FishingLicenseCheck

Louisiana fishing license

Louisiana requires a recreational fishing license from age 18. The state licenses freshwater and saltwater fishing. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries runs licenses from the date of purchase rather than on a license year: "Licenses and permits will be valid for one year from the day of purchase, EXCEPT HIP Certification, WMA Camping Permit, Hunting Preserve, ALL Trip licenses, Federal Duck Stamp, and Deer/Turkey Tags" (2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations, Licensing).

Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries · Reviewed July 30, 2026

Your trip in Louisiana

Special circumstances that can change the answer

Your likely official license

Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Louisiana, the official match is Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day).

Published cost for this trip$30
  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day)$30 · Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.

What it covers

  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day) — freshwater. LDWF recreational fishing fee table: Basic Fishing License, Non-Resident 5-day $30.00.Limits on this license: Add the 5-day Saltwater License ($30) to fish south of the saltwater line or take saltwater species.

Required add-ons

No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.

Why this answer

  1. You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
  2. Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day) covers the full trip: Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.
Other options you are eligible for
  • Charter Passenger Freshwater License (3-day) — $10 for this trip · Trip license valid for three days.Valid to fish from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board.
  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident) — $68 for this trip · Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.Does not authorize saltwater fishing. If fishing south of the saltwater line, or taking saltwater species, a Saltwater License is also required.
  • LA Sportsman's Paradise License (Non-Resident) — $400 for this trip · Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.Includes Basic Hunting, Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (except recreational trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).
  • Non-Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish License — $4,000 for this trip · Lifetime license.Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Reduced-fee and free licenses, if you qualify (2, from No charge)

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers these to anglers who meet specific criteria — such as a disability, veteran or military status, low income, or tribal membership. We cannot check whether they apply to you, so they are never used as the answer above.

  • Disabled Veterans Hunting/Fishing License — No charge · Requires a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more. Application forms are at wlf.la.gov/page/forms and must be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office.
  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident Native 10-day) — $17 · LDWF publishes this rate in a "Non-Resident Native 10-day" column; the fetched LDWF pages do not define the qualifying test for "Native", so confirm eligibility with LDWF before relying on this rate.

Exceptions that may change it

  • Louisiana's most recently published free fishing days were June 6, 2026 (Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend (day 1 of 2)) and June 7, 2026 (Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend (day 2 of 2)); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day): Add the 5-day Saltwater License ($30) to fish south of the saltwater line or take saltwater species.
  • Louisiana residents born prior to June 1, 1940 pay no fee to hunt or fish, but they hold a Resident No-Charge Senior Hunt/Fish License rather than being licence-free.
  • A veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more can be issued no-fee recreational basic and saltwater fishing licenses.
  • Active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, including the National Guard, may purchase annual licenses at the same fee that Louisiana residents pay, and their spouses and dependents may obtain any recreational license at the Louisiana resident rate.
  • Louisiana and Texas residents who hold resident licenses from their own state, or who are exempted from holding resident licenses in their state, may fish the border waters between Texas and Louisiana (Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine River, Sabine Lake and Sabine Pass) without additional licenses.
  • Anglers going on a charter trip are not required to have their own Recreational Offshore Landing Permit; a Charter ROLP held by the captain covers all paying anglers on the trip.
  • This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
Buy on the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries site

We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.

Check current Louisiana regulations

Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.

Validity
"Licenses and permits will be valid for one year from the day of purchase, EXCEPT HIP Certification, WMA Camping Permit, Hunting Preserve, ALL Trip licenses, Federal Duck Stamp, and Deer/Turkey Tags" (2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations, Licensing).
Reviewed
July 30, 2026

Answers at a glance

Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.

