outside diameter
DE
R
IO
R
PA
T E
R
M N T
EN
T O F THE I
CLOSED beyond this sign is Hours: Boat admittance into the refuge may be used. Floats on crab lines are
All public entry prohibited
prohibited. is permitted from one hour before legal prohibited. All hand lines, drop nets, and
No Vehicles sunrise until one hour after legal sunset; bait must be removed from the refuge
Unauthorized motor however, recreational fishing, crabbing, upon leaving. The daily crab limit is 5
vehicles are not and cast netting activities are prohibited dozen (60) crabs per day, per vehicle or
allowed beyond this until legal sunrise and after legal sunset. boat.
sign. This applies Access: All State boating regulations
to all cars, trucks, Cast netting: Recreational cast netting
must be followed. Outboard motors and for shrimp is permitted during the
jeeps, ATV’s, and go-devil type or air cooled motors may
motorcycles. Walking Louisiana inshore waters shrimp season
NO VEHICLES be operated in refuge canals, bayous and only. Cast nets must be less than 8.5 feet
and non‑motorized lakes. Trolling motors may be operated in
bicycles are allowed. in radius. The daily shrimp limit is five
refuge marshes. There are no horsepower gallons of heads-on shrimp per day, per
Please do not block restrictions on boat motors; however, the
access through refuge vehicle or boat. Cast netting for bait is
Grand Bayou boat bay passage into the permitted year round. The shrimp limit,
No gates. Unit is only 10 feet wide. Boat passage when cast netting for bait outside the
Wake No Wake Zone
Boat speeds are
through Grand Bayou water control
structure is permitted only when the
Louisiana inshore waters shrimp season,
is one gallon per day per vehicle or
Zone managed to improve boat bay is completely open. Public use boat. Cast netters must maintain actual
public safety and to within this unit is restricted to boat use custody of shrimp while on the refuge.
reduce bank erosion. only. Walking, wading, and/or climbing inU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Cameron Prairie NWR Specific Cameron Prairie Fishing Maps
Fishing Regulations (continued)
Sportfishing guides: A Special Use
Permit is required to operate as a
sportfishing guide within the East Cove
unit. Call 337/598 2216 for details.
Safety Warning: Use extreme caution when
entering or exiting the Grand Bayou boat
bay. If two boats are motoring to enter
the boat bay, the boat traveling with the
current has the right-of-way and the boat
traveling against the current must give
way to the oncoming boat. Boaters are
urged to wear their life jackets whenever
under power.
Gibbstown Unit of Cameron Prairie NWR
The Gibbstown Unit contains 9,621 acres
of fresh marsh, coastal prairie, and old
rice fields. It is managed primarily to
provide habitat for wintering waterfowl
and other water birds.
Closed Areas: Areas designated by No
Fishing or Area Closed signs are closed
for safety or management purposes.
Season/Hours: Bank fishing and cast
netting for bait are permitted year round,
sunrise to sunset, along Bank Fishing
Road. Boat admittance into the refuge is
permitted from March 15 - October 15,
from one hour before legal sunrise until
one hour after legal sunset; however,
fishing and cast netting activities are
prohibited until legal sunrise and after
legal sunset.
Access: Fishing and cast netting for bait
are permitted along Bank Fishing Road,
located opposite the Pintail Wildlife Drive
on the west side of Highway 27 and a two-
mile stretch of Outfall Canal. Motorized
boats with no horsepower restriction
are permitted in the Outfall canal. Only
non-motorized boats may be used in the
Bank Fishing Road waterways. All State
boating regulations must be followed.
Outfall Canal runs east-west and is
located 1.5 miles north of the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) off of
North Canal, which runs north-south.
