What Big Burn Wildlife Management Area Offers

Big Burn Wildlife Management Area is a 7,500-acre public hunting and fishing property in Morehouse Parish in northeast Louisiana, managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The area sits along the Bayou Bartholomew drainage and includes hardwood bottomland, cypress swamps, and oxbow lakes that hold largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. Access is free with a valid Louisiana hunting or fishing license, and the property operates under a permit system during hunting season to manage crowd levels and protect the resource.

The landscape here is classic Louisiana swamp and bottomland—dense timber mixed with open water and seasonal sloughs. If you're coming from central or southern Louisiana, Big Burn is a drive north, but it rewards the trip with less pressure than many closer public areas and consistent fish and game populations. The property is best known for duck hunting in fall and winter, but bass fishing and catfishing draw anglers year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Burn requires a free permit during hunting season (September through January) that you obtain in advance from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or by phone.
  • Fishing is open year-round without a permit, though you must have a valid Louisiana fishing license and follow statewide regulations for bass, catfish, and panfish.
  • The area has no developed boat launch or facilities—you access water by private boat or by wading from the levee, so bring your own equipment and plan for muddy conditions.
  • Duck season runs November through January and is the busiest period; spring and summer offer quieter fishing with fewer hunters present.
  • Overnight camping is not permitted on the property, so plan day trips or stay in nearby towns like Morehouse or Bastrop.

Seasons and What Fish and Game Are Present

Largemouth bass fishing is productive from March through October, with spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) offering the most active feeding. Summer bass are present but deeper and less aggressive in the heat. Catfish bite year-round, especially in deeper holes and channels during the day; night fishing for catfish is popular in warmer months. Panfish—bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie—are abundant in shallow areas and around cypress trees, particularly in spring and early summer.

Duck season runs from mid-November through late January and is the primary draw for hunters. Wood ducks, mallards, and teal use the swamps and oxbow lakes. Deer hunting occurs during rifle season (mid-November through early January) and archery season (September through October). Squirrel season runs September through December. The area is closed to all hunting and fishing during certain maintenance periods; check the LDWF website before your trip.

How to Get a Hunting Permit and Access the Property

During hunting season (September 1 through January 31), you must obtain a free permit before entering Big Burn. Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website and look for the Big Burn WMA permit application, or call the Northeast Louisiana office at (318) 371-3050 to request a permit by phone. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and specify the dates you are authorized to hunt. The permit system limits daily users to prevent overcrowding and protect habitat.

Fishing does not require a permit, but you must carry a valid Louisiana fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the LDWF website, at most sporting goods stores, or at bait shops in nearby towns. Bring your license with you and keep it accessible while fishing. The property has no staffed gate or check station, so compliance is on the honor system—follow all posted rules and statewide regulations.

Access Points and Boat Launch Information

Big Burn has no developed boat launch or parking area with facilities. Access is via private vehicle on levee roads and informal parking areas along the property boundary. Most anglers and hunters use private boats launched from nearby areas or wade from the levee into shallow water. The terrain is muddy and can be impassable after heavy rain, so check conditions before driving in and bring high-clearance or four-wheel-drive if possible.

The nearest developed boat launch is at Bayou Bartholomew Wildlife Management Area, about 15 miles south, which has a concrete ramp and parking. Some anglers launch there and motor upstream to Big Burn. If you plan to fish without a boat, wear waders and bring a walking stick—water depth and bottom composition vary, and cypress knees and submerged logs are common hazards. Cell service is spotty, so tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.

Regulations and License Requirements

All anglers must have a valid Louisiana fishing license. Resident annual licenses cost less than non-resident licenses; short-term options (3-day, 7-day) are available for visitors. Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Catfish have no minimum size but a daily limit of 25 fish per person. Panfish (bluegill, redear sunfish) have no size limit and a daily limit of 50 fish per person. Crappie have a 10-inch minimum and a daily limit of 25 fish.

Hunters must have a valid Louisiana hunting license and the appropriate stamps (duck stamp for waterfowl, deer stamp for deer, etc.). Non-residents pay higher license fees than residents. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Use only non-toxic shot for waterfowl. All hunters must wear hunter orange (blaze orange) during rifle season. Archery hunters do not require orange but must follow all other safety rules. Violating regulations can result in fines and loss of hunting privileges.

Best Times to Fish and Hunt Without Crowds

If you want to avoid other anglers and hunters, fish in late spring (May to early June) or late summer (August to early September). These periods fall between the spring spawn and fall migration, so fishing is slower, but you'll have the water largely to yourself. Weekday trips are quieter than weekends year-round. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (last two hours before sunset) are productive times for bass and catfish and see fewer people than midday.

For hunting, September and early October (early archery season) are much less crowded than November and December. If you hunt during the peak duck season (Thanksgiving week through New Year's), expect to share the property with other hunters. Weekday hunts are quieter than weekends. The property is closed to all use on certain maintenance days; check the LDWF website for the current schedule before planning your trip.

Nearby Towns and Services

Morehouse, Louisiana, is the closest town, about 8 miles south of Big Burn, with a few gas stations, a small grocery store, and a couple of restaurants. Bastrop, about 20 miles south, is larger and has more lodging options, including motels and bed-and-breakfasts, plus restaurants and a Walmart for supplies. Both towns have bait and tackle shops where you can buy fishing licenses, live bait, and gear if you forgot something.

There are no campgrounds or overnight facilities on Big Burn itself. Plan to stay in Morehouse or Bastrop and drive in for day trips. The drive from Bastrop to Big Burn is about 45 minutes. If you're coming from central Louisiana (Alexandria, Monroe), budget 1.5 to 2 hours of driving. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen—the swamp offers no shade in open water, and the sun reflects hard off the water in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fish at Big Burn?

No. Fishing does not require a permit, only a valid Louisiana fishing license. Hunting requires a free permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries during hunting season (September through January). You can obtain a hunting permit online or by phone before your trip.

Can I camp overnight on Big Burn?

No. Overnight camping is not permitted on the property. Stay in nearby Morehouse or Bastrop and plan day trips. The drive from Bastrop is about 45 minutes, and from Morehouse about 15 minutes.

What is the best time of year to fish for bass at Big Burn?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are most productive for largemouth bass. Summer bass are present but deeper and less active in heat. Winter fishing is slower but possible for anglers willing to fish deeper holes and channels.

Is there a boat launch at Big Burn?

No developed launch exists on Big Burn. Access is by private boat from nearby areas or by wading from the levee. The nearest developed launch is at Bayou Bartholomew Wildlife Management Area, about 15 miles south, which has a concrete ramp and parking.

What should I bring to fish Big Burn?

Bring a valid fishing license, your own boat or waders, a walking stick for wading, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Cell service is spotty, so tell someone where you're going. The terrain is muddy, so wear appropriate footwear and consider high-clearance or four-wheel-drive if accessing by vehicle.