Louisiana species

Gizzard Shad in Louisiana

Where gizzard shad live in Louisiana, with the rules.

  • 50 a daylimit
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Photo of the species, not a Louisiana water: United States Fish and Wildlife Services, Public domain

Louisiana fish

A Louisiana card for gizzard shad

For 2026 the Louisiana freshwater table names gizzard shad in the row “Shad”. Read it as 50 pounds daily, open open year-round.

Neither LOWA nor a water page here lists it so far.

50 a daydaily limit
none listedLOWA record
0water pages
0water exceptions
Limits

gizzard shad in the 2026 Louisiana tables

Pamphlet rowWatersDaily limit and sizeSeason
ShadAll state waters50 pounds dailyOpen year-round

Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026), page 21 (pamphlet PDF); confirmed on the LDWF freshwater finfish page October 28, 2026.

Every LDWF rule page

Photos

What the bayous and lakes near Gizzard Shad look like

Mississippi River, Louisiana
Mississippi River
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Pearl River, Louisiana
Pearl River
Photo: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
East Baton Rouge Parish
Photo: getmahesh, CC BY-SA 2.0
Bossier City, Louisiana
Bossier City
Photo: TheLionHasSeen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers

Quick Louisiana answers on gizzard shad

What does LDWF allow for gizzard shad each day?

Bag and size: 50 pounds daily. Season: open year-round.

When was the Louisiana gizzard shad record set?

LOWA lists no entry for it.

What Louisiana water is a good bet for gizzard shad?

None of the water pages name it so far.

Do Louisiana hatcheries raise gizzard shad?

No hatchery release of it is on file.

Where is the gizzard shad limit different in Louisiana?

None of the exceptions mention it.

Is gizzard shad open all year in Louisiana?

The row prints Open year-round.

Is a basic license enough for gizzard shad?

Louisiana anglers 18 and older carry a Basic Fishing License: $17 a year for residents and $68 for nonresidents.

Where do I send a Louisiana gizzard shad record?

Send it to the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association, which uses LDWF biologists to confirm species.

Pick Louisiana water for gizzard shad

Each water above has launches and limits on its own page.