Outfall Canal can only be accessed by
Permitted Activities, Gear, and Cast netting: Cast netting for bait is
boat. To access the Outfall canal, boats
Possession Limits permitted in accordance with state
can be launched at the public launch regulations and when units are open for
Fishing: Fishing is permitted with rod
under the Gibbstown Bridge on Highway fishing only. The shrimp limit, when cast
and reel or pole and line only. The use or
27. Proceed east in the GIWW for about netting for bait outside the Louisiana
possession of any other type of fishing
2 miles and take the first left (north) into inshore waters shrimp season, is one
gear including: limb, trot, or jug lines and
North canal. Travel approximately 1.5 gallon per day per vehicle or boat. Cast
gill, trammel, or hoop nets is prohibited
miles and Outfall Canal will be on the left. nets must be emptied directly into a
in all refuge waters. The daily fish limits
are the same as Louisiana’s Sport Fishing container. Cast netters must maintain
limits. actual custody of shrimp while on the
refuge.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Cameron Prairie NWR Specific Fishing Regulations
Recreation Area Permitted Activities Open Season/Timee
East Cove Unit Boat access Year round except during the west zone Louisiana waterfowl
season or when Grand Bayou boat bay is closed. One hour
before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
East Cove Unit Fishing and crabbing from a boat Year round except during the west zone Louisiana waterfowl
season or when Grand Bayou boat bay is closed, sunrise to sunset.
East Cove Unit Cast netting for shrimp from a boat. Limit: 5 gallon Louisiana Inshore Shrimp season only, sunrise to sunset.
heads on shrimp per day per boat.
East Cove Unit Cast netting for bait outside the Louisiana Inshore Year round except during the west zone Louisiana waterfowl
Shrimp season from a boat. Limit: 1 gallon shrimp season or when Grand Bayou boat bay is closed, sunrise to
sunset.
Gibbstown Unit Visitor Center Wildlife observation, photography, environmental Year round, sunrise to sunset
Boardwalks & Pond education & interpretation
Gibbstown Unit Bank Fishing Road Cast netting for bait, bankfishing Year round, sunrise to sunset
Canal & Borrow Pits
Gibbstown Unit Bank Fishing Road Wildlife observation & photography Year round, sunrise to sunset
Gibbstown Unit Pintail Wildlife Drive Wildlife observation & photography Year round, sunrise to sunset
Gibbstown Unit Outfall Canal Fishing and cast netting for bait March 15 to October 15, sunrise to sunset
Lacassine NWR Specific Fishing Regulations
Recreation Area Permitted Activities Open Season/Timee
Lacassine Pool Boat launching and travel March 15 to October 15
Boat motors 40 hp or less One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Launch at cement boat launches only
Lacassine Pool Fishing and Crabbing March 15 to October 15, sunrise to sunset
Units D Boat travel with electric trolling motors or without March 15 to October 15
motors may be hand launched into this unit from One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Tidewater Road. Vehicles and boat trailers must
remain on the gravel roadway.
Units D Fishing and Crabbing March 15 to October 15, sunrise to sunset
Canals & bayous outside Lacassine Boat travel March 15 to October 15
Pool No horsepower restrictions One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Canals & bayous outside Lacassine Fishing March 15 to October 15, sunrise to sunset
Pool
Refuge marshes outside Lacassine Access restricted to walking, push poling, March 15 to October 15
Pool paddling or rowing. One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Refuge marshes outside Lacassine Fishing March 15 to October 15, sunrise to sunset
Pool
Streeter Road Fishing Pier Bank Fishing Year round, sunrise to sunset
Lacassine Pool Drive Wildlife observation & photography only Year round, sunrise to sunset
Lacassine Office Site Wildlife observation & photography only Year round, sunrise to sunsetU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Lacassine NWR Specific bait must be removed from the refuge Closed Areas
upon leaving. The daily crab limit is five No crabbing, fishing, or cast netting
Fishing Regulations dozen (60) crabs per day, per vehicle or are permitted from the Blue Goose
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge boat. Trail or the Wetland Walkway, including
was established in 1937 to preserve associated entrance bridges, drives,
wintering habitat for waterfowl in the Access: Follow speed limits on refuge parking areas, walking trails, and
coastal prairie of southwestern Louisiana. roads to reduce vehicle-caused wildlife surrounding areas. Areas closed to boats
Refuge scattered uplands. The dominant mortality. for fishing, crabbing and/or cast netting
feature of the refuge is Lacassine Pool include under the bridges to the water
which was created by enclosing a 16,000- Lacassine Pool: Only boats with motors
of 40 horsepower or less may be used in control structures at Hog Island Gully
acre marsh with a low levee. The refuge and West Cove Recreation Areas, the
is noted for its large concentrations of Lacassine Pool. Boaters are encouraged
to reduce travel speeds at boat run canal on both sides of the entrance bridge
waterfowl and other fish and wildlife to the Wetland Walkway, and the canal
species, including several game species. intersections. Trailered boats may only
be launched into Lacassine Pool at public adjacent to the Blue Goose Trail parking
Fishes present include largemouth bass, lot and walking path.
