Waterways Are For Everyone: Protecting Our Right to Fish
Louisiana is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful and abundant waterways. From the winding bayous to the vast marshes, our state offers some of the best fishing in the world. But with increasing numbers of private property signs posted along the edges of these waterways, many of us are finding ourselves restricted in places where we’ve fished for generations.
As members of the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Coalition, we believe it’s time to set the record straight about the waters of our state—and what it means to protect our right to fish, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
No One Owns the Water
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the idea that someone can “own” a waterway simply because it runs through their property. The reality is that water—whether it’s a river, stream, or bayou—belongs to the people, not private landowners. In Louisiana, as in most states, water is considered a public resource, meaning it’s open to the public for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities, regardless of who owns the land surrounding it.
Waterways are public highways, and they are integral to our state’s culture and heritage. That’s why we as Louisianans have the right to navigate and fish in these waters, as long as we are respectful of private land and follow established guidelines for safe, legal access.
A Tradition Worth Fighting For
Fishing isn’t just a pastime in Louisiana—it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations. From the shrimping docks of the Gulf Coast to the brackish waters of the Atchafalaya Basin, fishing has shaped our communities, our families, and our very way of life.
For centuries, families have gathered along our waterways to fish, hunt, and enjoy the natural beauty of our environment. These traditions are not just about catching fish—they’re about creating lasting memories, passing down skills and knowledge, and connecting with nature. When we limit access to these waterways, we not only cut off these experiences for today’s anglers but also risk losing them entirely for future generations.
We need to keep the tradition of fishing alive. It’s not just a right—it’s a responsibility to ensure that our children and their children can enjoy the same opportunities to fish and connect with our natural heritage.
The Fight for Access
As more private property signs pop up along our waterways, the public’s access to these resources is increasingly under threat. Many of us have seen the “No Trespassing” signs that discourage us from navigating our rivers and bayous. But it’s important to understand that these signs don’t mean the water itself is off-limits—they often only refer to the land on either side of the waterway. As long as you’re not trespassing on private property, it’s your right to be there, and it’s your right to fish.
At the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Coalition, we are committed to ensuring that everyone, whether lifelong residents or newcomers to our state, has access to these waterways. We’re working to protect our rights to navigate and fish in our rivers, lakes, and marshes, and to defend the traditions that have defined Louisiana for generations.
Standing Together for Our Waters
The fight to protect public access to our waterways will require all of us—sportsmen and women, anglers, boaters, and families—to stand together. We need to make our voices heard at local, state, and national levels. Whether it’s advocating for better access laws or fighting against encroachments on our waterways, we must unite as one voice to ensure that our waters remain open and accessible for everyone.
Our right to fish is a heritage worth defending. It is a right that is not only ours but also one that we must pass on to the generations that will follow us. If we don’t stand up now, we risk losing what makes Louisiana such a special place to live and fish.
Help Keep Louisiana Waterways Open
We urge everyone who loves the sport of fishing and appreciates the value of Louisiana’s waterways to get involved. Educate yourself about your rights to access public waterways, and support organizations like the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Coalition that are working to protect these rights. Together, we can preserve the traditions that make our state so unique and ensure that our waters remain open and accessible for generations to come.
Let’s keep fishing alive—for our children, grandchildren, and all the generations yet to come.