Visiting for a day

Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day

Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day)

$30

Resident for the season

Adult Louisiana resident · freshwater · all year

Basic Fishing License (Resident)

$17

Visiting for a saltwater day

Adult visiting from another state · saltwater · one day

Saltwater License (Non-Resident 5-day) plus Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day)

$60

Age and residency rules

Who counts as a resident. Bona Fide Resident: any person who has resided in this state continuously during the six months immediately prior to the date on which he/she applies for any license and who has manifested his/her intent to remain in this state by establishing Louisiana as his/her legal domicile, as demonstrated by compliance with all of the following, as applicable: if registered to vote, registered in Louisiana; if licensed to drive, in possession of a valid Louisiana driver's license; if owning a motor vehicle located in Louisiana, in possession of a valid Louisiana registration for it; and if earning an income, has filed a Louisiana state income tax return. Any person who possesses a resident license from any other state shall not qualify for a resident license in Louisiana.

Age-based rules

  • Children under the age of 18 do not need a fishing license (17 and under).
  • Texas residents only: a Texas resident who is 65 years old or older may fish in Louisiana public waters, both freshwater and saltwater, without buying Louisiana licenses. Nonresidents from any other state get no senior exemption and need the regular non-resident licenses. Still required: They must possess valid Texas resident license(s) and comply with Louisiana law.

License options

LicenseWhoWaterValid forPrice
Basic Fishing License (Resident)Does not authorize saltwater fishing. If fishing south of Louisiana's designated saltwater line, or taking saltwater species, a Saltwater License is also required.ResidentAnglers 18 years of age or older need a license; children under the age of 18 do not.freshwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$17
Saltwater License (Resident)A Basic Fishing License ($17 resident) must be held with this licence, so the resident total to fish saltwater is $32. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $32.ResidentAnglers 18 years of age or older.saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$15
Hook and Line License (Resident)Allows using a pole or hook and line without a reel and without artificial bait, or any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets or crab lines. Fishing with a rod and reel or artificial bait requires the Basic Fishing License instead.ResidentAnglers 18 years of age or older.freshwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$5
Resident No-Charge Senior Hunt/Fish License (born before June 1, 1940)No fee, but the licence itself is still required and must be carried in possession when hunting or fishing, including on Texas-Louisiana border waters.ResidentFor residents born prior to June 1, 1940. LDWF states the rule by birth date, not by an age number: born_on_or_before encodes the cut-off, and the engine grants it only when the stated age guarantees a birth date on or before May 31, 1940. min_age 86 is the derived floor for the 2026 licence period; an 86-year-old born after the cut-off is instead served the $5 Senior Fish/Hunt License.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.No charge
Senior Fish/Hunt License (resident age 60+, born after June 1, 1940)This license is in lieu of Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, LA Duck License, Turkey Stamp and WMA Access Permit, and it includes all gear.ResidentAny resident who reached age 60 on June 1, 2000 or later must obtain a Senior Hunt/Fish License to hunt or fish.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$5
Disabled Veterans Hunting/Fishing LicenseRequires a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more. Application forms are at wlf.la.gov/page/forms and must be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office.Resident or visitorLDWF publishes no age band for this license.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.No charge
Disabled/Special Needs Hunting/Fishing LicenseResidents who are blind, paraplegic or a multiple amputee, residents who need one or more artificial limbs or permanent braces for mobility or are a single amputee, and residents who are totally and permanently disabled and receive federal social security disability benefits (or qualifying railroad/public-employee disability retirement) must purchase a recreational fishing license for $4. This does not apply to Supplemental Security Income benefits. Applications can be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office.ResidentLDWF publishes no age band for this license.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$4
Resident Honorably Discharged Hunt/Fish LicenseA Louisiana resident honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces (including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard), and a Louisiana resident or native-born retired member of the U.S. armed forces, may purchase this combination hunting and fishing license for $20 upon application to the Baton Rouge office.ResidentLDWF publishes no age band for this license.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$20
LA Sportsman's Paradise License (Resident)Includes Basic Hunting, Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (except recreational trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).ResidentAnglers 18 years of age or older.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$100
Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish LicenseLifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Applicants must have lived in Louisiana for the immediate 6 months prior to application to qualify for resident rates and must supply the documents LDWF specifies.ResidentAll ages.freshwater and saltwaterLifetime license.$500
Lifetime Resident Senior Hunt/Fish License (65 or older)Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.Resident65 or older.freshwater and saltwaterLifetime license.$100
Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident)Does not authorize saltwater fishing. If fishing south of the saltwater line, or taking saltwater species, a Saltwater License is also required.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.freshwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$68
Saltwater License (Non-Resident)A Basic Fishing License ($68 non-resident) must be held with this licence, so the non-resident annual total to fish saltwater is $128. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $128.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$60
Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day)Add the 5-day Saltwater License ($30) to fish south of the saltwater line or take saltwater species.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.freshwaterTrip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.$30
Saltwater License (Non-Resident 5-day)A Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day, $30) must be held with this licence, so the non-resident 5-day total to fish saltwater is $60. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $60.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.saltwaterTrip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.$30
Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident Native 10-day)LDWF publishes this rate in a "Non-Resident Native 10-day" column; the fetched LDWF pages do not define the qualifying test for "Native", so confirm eligibility with LDWF before relying on this rate.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.freshwaterTrip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.$17
Saltwater License (Non-Resident Native 10-day)A Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident Native 10-day, $17) must be held with this licence, so the 10-day saltwater total is $32. LDWF does not define the qualifying test for "Native" on the fetched pages.Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.saltwaterTrip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.$15
LA Sportsman's Paradise License (Non-Resident)Includes Basic Hunting, Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (except recreational trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).Non-residentAnglers 18 years of age or older.freshwater and saltwaterAnnual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.$400
Non-Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish LicenseLifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.Non-residentAll ages.freshwater and saltwaterLifetime license.$4,000
Charter Passenger Saltwater License (3-day)Valid to fish from a charter vessel in saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times.Resident or visitorAnglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.saltwaterTrip license valid for three days.$20
Charter Passenger Freshwater License (3-day)Valid to fish from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board.Resident or visitorAnglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.freshwaterTrip license valid for three days.$10