crappie, sunfish, catfish, and bowfin boat launches with cement boat ramps.
(Choupique). Units A & C: Boats are prohibited in Additional areas designated by No
Lacassine Units A and C. Fishing, crabbing or cast netting or
Certain State waterways that flow Area Closed signs are also closed to
through the refuge are not subject to Unit D: Only boats with electric trolling fishing, crabbing or cast netting for safety
special refuge fishing regulations. These motors or without motors are permitted and/or management purposes.
waterways include Lacassine Bayou, within Lacassine Unit D. Boats may be
Bayou Misere, Mermentau River and hand launched from Tidewater Road. Seasons/Hours
Mud Lake (see map). Anglers should Fishing, crabbing, and cast netting for
consult the State regulations for special Canals and Bayous outside Lacassine bait from a boat are permitted March
restrictions in these waterways. All side Pool: Motorized boats may be used in 15 through October 15 throughout the
canals, coves, bays, marshes and ponds canals and bayous outside Lacassine refuge. Boat admittance into the refuge
off these waterways are subject to Pool unless posted by Area Closed signs. is permitted from one hour before legal
refuge fishing regulations. Horsepower is not restricted for motors sunrise until one hour after legal sunset;
used in these canals and bayous. however, fishing, crabbing, and cast
Closed Areas netting for bait are prohibited until legal
Fishing is prohibited in the headquarters Marshes: Access into refuge marshes and sunrise and after legal sunset.
display pond and bank fishing is ponds outside Lacassine Pool is restricted
prohibited on the Lacassine Pool to walking, poling, paddling, rowing or Bank fishing and crabbing are open
Wildlife Drive. Other areas may be trolling motors. Motors may not be used year round from legal sunrise until legal
closed to fishing or boating for safety or in refuge marshes. sunset at North line, Hog Island Gully,
management purposes as designated by Blue Crab, and West Cove Recreation
No Fishing or Area Closed signs. Safety Warning Areas.
Motorboat travel on the refuge may be
Season/Hours hazardous due to narrow boat runs, rough Boat, Motor and Operation Limits
Boat and bank fishing in Lacassine Pool, water, limited visibility, fog, vegetation, Outboard motors and go-devil type or
Streeter’s Area, and refuge waters are and swells from towboats, barges and air cooled motors may be operated only
permitted March 15 through October crew boats. Please look for and obey in designated refuge canals, bayous, and
15. Streeter Road Fishing Pier is posted No Wake Zones. These areas are boat trails. Operation of any outboard or
open to bank fishing year round. Boat posted to keep visitors safe and to protect air cooled motor in the refuge marshes
admittance into the refuge is permitted nesting birds and/ or their habitat. is prohibited. The operation of trolling
from one hour before legal sunrise until motors is permitted.
