The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently assisted the Red River Waterway Commission in stocking 58,500 largemouth bass into four navigation pools along the Red River, including waters near Coushatta in Red River Parish.

The stocking took place over a two-week period in Pools 1, 2, 3 and 4, covering portions of the river from the Marksville area north through Alexandria, Natchitoches and Coushatta. Pool 4 includes the Red River Parish area, making the project especially beneficial to local anglers.

The bass, measuring approximately 4 to 6 inches long, were purchased by the Red River Waterway Commission from American Sportfish Hatchery in Montgomery, Alabama. LDWF Inland Fisheries biologists assisted with releasing the fish into the river.

The effort is designed to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and strengthen the largemouth bass population throughout the Red River.

Pool 5, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier area, is scheduled to receive additional bass next week.