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Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices are LDWF license fees. Online purchases add a small handling fee (amount not stated).
How long annual licenses last: Annual licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase. Online buyers can choose automatic renewal. Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident basic fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $68 | Official source |
| Non-resident basic plus saltwater license | FreshSalt | Annual | $128 |
Includes: Basic ($68) plus saltwater ($60). Official source2 |
| Non-resident 5-day basic fishing license | Fresh | 5 days | $30 | Official source |
| Non-resident 5-day basic plus saltwater license | FreshSalt | 5 days | $60 |
Includes: 5-day basic ($30) plus 5-day saltwater ($30). Official source2 |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Non-resident infant lifetime hunting and fishing license Under 3 | FreshSalt | Lifetime | $1,000 | Official source |
| Non-resident lifetime hunting and fishing license Ages 3+ | FreshSalt | Lifetime | $4,000 |
Includes: Hunting and fishing, with deer and turkey tags. Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Charter passenger saltwater license (3 days, non-resident) | FreshSalt | 3 days | $20 |
Only for: Only for fishing from a charter vessel in saltwater areas with a licensed guide aboard. Official source2 |
| Charter passenger freshwater license (3 days, non-resident) | Fresh | 3 days | $10 |
Only for: Only for fishing on a guided charter in fresh water. Official source |
| Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise license (non-resident) | FreshSalt | Annual | $400 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing package. The calculator quotes fishing-only licenses. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident basic fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $17 |
Covers all legal freshwater gear. Also sold at this price to active-duty military and students. Official source |
| Resident basic plus saltwater license | FreshSalt | Annual | $32 |
Includes: Basic fishing license ($17) plus saltwater license ($15); the saltwater license can only be used with a basic license. Official source2 |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Senior hunting and fishing license (resident) Ages 65–86 | FreshSalt | Annual | $5 |
Louisiana residents born from June 1, 1940 to May 31, 1962. Replaces the basic and saltwater licenses. Official source2 |
| No-fee senior hunting and fishing license (resident) Ages 87+ | FreshSalt | Lifetime | Free |
Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940 who have lived in the state for 6 months. Free, but must be held and carried. Official source23 |
| Resident infant lifetime hunting and fishing license Under 3 | FreshSalt | Lifetime | $500 | Official source |
| Resident lifetime hunting and fishing license Ages 3–64 | FreshSalt | Lifetime | $500 |
Includes: Hunting and fishing, with deer and turkey tags. Official source |
| Resident senior lifetime hunting and fishing license Ages 65+ | FreshSalt | Lifetime | $100 |
Includes: Hunting and fishing, with deer and turkey tags. Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Charter passenger saltwater license (3 days) | FreshSalt | 3 days | $20 |
Only for: Only for fishing from a charter vessel in saltwater areas with a licensed guide aboard. Official source2 |
| Charter passenger freshwater license (3 days) | Fresh | 3 days | $10 |
Only for: Only for fishing on a guided charter in fresh water. Official source |
| Hook and line license (resident) | Fresh | Annual | $5 |
Only for: Only for a pole or line with no reel and no artificial bait (cane pole fishing). Official source2 |
| Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise license (resident) | FreshSalt | Annual | $100 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing package. The calculator quotes fishing-only licenses. Official source |
| Reduced-rate fishing license for residents with qualifying disabilities | FreshSalt | Annual | $4 |
Only for: Residents who are blind, paraplegic, amputees, need permanent braces or artificial limbs, or are totally and permanently disabled with qualifying federal benefits. Apply to LDWF in Baton Rouge. Secondary source: Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations) |
| Retired or honorably discharged military hunting and fishing license | FreshSalt | Annual | $20 |
Only for: Louisiana-resident military retirees and honorably discharged veterans. Apply by mail or in person in Baton Rouge. Secondary source: Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations) |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP)
FreeFree. Needed by private anglers 18 or over who keep tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper, snapper, hind, cobia, wahoo or dolphinfish. Charter clients are covered by the captain's permit.
Everyone · salt water Official source2
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone aged 17 or under (residents and non-residents)
FreshSalt Everyone Official source
-
Louisiana-resident veterans with a permanent service-connected disability rating of 50% or more (no-fee basic and saltwater licenses)
FreshSalt Residents · check this applies to you Secondary source: Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations)
-
Texas residents aged 65 or over holding a valid Texas resident license (fresh and salt water, following Louisiana law)
FreshSalt Non-residents · check this applies to you Secondary source: Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations)
-
Anyone during Free Fishing Weekend (one weekend in June)
FreshSalt Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Louisiana, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with LDWF before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
The rule: One weekend in June, set by LDWF.