one hour after legal sunset; however, Tournaments
fishing activities are prohibited until legal Individuals or representatives of Public Boat Launches: There is one
sunrise and after legal sunset. organizations seeking to sponsor or improved boat launch at Northline
participate in fishing tournaments on the Recreation Area; it is open March 15
Permitted Activities, Gear, refuge should contact the refuge manager through October 15 and allows boat
and Possession Limits for special restrictions. access into the western interior of the
Fishing: Only fishing with rod and reel refuge. There are two improved boat
or pole and line is permitted in refuge Sabine National Wildlife Refuge was launches accessible from the south
waters. The use or possession of any established in 1937 to preserve a large parking lot of the Hog Island Gully
other type of fishing gear including limb, area of coastal wetlands for wintering Recreation Area; both launches are open
trot and jug lines and gill, trammel, and migrating waterfowl from the from March 15 through October 15. The
and hoop nets is prohibited in all refuge Mississippi and Central Flyways. This first or western most launch allows boat
waters. 124,511 acre refuge also serves as a major access into the western interior of the
nursery for many estuarine-dependent refuge, the second or eastern most launch
Crabbing: Crabs may be taken with hand marine species and is home to numerous allows access into the eastern portion of
lines or drop nets. Only cotton line and alligators, other reptiles, mammals, the refuge and into Calcasieu Lake.
drop nets up to 24” outside diameter amphibians, and migrating and nesting
may be used. Floats on crab lines are birds.
prohibited. All hand lines, drop nets, andU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Lacassine Fishing Map 7 miles
14
Not to scale
UNIT F
(boat
access only)
4 miles to
N
LA 14
LA 3056
8 miles to Bell City
4 miles to LA 14
Illinois Plant Road
r Road
Streete
Garys
UNIT C UNIT Duck Pond Landing
UNIT E UNIT B
A
Little
North North ER
Lake Lake Willow RIV
Cutoff
Tidewater Road
UNIT D Willow Island
To Lake Arthur
Lone TAU
Cypress EN
RM
al r’s
Cantreete
ME
U
YO
S
Long
BA
Cutoff Streeter Road
Fishing Pier
South L A C A S S I N E P O O L
E
SIN
Pond
AS
LAC
Bell City Drainage Canal
Short Brown Island
Twin Cutoff
KE
Sisters
LA
D
A N GRAND LAKE
Target Area Onion Hill GR
Blue Grove
LALacassi
CASSIne
NE
Black Grove MMUD PPoi
OINnt
T
UD
aterw
ay LAKE
LAKE Legend
oas tal W nal
ntrac ne Ca Refuge Boundary
G ulf I Pipeli
Roads
LLATANI
ATANIAA Boat Runs
LALAKE
KE
7 miles to
Levee
Gibbstow
n Bridge ITT
L
Wildlife Drive
L
ISE E LAK State Waterways
M
RE E
Refuge Waterways
LAKE Wilderness Area
Headquarters Complex
MISERE 0 Miles 1 Office, Visitor Contact Station,
Maintenance Area, Boathouse
0 Kilo 1
Public Boat Launching
Observation Area
Parking Area
Disabled Access
Fishing (year-round)
Water Control Structure
Boat CrossingU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Lacassine NWR Specific Notice Cast netters must maintain actual
Fishing Regulations (continued) Due to the limited amount of dock space custody of shrimp while on the refuge.
available for visitors to enjoy recreational This means the transfer of shrimp to
There is an improved saltwater boat fishing and crabbing, all visitors are another individual, boat, or vehicle or the
launch at the North parking lot of West asked to share the space available and placement of shrimp at a location outside
Cove recreation area which is open year- welcome new visitors. No person is of the cast netters immediate custody is
round for fishing access into Calcasieu permitted to reserve a place or save prohibited. Cast netting is prohibited at
Lake. West Cove canal is closed to fishing a space for themselves or others by all recreation areas including Northline,
from October 16 though March 14, and placing unattended equipment in these Hog Island Gully, Blue Goose Trail,
is only open for boat passage during this areas. All persons are prohibited from Blue Crab, West Cove, and the Wetland
time. interfering with other persons engaged Walkway.
in recreational activities on the refuge
There are two improved boat launches including boat launching and loading. Cast netting for bait: Cast netting for bait
accessible from the south parking lot of is permitted from boats only, March 15
West Cove recreation area open from Permitted Activities, Gear, and through October 15, from legal sunrise
March 15 through October 15. These Possession Limits to legal sunset. The shrimp limit when
launches allow boat access into the Fishing: Recreational fishing with rod cast netting for bait outside the Louisiana
western interior of the refuge. and reel, pole and line, and/ or jug lines inshore shrimp season is one gallon.
