Louisiana Will Close Flounder Fishing Season

State officials are initiating a six-week fishing prohibition to help rebuild the overfished flounder population.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Fishing

Bold vector editorial illustration of wooden pier pilings in calm coastal marsh waters, signifying a pause in local fishing activity. — Louisiana officials will enforce a six-week statewide flounder fishing closure starting October 15, 2026, to protect spawning stocks from further decline. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support seasonal bans on fishing to help replenish local fish populations?

Starting October 15, 2026, Louisiana will enforce a mandatory six-week closure on all flounder fishing across all sectors. This seasonal measure, which runs through November 30, aims to protect the species during its critical spawning period.

Why it matters

The prohibition is a response to a 2025 state assessment confirming that southern flounder stocks remain overfished. By restricting harvest during spawning, officials hope to reverse a significant long-term population decline.

Recent annual flounder harvest levels have dropped to approximately 100,000 pounds, a significant decrease from the 300,000 pounds caught annually before 2017. This decline is driven by factors including coastal erosion and warmer waters.

The players

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

This state agency is responsible for managing the protection and conservation of Louisiana's natural resources and wildlife populations.

The details

The closure applies to all gear types and sectors, prohibiting the retention of any flounder during the six-week window. The initiative builds upon an annual closed season policy for the species that the state has maintained since 2022.

Before 2017, the annual flounder catch exceeded 300,000 pounds.
The state began implementing an annual closed season for flounder in 2022.
A 2025 state assessment confirmed the species remains overfished.
The 2026 prohibition takes effect on October 15.
The 2026 prohibition ends on November 30.

Roadmap

This measure follows the pattern set by the 2022 Louisiana flounder seasonal closure mandate to curb overfishing in regional waters. It highlights a shift toward more aggressive state-level management of southern flounder stocks in response to environmental stressors like coastal erosion.

Anglers in Louisiana must refrain from targeting or keeping any flounder during the designated six-week period to remain in compliance with state law. This restriction applies to all recreational and commercial gear types, requiring a temporary change to local fishing routines.

The takeaway

Maintaining strict adherence to seasonal closures is essential for allowing vulnerable fish populations to reproduce successfully. Readers should check updated state guidance to ensure their gear and harvest methods remain compliant throughout the year.