A Groundbreaking 6-Year Partnership to Restore Lake Boeuf

October 2025 | Responsible Anglers United

This fall marked a milestone moment for Responsible Anglers United (RAU) and the future of our local fisheries. In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, we kicked off the first phase of a six-year lake restoration initiative designed to strengthen and rebuild the bass population in Lake Boeuf, right here in our South Louisiana community.

Why This Matters

For generations, Lake Boeuf has been a place where families gather, anglers learn, and memories are made. Over time, environmental shifts and declining spawning success have impacted the size and health of our native bass.

By introducing Florida-strain genetics into the lake, we can help produce stronger, healthier fish capable of reaching true trophy size, while preserving the spirit and heritage of local recreational fishing.

This is more than a stocking effort. It’s an investment in the future of our waters, our community, and the next generation of anglers.

Project Highlights

• 32,000 Florida-strain largemouth bass (4–6 inches) were released into Lake Boeuf.

• Fish were sourced from American Sport Fish Hatchery in Alabama.

• Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries supported transportation and performed environmental testing to determine the healthiest release zones.

• RAU successfully raised $50,000 to fund this phase of the restocking initiative.

• An additional $50,000 state contribution was secured through the support and leadership of:

  • State Representative Bryan Fontenot

  • Former Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson

  • Interim Parish President Mitch Orgeron

Their commitment played a vital role in making this project possible, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to conservation in our region.

In the Spotlight

This project has already gained national attention. RAU’s conservation efforts have been featured on Bassmaster.com and in Bassmaster Magazine, helping shine a light on the importance of protecting and restoring fisheries across Louisiana.

What’s Next

This release is just the beginning.

RAU is actively pursuing local, state, and federal grant funding to expand our restocking and conservation efforts in additional waterways across the region. With continued support, we aim to:

• Improve habitat health

• Increase genetic diversity and sustainability in fish populations

• Strengthen educational and youth-based conservation programs

• Ensure the joy of fishing is preserved for generations to come

Join the Mission

This project is fueled by community, anglers, families, business leaders, outdoorsmen, and conservation advocates who believe in protecting what makes South Louisiana special. Your support ensures that Lake Boeuf, and our surrounding waterways, will continue to thrive for generations.

We invite you to join us at our 2026 RAU Conservation Fundraiser on January 31, 2026.

Together, we’re restoring our waters.

Together, we’re investing in the next generation of anglers.