only is permitted. Jug line fishing is
There are two unimproved boat launches permitted in designated waterways Safety Warning
at Blue Crab recreation area available for open to fishing. It is prohibited inside Motorboat travel on the refuge may be
hand launching non-motorized boats into Units 1A, 1B and 3. Jugs are limited to hazardous due to narrow boat runs, rough
Units 1A and 1B. 10 per boat and must be attended at all water, limited visibility, fog, vegetation,
times. All jugs must be marked with the blind crossings, and swells or wakes from
Units 1A and 1B: Only non-motorized other boats, barges or crew boats. Please
boats are permitted within Units 1A and attendants fishing license number and
must be removed from the refuge daily. look for and obey all posted No Wake
1B. These boats may be hand launched Zones. These areas are posted to keep
from the Blue Crab recreation area. The use or possession of any other type
of fishing gear including: limb and trot visitors safe and to protect nesting birds
Unit 3: The only boat access into Unit lines, and gill, trammel, and hoop nets are and/ or their habitat.
3 is through a designated bay in the prohibited in all refuge waters. The daily
Northwest Spillway. Only boats less fish limits are the same as Louisiana’s
than 59 inches wide with motors of 40 Sport Fishing limits.
horsepower or less are permitted. There
are no boat carts available to enter this Crabbing: Crabs may be taken with hand
unit. lines or drop nets. Only cotton line and
drop nets up to 24” outside diameter
Designated named waterways: Outboard may be used. Floats on crab lines are
motors (no horsepower restrictions) may prohibited. All hand lines, drop nets, and
only be operated in the designated named bait must be removed from the refuge
waterways shown on the Sabine Refuge upon leaving. The daily crab limit is five
Fishing Map. dozen (60) crabs per day, per vehicle or
boat.
Marshes, ponds, and lakes: Access into
refuge marshes, ponds, and lakes beyond Cast netting for shrimp: Cast netting for
designated named waterways (see map) shrimp is permitted from boats only. Cast
is restricted to movement by push poling, netting is permitted during the Louisiana
paddling, or trolling motors only. inshore shrimp seasons from legal sunrise
to legal sunset in all refuge canals, unless
Roadside (Highway 27) Recreation posted as Closed. This activity must
Areas: Northline, Hog Island Gully, follow all state and refuge regulations.
and West Cove Recreation Areas all The daily shrimp limit is five gallons of
provide universal accessible docks for heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or
visitors to safely fish and/or crab. Blue boat. All by-catch must be immediately
Crab Recreation Area (formerly 1A/1B returned to the water before cast netting
recreation area) has limited parking and can continue.
no improved docks, however, visitors are
welcome to bank fish and crab here.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sabine NWR Specific Public Boat Launches: There is one Roadside (Highway 27) Recreation
improved boat launch at Northline Areas: Northline, Hog Island Gully,
Fishing Regulations Recreation Area; it is open March 15 and West Cove Recreation Areas all
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge was through October 15 and allows boat provide universal accessible docks for
established in 1937 to preserve a large access into the western interior of the visitors to safely fish and/or crab. Blue
area of coastal wetlands for wintering refuge. There are two improved boat Crab Recreation Area (formerly 1A/1B
and migrating waterfowl from the launches accessible from the south recreation area) has limited parking and
Mississippi and Central Flyways. This parking lot of the Hog Island Gully no improved docks, however, visitors are
124,511 acre refuge also serves as a major Recreation Area; both launches are open welcome to bank fish and crab here.
nursery for many estuarine-dependent from March 15 through October 15. The
first or western most launch allows boat Notice
marine species and is home to numerous Due to the limited amount of dock space
alligators, other reptiles, mammals, access into the western interior of the
refuge, the second or eastern most launch available for visitors to enjoy recreational
amphibians, and migrating and nesting fishing and crabbing, all visitors are
birds. allows access into the eastern portion of
the refuge and into Calcasieu Lake. asked to share the space available and
Closed Areas welcome new visitors. No person is
No crabbing, fishing, or cast netting There is an improved saltwater boat permitted to reserve a place or save
are permitted from the Blue Goose launch at the North parking lot of West a space for themselves or others by
Trail or the Wetland Walkway, including Cove recreation area which is open year- placing unattended equipment in these
associated entrance bridges, drives, round for fishing access into Calcasieu areas. All persons are prohibited from
parking areas, walking trails, and Lake. West Cove canal is closed to fishing interfering with other persons engaged
surrounding areas. Areas closed to boats from October 16 though March 14, and in recreational activities on the refuge
for fishing, crabbing and/or cast netting is only open for boat passage during this including boat launching and loading.
include under the bridges to the water time.
