Join your friends at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. for a day of family, fishing fun on June 11 or a weekend of fishing wherever you are during Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend!

YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT - JUNE 11

Open to kids ages 4-12, the the 29th annual Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo will be held June 11, 2022 from 7:30 - 11 a.m., at the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trailhead, Pearl River.

Prizes are given for children's age categories, for categories of fish, as well as overall biggest fish. Each child will receive a fishing rod, worms and a t-shirt, and the whole family gets lunch! 

Sunscreen, insect repellent, and lawn chairs recommended. Registration fee of $20/child supports the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc.

Families welcome but only pre-registered children are allowed to fish. After fishing for prizes is over, the pond is open to all anglers, and as it is Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend June 11-12, you won’t need a license to fish that weekend.

Easy registration is available online at https://www.flwr.org/event-details/2022-annual-youth-fishing-rodeo-bogue-chitto-refuge.

Extra T-shirts can be purchased for $10; select option when purchasing ticket online. All t-shirt orders must be made by May 20th to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Phone reservations are not taken. Registration is first come first served. Need financial assistance to participate? Information on scholarships can be requested at lwrfriends@gmail.com.

If you cannot register and pay online you may download a registration form here and return it with payment to: BC Fishing Rodeo, Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex Office, 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445.

FREE VIRTUAL YOUTH FISHING RODEO - JUNE 11-12

Calling all youth 15 years of age and younger! Did you ever think you could win prizes at a fishing event without paying an entry fee or weighing or measuring a fish? Here's your chance! The Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex is hosting a Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo during Louisiana free fishing weekend June 11-12, 2022. Families can fish all weekend long in Louisiana without needing a fishing license.  
How to participate? The rules are simple!

1. Youth who are 15 years old or younger fish the location of their choice in Louisiana waters sunrise to sunset on June 11 and June 12. During Louisiana FREE Fishing Weekend a fishing license is not required.
2. Take a photo of youth holding their catch and post to our Facebook page @Southeast Louisiana, OR send via Facebook Messenger, OR send an email with the photo to virtualfishingrodeo@gmail.com    
3. Youth should make a sign that says #GetYourFishOn 2022 or #Geaux Fish or can add a creatively designed fish sign and display this with their catch.  
4. Photos of young anglers and their catch should be submitted by 4 p.m. Monday June 13. Prize winners will be selected randomly by drawing from the photos received and will be announced on Friday, June 17.
5. Have fun fishing!

More details at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/big-branch-marsh/events.
 
*No pole? No problem! A limited supply of loaner fishing poles are available for pick up in Lacombe, LA, courtesy of the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges. Call (985) 882-2015 or email lwrfriends@gmail.com to reserve a pole today.

#GetYourFishOn  #GeauxFish 2022

Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo 2022 is sponsored by the Southeast Louisiana Wildlife Refuges in collaboration with Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc., and is supported by many community partners. Located at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trailhead, 70242 Atlas Rd, Pearl River, LA 70452.

For more information, call Ranger Jo Anne Dolan at (985) 882-2015 or email at joanne_dolan@fws.gov. To learn more about the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bogue_Chitto.

GET OUT AND ENJOY SOME GREAT LOUISIANA OUTDOORS!

Photos courtesy Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges. 2021 Photo: Amelia Goodeaux holding her catch from the 2021 Virtual Youth Fishing Rodeo. Amelia was awarded a special creative art award for her sign.