Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the City Park Conservancy are proud to host the Big Bass Rodeo, the oldest freshwater fishing rodeo in the nation! This event offers categories and activities for all ages and skill levels and consists of adult and youth divisions for anglers to compete.
In addition to the bank-fishing-only main event, other activities include:
- Battle for the Bass – Student fishing competition grades 6-12 competing for the 2 heaviest bass
- Boats on the Bayou – Bayou St. John fishing competition for kayakers and other non-motorized vessels competing for the heaviest bass and other species
- Cichlid + Bream Trim – Teams of up to five compete for heaviest 15 stringer of bream, cichilds, and perch
- Fishtival – FREE event featuring DJ, food, door prizes, a host of educational exhibitors, and new and used fishing gear for sale at great prices
Be sure to check out the City Park Big Bass Fishing Rodeo webpage for more information and ways to register. Mark your calendars and join us on March 28, 2026, as we make the 77th Annual Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival the biggest and bassiest year yet!
If you are interested in being a sponsor, exhibitor at the Fishtival, or event volunteer, please contact Danica Williams (dwilliams@wlf.la.gov).
Anglers 18 years and older participating in these events must possess a valid Louisiana recreational fishing license. To purchase a license, visit www.louisianaoutdoors.com.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts, signup here.
About the Louisiana Wildlife And Fisheries Foundation's 2025 Conservation Raffle:
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.
Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.
To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.
Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26. Click here to view the official rules page.