Permitted Activities, Gear, and
control structures at Hog Island Gully There are two improved boat launches Possession Limits
and West Cove Recreation Areas, the accessible from the south parking lot of Fishing: Recreational fishing with rod
canal on both sides of the entrance bridge West Cove recreation area open from and reel, pole and line, and/ or jug lines
to the Wetland Walkway, and the canal March 15 through October 15. These only is permitted. Jug line fishing is
adjacent to the Blue Goose Trail parking launches allow boat access into the permitted in designated waterways
lot and walking path. western interior of the refuge. open to fishing. It is prohibited inside
Additional areas designated by No Units 1A, 1B and 3. Jugs are limited to
There are two unimproved boat launches 10 per boat and must be attended at all
Fishing, crabbing or cast netting or at Blue Crab recreation area available for
Area Closed signs are also closed to times. All jugs must be marked with the
hand launching non-motorized boats into attendants fishing license number and
fishing, crabbing or cast netting for safety Units 1A and 1B.
and/or management purposes. must be removed from the refuge daily.
Units 1A and 1B: Only non-motorized The use or possession of any other type
Seasons/Hours boats are permitted within Units 1A and of fishing gear including: limb and trot
Fishing, crabbing, and cast netting for 1B. These boats may be hand launched lines, and gill, trammel, and hoop nets are
bait from a boat are permitted March from the Blue Crab recreation area. prohibited in all refuge waters. The daily
15 through October 15 throughout the fish limits are the same as Louisiana’s
refuge. Boat admittance into the refuge Unit 3: The only boat access into Unit Sport Fishing limits.
is permitted from one hour before legal 3 is through a designated bay in the
sunrise until one hour after legal sunset; Northwest Spillway. Only boats less Crabbing: Crabs may be taken with hand
however, fishing, crabbing, and cast than 59 inches wide with motors of 40 lines or drop nets. Only cotton line and
netting for bait are prohibited until legal horsepower or less are permitted. There drop nets up to 24” outside diameter
sunrise and after legal sunset. are no boat carts available to enter this may be used. Floats on crab lines are
unit. prohibited. All hand lines, drop nets, and
Bank fishing and crabbing are open bait must be removed from the refuge
year round from legal sunrise until legal Designated named waterways: Outboard upon leaving. The daily crab limit is five
sunset at North line, Hog Island Gully, motors (no horsepower restrictions) may dozen (60) crabs per day, per vehicle or
Blue Crab, and West Cove Recreation only be operated in the designated named boat.
Areas. waterways shown on the Sabine Refuge
Fishing Map. Cast netting for shrimp: Cast netting for
Boat, Motor and Operation Limits shrimp is permitted from boats only. Cast
Outboard motors and go-devil type or Marshes, ponds, and lakes: Access into netting is permitted during the Louisiana
air cooled motors may be operated only refuge marshes, ponds, and lakes beyond inshore shrimp seasons from legal sunrise
in designated refuge canals, bayous, and designated named waterways (see map) to legal sunset in all refuge canals, unless
boat trails. Operation of any outboard or is restricted to movement by push poling, posted as Closed. This activity must
air cooled motor in the refuge marshes paddling, or trolling motors only. follow all state and refuge regulations.
