General Information The Bayou State encompasses 44,520 square miles of wooded hills, cypress swamps, freshwater and brackish lakes, and fertile river basins along the Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi borders, and the scenic coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing villages bear evidence of a great water resource that supplies us with a large majority of our table fare and has an even greater recreational value. Alive with several distinct cultures, Louisiana combines a vibrant and festive atmosphere with the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors. Capital City: Baton Rouge Largest City: New Orleans National Parks and Forests: Kisatchie National Forest Jean Lafitte National Preserve Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Tensas River Wildlife Refuge Sport Fishing Fishing has been, and continues to be, a way of life for many in Louisiana. The many lakes, swamps, and bayous, and the Gulf of Mexico, provide the angler with many opportunities for a variety of game fish, of both the freshwater and saltwater variety. Largemouth bass, Florida bass, crappie, panfish, white bass, catfish, and striped bass are favorite species sought in the freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers and bayous of the state. The brackish water, tidal bays, and estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico are favorite spots for redfish and spotted sea trout. Farther offshore, reefs, shipwrecks, and oil rigs provide shelter for cobia, Spanish and king mackerel, dolphin, snapper, flounder, tarpon and a variety of fish species that boating anglers fish for. Hunting Louisiana's marshes, wooded hills, swamps and bayous support a number of animals and birds that are indigenous, as well as migratory, in nature. Populations of white-tailed deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and quail are some of the year-round inhabitants; waterfowl, doves and woodcock migrate to the wintering grounds in Louisiana and points south. The state has many Wildlife Management Areas and hunting preserves offering hunting opportunities to all who wish to participate. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources website.