  • Basic Fishing License (Resident)

    Does not authorize saltwater fishing. If fishing south of Louisiana's designated saltwater line, or taking saltwater species, a Saltwater License is also required.

    Who
    Resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older need a license; children under the age of 18 do not.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $17

  • Saltwater License (Resident)

    A Basic Fishing License ($17 resident) must be held with this licence, so the resident total to fish saltwater is $32. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $32.

    Who
    Resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $15

  • Hook and Line License (Resident)

    Allows using a pole or hook and line without a reel and without artificial bait, or any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets or crab lines. Fishing with a rod and reel or artificial bait requires the Basic Fishing License instead.

    Who
    Resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $5

  • Resident No-Charge Senior Hunt/Fish License (born before June 1, 1940)

    No fee, but the licence itself is still required and must be carried in possession when hunting or fishing, including on Texas-Louisiana border waters.

    Who
    Resident · For residents born prior to June 1, 1940. LDWF states the rule by birth date, not by an age number: born_on_or_before encodes the cut-off, and the engine grants it only when the stated age guarantees a birth date on or before May 31, 1940. min_age 86 is the derived floor for the 2026 licence period; an 86-year-old born after the cut-off is instead served the $5 Senior Fish/Hunt License.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    No charge

  • Senior Fish/Hunt License (resident age 60+, born after June 1, 1940)

    This license is in lieu of Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, LA Duck License, Turkey Stamp and WMA Access Permit, and it includes all gear.

    Who
    Resident · Any resident who reached age 60 on June 1, 2000 or later must obtain a Senior Hunt/Fish License to hunt or fish.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $5

  • Disabled Veterans Hunting/Fishing License

    Requires a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more. Application forms are at wlf.la.gov/page/forms and must be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office.