is prohibited. The operation of trolling The daily shrimp limit is five gallons of
motors is permitted. heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle or
boat. All by-catch must be immediately
returned to the water before cast netting
can continue.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sabine NWR Fishing Map Cast netters must maintain actual Cast netting for bait: Cast netting for bait Safety Warning custody of shrimp while on the refuge. is permitted from boats only, March 15 Motorboat travel on the refuge may be This means the transfer of shrimp to through October 15, from legal sunrise hazardous due to narrow boat runs, rough another individual, boat, or vehicle or the to legal sunset. The shrimp limit when water, limited visibility, fog, vegetation, placement of shrimp at a location outside cast netting for bait outside the Louisiana blind crossings, and swells or wakes from of the cast netters immediate custody is inshore shrimp season is one gallon. other boats, barges or crew boats. Please prohibited. Cast netting is prohibited at look for and obey all posted No Wake all recreation areas including Northline, Zones. These areas are posted to keep Hog Island Gully, Blue Goose Trail, visitors safe and to protect nesting birds Blue Crab, West Cove, and the Wetland and/ or their habitat. Walkway.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Legend
Parking
Roadside 27
Fishing
Crabbing
Recreation Northline
Recreation
Area
Boat launching Northline Canal
Restrooms
Visitor contact station
MANAGEMENT Hog Island
? Information Gully
Wildlife observation UNIT 1A Recreation
Roadside Canal Area North
Photography
Hiking Hog Island
Gully Canal
Paddling
Hog Island
Accessible Gully
Recreation
Area South
Headquarters Site
Paddle Bayou
Backridge
Blue ENT
1B NT
Canal
M
IT ME
Goose E
NAGNIT
UN AGE
Blue Crab A
Recreation Area Trail M U OVE
N
ST C
MA
Headquarters
WE
Canal
BACKRIDGE Shell
BRIDGE Byway Ditch
Observation Canal
Wetland Pull Off
Central
Canal Walkway 27
Vastar Goose Grit Site
Road
West Cove
Recreation
Area North
West Cove Canal
West Cove
Recreation
27 Area South Blue
Goose
ENT
Trail
E M
NAG
MA UNIT VE
T CO
The Creole Nature Trail
All American Road
WESU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sabine NWR Specific Fishing Regulations
Recreation Area Permitted Activities Open Season/Timee
Northline Fishing, crabbing Year round, sunrise to sunset
Northline Boat launching-access to interior marshes March 15 - October 15,
one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Hog Island Gully Fishing, crabbing Year round, sunrise to sunset
Hog Island Gully Boat launching and March 15 - October 15,
kayak, canoe, and pirogue access one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
to interior refuge marshes and Calcasieu Lake
Hog Island Gully Non-motorized kayak, canoe, pirogue launching October 16 - March 14,
into Hog Island Gully Canal one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
east of water control structure
for recreational paddling only
Blue Goose Trail Restrooms, Year round,
hiking, sunrise to sunset
photography,
wildlife observation,
interpretation,
environmental education
Blue Crab Fishing, crabbing Year round, sunrise to sunset
Blue Crab Non-motorized boat launching March 15 - October 15,
into Units 1A and 1B one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
for paddling,
wildlife observation,
photography
and fishing
Blue Crab Non-motorized boat launching October 16 - March 14,
into Units 1A and 1B one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
for paddling,
wildlife observation,
and photography
Byway Pull Off Wildlife observation and photography Year round, sunrise to sunset
West Cove Fishing, crabbing Year round, sunrise to sunset
West Cove Boat launching to access March 15 - October 15,
interior refuge marshes and Calcasieu Lake one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
West Cove Boat launching for boat passage October 16 - March 14,
to Calcasieu Lake and vicinity only one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Wetland Walkway Restrooms, Year round,
hiking, sunrise to sunset
wildlife observation,
photography,
interpretation,
environmental education
Interior canals, bayous & ponds Boat access and travel March 15 - October 15,
one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Interior canals, bayous & ponds Fishing, crabbing March 15 - October 15,
sunrise to sunset
Interior canals, bayous & ponds Cast netting for shrimp from a boat Louisiana Inshore Shrimp season,
sunrise - sunset
Interior canals, bayous & ponds Cast netting for bait from a boat. March 15 - October 15,
Bait shrimp limit outside LA inshore shrimp season sunrise to sunset
is one gallon.You can also read
