The Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) presents a celebration of recreational fishing along the river. Registration is open for our first ever Catfish Rodeo & Cook-off. The event is set to take place on Sunday, November 5th from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. along the Vermilion, including Beaver Park and Rotary Point, with the cook-off culminating at Vermilionville. The Department of Environmental Quality has released results stating that the Vermilion can be used for secondary contact (fishing), and there are no eating restrictions on the fish caught in the river.

So, let’s enjoy!

As November is the best month for catfishing, we’ve teamed up with Wildlife & Fisheries to stock the river with bass and catfish at multiple locations. There will be two categories for the Catfish Rodeo portion of the event - 16 & younger and 17 & older. Participants are allowed to utilize either paddle crafts or motorized boats. Also, we want to know who can prepare the best catfish dish during the cook-off. The cost to participate is $25 for both events. Cook-off participants should bring their own 10 x 10 tent, cooking utensils, ingredients and five-gallon water jugs for cooking. We will provide the catfish, water for cleaning and tasting bowls/utensils.

We'll have prizes, activities for kids, live music, a chance to win a kayak from Pack & Paddle and adult beverages for purchase. And, if you’re interested, we have several volunteer slots available to assist at check-in points, weigh-in stations and to help kids with their arts & crafts. To volunteer, please contact outreach@BayouVermilionDistrict.org or 337.233.4077 x. 207.

Whether casting is your calling or if you cook up a mean courtbouillon, we want to see you on the Vermilion in the Fall. Come and celebrate everything catfish with us! For additional information, please call Emile at 337.706.2805 or Greg at 337.233.4077 x.215.