    Who
    Resident or visitor · LDWF publishes no age band for this license.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    No charge

  • Disabled/Special Needs Hunting/Fishing License

    Residents who are blind, paraplegic or a multiple amputee, residents who need one or more artificial limbs or permanent braces for mobility or are a single amputee, and residents who are totally and permanently disabled and receive federal social security disability benefits (or qualifying railroad/public-employee disability retirement) must purchase a recreational fishing license for $4. This does not apply to Supplemental Security Income benefits. Applications can be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office.

    Who
    Resident · LDWF publishes no age band for this license.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $4

  • Resident Honorably Discharged Hunt/Fish License

    A Louisiana resident honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces (including the Louisiana Army or Air National Guard), and a Louisiana resident or native-born retired member of the U.S. armed forces, may purchase this combination hunting and fishing license for $20 upon application to the Baton Rouge office.

    Who
    Resident · LDWF publishes no age band for this license.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $20

  • LA Sportsman's Paradise License (Resident)

    Includes Basic Hunting, Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (except recreational trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).

    Who
    Resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $100

  • Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish License

    Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Applicants must have lived in Louisiana for the immediate 6 months prior to application to qualify for resident rates and must supply the documents LDWF specifies.

    Who
    Resident · All ages.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Lifetime license.
    Price
    $500

  • Lifetime Resident Senior Hunt/Fish License (65 or older)

    Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

    Who
    Resident · 65 or older.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Lifetime license.
    Price
    $100

  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident)

    Does not authorize saltwater fishing. If fishing south of the saltwater line, or taking saltwater species, a Saltwater License is also required.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $68

  • Saltwater License (Non-Resident)

    A Basic Fishing License ($68 non-resident) must be held with this licence, so the non-resident annual total to fish saltwater is $128. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $128.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $60

  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day)

    Add the 5-day Saltwater License ($30) to fish south of the saltwater line or take saltwater species.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.
    Price
    $30

  • Saltwater License (Non-Resident 5-day)

    A Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident 5-day, $30) must be held with this licence, so the non-resident 5-day total to fish saltwater is $60. One Basic Fishing License covers both waters — a fresh-and-saltwater trip is still $60.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    saltwater
    Valid for
    Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.
    Price
    $30

  • Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident Native 10-day)

    LDWF publishes this rate in a "Non-Resident Native 10-day" column; the fetched LDWF pages do not define the qualifying test for "Native", so confirm eligibility with LDWF before relying on this rate.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.
    Price
    $17

  • Saltwater License (Non-Resident Native 10-day)

    A Basic Fishing License (Non-Resident Native 10-day, $17) must be held with this licence, so the 10-day saltwater total is $32. LDWF does not define the qualifying test for "Native" on the fetched pages.

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    saltwater
    Valid for
    Trip license; the one-year validity rule does not apply to trip licenses.
    Price
    $15

  • LA Sportsman's Paradise License (Non-Resident)

    Includes Basic Hunting, Basic and Saltwater Fishing, Deer License, Turkey, LA Duck and WMA Access Permit, and all recreational gear licenses (except recreational trawls no greater than 25 feet in length).

    Who
    Non-resident · Anglers 18 years of age or older.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
    Price
    $400

  • Non-Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish License

    Lifetime fishing licenses include both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

    Who
    Non-resident · All ages.
    Water
    freshwater and saltwater
    Valid for
    Lifetime license.
    Price
    $4,000

  • Charter Passenger Saltwater License (3-day)

    Valid to fish from a charter vessel in saltwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times.

    Who
    Resident or visitor · Anglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.
    Water
    saltwater
    Valid for
    Trip license valid for three days.
    Price
    $20

  • Charter Passenger Freshwater License (3-day)

    Valid to fish from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board.

    Who
    Resident or visitor · Anglers 18 years of age or older; children under 18 do not need a license.
    Water
    freshwater
    Valid for
    Trip license valid for three days.
    Price
    $10

Freshwater and saltwater

Louisiana licenses freshwater and saltwater fishing. Check which waters your license covers before you fish — a freshwater license does not cover saltwater unless the option explicitly says it does.

