| Public Oyster Area | Season | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| East of MS River, North of MRGO | No season | |
| East of MS River, South of MRGO | No season | |
| Sister Lake - Bedding | Opens October 25, 2021 (One day only) |
No more than 15% of non-living material allowed in bedding loads |
| Sister Lake - Sacking | Opens October 26, 2021 (Closes October 29, 2021) |
25 sacks/vessel/day (take and possession) |
| Lake Tambour, Lake Chien, Lake Felicity, Deep Lake, Lake Mechant, Bay Junop, Barataria, Little Lake | No season | |
| Hackberry Lake | No season | |
| Vermilion/Atchafalaya Basin | No season | |
| Calcasieu Lake (East Side and West Cove) |
Opens November 1, 2021 | 10 sacks/vessel/day (take and possession) No scrapers; tong or hand only |
Oyster Season
For more information, contact Carolina Bourque at cbourque@wlf.la.gov or 337.735.8726.
Commercial and recreational oyster seasons are the same. No one may harvest oysters at night (one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise), from public oyster areas nor private leases.
LDWF manages approximately 1.7 million acres of public oyster areas in Louisiana. Every July, LDWF takes a census of the oysters found on public areas. Biologists collect and record data from hundreds of oyster samples across Louisiana’s coast. They use these data to estimate the oyster stock size and recommend when the annual season for public oyster areas should be. This season typically runs from the first Wednesday following Labor Day in September through April 30 of the following year. However, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission can open and close the season when biological data indicate a need. For the most current status, see the information below.
The Louisiana Department of Health may periodically close areas for public health concerns. Check LDH’s website or call 800.256.2775 for more information.
The owner of a private oyster lease or his duly-authorized agents may fish oysters on the lease throughout the year, unless it is closed by LDH.
Current Status of Public Oyster Areas
The 2021 oyster season was set on October 7, 2021, at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting.
Maps
2021 - 2022 Oyster Season Maps
