By JIM BUTLER 

The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, despite its fisheries biologists suggesting it isn’t conclusively needed, approved new limits and size requirements for crappie and bass caught in the Saline–Larto Complex. 

The request came from many who fish the 90,000+ acres and from the Rapides Parish Police Jury and was shepherded by State Rep. Mike Johnson, whose district includes part of the complex. 

Commissioners delayed action in September and again last month as they asked for more information. Evidently they got an earful. 

The new rules: 

• Crappie – 10-inch minimum size limit and a 25 fish daily limit. 

• Bass – 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of 8 fish. 

Whether the changes will be implemented before the annual early summer boon in catching in the complex is unknown. 

According to Johnson, the new regulations will take effect after the required administrative procedures are completed and are expected to be formally published later this summer. 

The LDWF will continue to regularly monitor the fish population and suggest any future actions that might need to be made.  

Johnson said that over the next few months, LWF staff will be holding several informational meetings across the area to explain these changes. 

Johnson hopes to again host a larger public meeting later this year to discuss hunting and fishing matters. 

“This will provide everyone an opportunity to visit with the Secretary of the Department and his staff , ask questions, and share ideas and opinions on how we can continue working together to improve the Saline–Larto Complex,” his posting noted.