06/02/2026
Aww bad news! The youth fishing rodeo has been canceled because of really high water levels. 😞
NOTICE: High Water Forces Cancellation of Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo Hosted at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, Steps taken to protect visitors and volunteers
Due to heavy rains the past couple of weeks and high water levels in the Pearl River the upcoming Youth Fishing Rodeo at the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge has been canceled. The Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail, youth fishing rodeo site location, has been underwater for over a week. In addition, water at the I-59 Service Road (Atlas Road), is impassable for vehicles in some locations. All areas must be assessed before reopening the site to public access.
With the Pearl River still running high and more rain forecast throughout the week, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s youth fishing rodeo. This action has been taken for the safety of Refuge visitors and the volunteers and staff who work the event.
If you had a child(ren) registered for the event, please be patient as the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc., the Refuge’s support group, will be reaching out about reimbursement of
registration fee(s). Your patience is appreciated. If you have questions please reach out to the Friends at [email protected]. River levels on the Pearl River can be checked through the National Weather Service office in
Slidell, Louisiana at 985-649-0357, select option 1, then option 3, then 2 or at Pearl River near Pearl River.
Boaters are advised to use extreme caution during high river levels.
For more information, please contact the refuge headquarters at 985/882-2000.
USFWS Photo of the pavilion under water at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk & Trail the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge; site of the youth fishing rodeo.