State license vs federal registry. Louisiana appears on NOAA Fisheries' list of exempt states. Recreational anglers who possess a valid Louisiana saltwater recreational fishing licence do not need to register through the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Separate federal Atlantic HMS permits ($24) still apply to vessels fishing for tunas, billfishes, swordfish and sharks.

Stamps, endorsements and report cards

  • Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) — no fee — Recreational anglers who are 18 years of age or older and charter captains are required to obtain this no-fee permit to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, hinds, snappers, dolphinfish, wahoo, cobia and gray triggerfish. Anglers going on a charter trip are not required to have a ROLP; instead the charter captain must hold a valid Charter Recreational Offshore Landing Permit, which covers all paying anglers on the trip. · No charge · this is a report card or registration, not a paid stamp
  • Recreational Saltwater Bowfishing Permit — no fee — Required of all anglers aged 18 years and older taking or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear, or engaging in bowfishing activity south of the designated saltwater line. Anglers under 18 and anglers on a charter boat as clients are not required to have one. · No charge · this is a report card or registration, not a paid stamp
  • WMA Access Annual Permit — Required for all users of LDWF-administered lands, including wildlife management areas, refuges and wetlands conservation areas. Not required for persons 17 and under, and included in the Sportsman's Paradise License, the Senior Hunt/Fish License and all lifetime licenses. A 5-day version is $5. · $20

Exemptions worth knowing

  • Louisiana residents born prior to June 1, 1940 pay no fee to hunt or fish, but they hold a Resident No-Charge Senior Hunt/Fish License rather than being licence-free. Still required: The no-fee Resident Senior Hunt/Fish License must still be obtained and carried in possession when hunting or fishing, including when fishing Texas-Louisiana border waters.
  • During Louisiana's annual Free Fishing Weekend, residents and visitors may fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. All size, season, catch limit and gear regulations remain in effect. Still required: A free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit is still needed to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish and gray triggerfish; register at the ROLP site and choose the "Free Fishing Weekend" license type.
  • A veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50% or more can be issued no-fee recreational basic and saltwater fishing licenses. Still required: The no-fee licenses must still be applied for. Application forms are at wlf.la.gov/page/forms and can be mailed to or presented at the Baton Rouge office; contact Sports License at 225-765-2887.
  • Active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, including the National Guard, may purchase annual licenses at the same fee that Louisiana residents pay, and their spouses and dependents may obtain any recreational license at the Louisiana resident rate. Still required: This is a reduced rate, not a licence waiver: the licence must still be bought, and a valid active-duty military ID card must be presented at the time of purchase.
  • Louisiana and Texas residents who hold resident licenses from their own state, or who are exempted from holding resident licenses in their state, may fish the border waters between Texas and Louisiana (Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine River, Sabine Lake and Sabine Pass) without additional licenses. Still required: You must hold (and carry) the resident licence issued by your own state; Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940 must carry the Resident No-Fee Senior Hunt/Fish License to fish border waters.
  • Anglers going on a charter trip are not required to have their own Recreational Offshore Landing Permit; a Charter ROLP held by the captain covers all paying anglers on the trip. Still required: The charter captain must have a valid Charter Recreational Offshore Landing Permit in his/her possession, and passengers still need their own fishing licence (Basic plus Saltwater, or a 3-day Charter Passenger Saltwater License).

Free fishing days

  • Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend (day 1 of 2) — June 6, 2026. No fishing license required; all size, season, catch limit and gear regulations still apply, and a free Free-Fishing-Weekend ROLP is still needed for the listed offshore species.
  • Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend (day 2 of 2) — June 7, 2026. No fishing license required; all size, season, catch limit and gear regulations still apply, and a free Free-Fishing-Weekend ROLP is still needed for the listed offshore species.

Where this comes from

Primary source
2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (updated July 10, 2026) — Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Retrieved
July 26, 2026
Reviewed
July 30, 2026
Also consulted

Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.

Nearby states

Licenses are issued state by state — a Louisiana license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.

Across all states