In response to concerns from the public and local lawmakers regarding potential crappie overfishing on Sibley Lake in Natchitoches, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will analyze recent data from biological sampling and angler creel interviews conducted from 2015 through 2017.
The data collected from fish sampled during the study period will provide population information such as crappie abundance, growth and condition estimates, spawning success and recruitment. Information collected during the angler interview process will help to determine the overall impact crappie anglers have on the population in Sibley Lake. This includes the number of fish caught per trip, the number of fish harvested and released per trip, and the size of the fish caught. The information will be compiled to determine if a change in regulations would benefit the crappie fishery in Sibley Lake.
LDWF routinely conducts stock assessments of lakes statewide to ensure the health of the fishery and determine the efficiency of existing and proposed regulations. These projects primarily focus on largemouth bass or crappie, but also include biological information gathered on other recreationally and commercially-important species. Such biological studies include intensive biological sampling and data collection over a 3-year period.
Once the data collection and scientific analysis is complete, the results of such will be made available to the public via the LDWF website and other venues.
For additional information regarding Sibley Lake, contact Villis Dowden at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.