The aquatic resources of the basin are phenomenal. The Atchafalaya River and its myriad bayous, overflow lakes, and seasonally flooded hardwood swamps support a great abundance of fish and crustaceans. The lifeblood of the fishery is the basin's annual flooding and dewatering cycle. Overflows occur during the winter and spring rains, with many areas gradually becoming dewatered during the summer and fall. This ebb and flow continually revives food and nutrient production, thus contributing to the diversity and abundance of the fishery.
Sportfishing is popular throughout the basin. Largemouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, warmouth, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish are the primary species sought. More than 85 species of fish occur in the basin, and their populations frequently exceed 1,000 pounds per acre. Red swamp crawfish, white river crawfish, and blue crabs are also important from both a sport and commercial harvest standpoint.
The basin's commercial fisheries are also extremely valuable. Crawfish are by far the most important component, with an estimated average annual commercial harvest of nearly 22 million pounds. The most important commercial finfish include catfish, buffalo, and freshwater drum.
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area
The State of Louisiana's Sherburne Wildlife Management Area is located in the upper third of the Atchafalaya River Basin between Interstate Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 190. It covers approximately 11,780 acres and was established in 1983 by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The area supervisor's headquarters is located east of Krotz Springs, Louisiana, on La. 975, approximately three miles south of U.S. Highway 190.
This area is being supervised to provide a variety of habitats for native and migratory wildlife and to promote public outdoor recreation. A camping area, boat launching ramp, and shooting range are available for public use. Fishing is excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Both hunting and fishing are subject to current state regulations, which are available from the headquarters office.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
The 15,220-acre Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge was established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984. It is located adjacent to the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area and is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries under a cooperative agreement with the state.
The refuge is open year-round for sportfishing in accordance with state fishing regulations.
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