Fishing Workshops and Courses
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers several fishing workshops and courses throughout the year. Based on participants’ experience and comfort level, there are courses and workshops for everyone.
While not required to apply, participants 18 & older must possess a valid Louisiana recreational fishing license to participate in the fishing workshops and courses.
Women's Fishing Workshops
LDWF partners with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation to present Women’s Fishing Workshops. The goals of these workshops are to help new participants become knowledgeable, confident anglers who enjoy and protect Louisiana’s world-class fishing.
Whether you've never fished before or you haven't cast a line in 20 years, these workshops are for you. Lead by LDWF biologists and volunteer instructors, these workshops cover a variety of topics and teach numerous skills to help make fishing more enjoyable for everyone. Workshop topics include fish identification, best fish handling practices, preparing fishing equipment, and basic fishing skills.
Fall Dates
- Saturday, December 6, 2025 - LDWF Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge
- Application period open October 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
All workshops will be held from 9 am to 4:30 pm at LDWF's Waddill Wildlife Refuge in Baton Rouge.
Fishing Course Series
What is it? LDWF’s Fishing Course Series offers a unique opportunity for participants of all skill levels, from first-time casters to everyday anglers, to register for a variety of FREE fishing education courses! These courses cover a variety of topics, fishing techniques, and target species. All courses follow a 2-hour structure, with a first hour of instruction by LDWF staff and volunteer angling instructors and a second hour of testing their skills with hands-on fishing. Participants also receive a take-home bag of general information, course material, and tackle packs customized for each course.
What will I learn? The goal of FCS is to give anglers the CONFIDENCE to fish on their own and develop skills. Instructors present information in a streamlined, efficient manner without overwhelming participants with too much info, yet also offer lesser-known and useful skills. New anglers won’t have to absorb too much info at once and experienced anglers will still take away valuable skills. Courses are open to all ages, but move at a steady pace so an adult must accompany participants under 16 years old.
Where & when is it offered? FCS courses are offered statewide at various locations. Most courses are located at LDWF’s Get Out & Fish! Program community fishing program sites. Additional sites include LDWF facilities and some unique coastal locations associated with saltwater courses. Classes are rotated across these sites throughout the year. Several core classes are available most of the year, but many classes are only offered seasonally or in limited runs. Register for these FCS courses at LDWF's event registration website. A valid Louisiana fishing license is required for participants 18 years and older.
Fishing Course Series Catalog:
- Intro to Fishing: The cornerstone FCS class. This course is geared towards both beginners and rusty anglers looking to gain enough knowledge to confidently fish on their own. However, seasoned anglers will also learn a few unique fishing skills. Participants will learn core fishing skills including simple but versatile rigging, bait, and gear selection. This course is offered regularly throughout the year.
- Beginner Catfishing: Participants of all levels will gain a basic knowledge about catfish and an introduction into targeting them while fishing. Participants will learn catfish species identification, basic fish behavior, proper fish handling, equipment overview, basic rigging, bait selection, and a few secret tips and gear to maximize fishing effort. This course is typically offered in the spring and fall, coinciding with LDWF’s Get Out & Fish! catfish stocking program.
- Beginner Rainbow Trout Fishing: Participants of all levels will gain a basic knowledge about stocked Rainbow Trout and an introduction into targeting them while fishing. Participants will learn basic fish behavior, equipment overview, bait & lure selection, and basic rigging. This seasonal course is EXCLUSIVELY offered 8 times per year in conjunction with LDWF’s Get Out & Fish! Rainbow Trout stocking program, typically in January or February.
- Beginner Bass Fishing: Participants of all levels will gain a basic knowledge about Largemouth Bass and an introduction into targeting them while fishing. Participants will learn seasonal fish behavior, equipment overview, lure selection, and basic rigging followed by on-water practice with 3 different lures. This course is most often scheduled in the spring but sometimes posted in early summer and fall.
- Beginner Ultralight Fishing: Participants of all levels will gain of information specific to targeting various small fish species using lightweight tackle. Participants will learn how to use unique gear and tackle including cane poles, ultralight combos, micro soft plastics, and drop shot rigs. This is a limited-run FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year.
- Beginner Saltwater Fishing: Participants of all levels will gain environmental knowledge and skills useful in saltwater fishing. Participants will learn about saltwater environmental factors, including temperature and tides, common saltwater species behaviors, and versatile fishing tackle, rigs, and knots. This is a limited-run FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year, typically in October & November.
- Intermediate Catfishing: Participants will gain extended knowledge about targeting catfish, specifically throughout the water column and during hot weather, but the skills are applicable throughout the year. Participants will learn basic temperature/oxygen correlation, rigging slip floats, and utilizing specialized punch/dip baits. It is suggested participants have already taken Intro to Fishing, Beginner Catfishing, or have a basic knowledge of fishing. This is a seasonal FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year EXCLUSIVELY in late summer.
- Intermediate Bass Fishing – Spring: Participants will gain an extended knowledge about spring Largemouth Bass behavior and an explanation on targeting them specifically while fishing during this season. Participants will learn springtime fish behavior, equipment overview, lure selection, and basic rigging followed by on-water practice with 2 different lures categories. It is suggested participants have already taken Intro to Fishing, Beginner Bass Fishing, or have a basic knowledge of fishing. This is a seasonal FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year EXCLUSIVELY in early spring.
- Fishing Secrets Explained: Participants of all levels will learn lesser-known fishing information and gain an edge in their overall approach to angling. Participants will learn about several different resources, tips, gear, and techniques aimed at improving their fishing success and experience followed by hands-on application and practice. This is a limited-run FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year.
- Fly Casting Explained: Participants of all levels will gain a basic understanding of casting a fly rod. Participants will learn the parts and function of fly rod components as well as basic fly casting techniques. This will be followed an hour of casting practice with certified fly casting instructors. This is NOT a beginner fly fishing course but rather an opportunity to sample fly fishing. Additional information for FREE fly fishing 101 classes will be available. This is a limited-run FCS course and will only be offered 2 to 4 times per year.
Upcoming Dates:
|
8/20/2025 |
Wed |
5:30 pm |
Waddill |
Baton Rouge |
Fishing Secrets Explained |
|
9/6/2025 |
Sat |
2 pm |
Oil & Gas |
Jennings |
Intermediate Catfishing |
|
9/6/2025 |
Sat |
9 am |
Purple Heart |
Ragley |
Intermediate Catfishing |
|
9/6/2025 |
Sat |
9 am |
Gretna Park |
New Orleans |
Beginner Bass Fishing |
|
9/6/2025 |
Sat |
2 pm |
Wetland Watcher's Park |
Norco |
Beginner Saltwater Fishing |
|
9/26/2025 |
Fri |
5:30 pm |
Waddill |
Baton Rouge |
Beginner Catfishing |
|
10/11/2025 |
Sat |
9 am |
BREC Burbank |
Baton Rouge |
Intro to Fishing |
|
10/11/2025 |
Sat |
2 pm |
Sidney Hutchinson |
Walker |
Intro to Fishing |
|
10/18/2025 |
Sat |
9 am |
Prien Lake Park |
Lake Charles |
Beginner Saltwater Fishing |
|
10/18/2025 |
Sat |
1 pm |
Prien Lake Park |
Lake Charles |
Beginner Saltwater Fishing |
To view details about each event and to register for these upcoming courses offered through the Fishing Course Series, visit LDWF's event registration website.
Sport Fish Restoration Program Funding
Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops are funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a U.S. Fish and Wildilfe Service grant program that provides funds to the states, the District of Columbia, and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and aquatic education.