Residents and visitors can fish without a license. Size, season, creel and gear rules still apply, and the free ROLP is still needed for offshore species. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- You must have lived in Louisiana continuously for the 6 months before applying, have Louisiana as your legal home, and show a Louisiana driver's license or ID. Where they apply, you must also be registered to vote, register vehicles and file income tax in Louisiana. Holding a resident license from another state disqualifies you. (at least 180 days)
- Military
- Active-duty military (including National Guard) and their spouses and dependents with a valid military ID can buy at resident rates.
- Students
- Students pay resident rates (listed under 'Resident, Military and Student').
How to buy a Louisiana fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online at louisianaoutdoors.com (small handling fee), at license retailers and at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge. Military, disability and lifetime licenses are applied for separately.
- Online
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries license sales
- Phone
- 225-765-2898
- App
- LA Wallet (Louisiana residents with a Louisiana driver's license or ID)
- License on your phone
- Accepted
- ID needed
- Louisiana driver's license or ID for resident rates.
Online buyers get a temporary authorization number by text and a PDF by email to print or save; nothing is mailed. Replacements cost $2; online purchases can be reprinted free.
A saltwater license is needed south of the saltwater line if you may catch saltwater species. Fishing there for freshwater species only needs just the basic license.
Senior license prices depend on birth date, not age: residents born before June 1, 1940 get a free senior license; those born June 1, 1940 to May 31, 1962 pay $5. LDWF's fee list shows no senior rate for anyone born later.
LDWF lists cheaper non-resident 'native' basic ($17) and saltwater ($15) licenses but its pages do not set out who qualifies; ask LDWF.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Passengers need a license: either their own basic (plus saltwater) license or a 3-day charter passenger license ($20 salt, $10 fresh). Charter clients don't need a ROLP because the captain's charter permit covers them.
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check LDWF's rules before you book.
Border waters
Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine River, Sabine Lake and Sabine Pass (Texas border)
Louisiana and Texas residents with resident licenses from their home state (or exempt from one) can fish these waters without another license. Texas residents 65 or over with a Texas resident license may fish all Louisiana public waters. Secondary source: Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations)
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check LDWF's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide freshwater limits and saltwater limits for Louisiana state waters (LDWF). Many freshwater lakes have their own rules; federal waters may differ. Freshwater: no more than twice the daily limit in possession. Saltwater: possession equals the daily limit unless noted (two days' limit of red drum and seatrout allowed on land).
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth and spotted) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 10 | – |
| Many waters differ, e.g. lower Atchafalaya Basin (from Aug 1, 2026: 12" minimum, 5 a day), Toledo Bend, Caddo Lake. Below US 90, possession may be three times the daily limit. Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie (black and white) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 50 | – |
| Possession 100. Lower Atchafalaya Basin from Aug 1, 2026: 8" minimum, 25 a day. Official source Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Sunfish (bream) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | No limit | – |
| Official source | ||||
| White bass and yellow bass Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 50 each | – |
| Toledo Bend: white bass 25 a day. Official source | ||||
| Striped and hybrid striped bass Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 5; no more than 2 over 30" | – |
| Official source Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Blue, channel and flathead catfish Fresh | Statewide | Blue 12", channel 11", flathead 14" minimum | 100 in total | – |
| Up to 25 undersized catfish may be kept in total. Toledo Bend and Caddo Lake have their own rules. Official source Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Red drum Salt | State waters | 18" to 27" | 4; none over 27" | Year-round |
| Two daily limits allowed on land, but not on the water. Federal waters are closed to keeping red drum. Charter captain and crew may not keep any. Official source Red drum (redfish) limits in other states | ||||
| Spotted seatrout Salt | State waters | 13" to 20" | 15; no more than 2 over 20" | Year-round |
| Charter captain and crew limit is zero. Official source Spotted seatrout limits in other states | ||||
| Southern flounder Salt | State waters | No minimum | 10 | Closed October 15 to November 30 |
| Official source Flounder limits in other states | ||||
| Black drum Salt | State waters | 16" to 27" | 5; no more than 1 over 27" | Year-round |
| Official source | ||||
| Sheepshead Salt | State waters | No minimum | No limit | Year-round |
| Official source | ||||
| Cobia Salt | State waters | 36" fork length | 1; 2 per vessel | Year-round |
| Official source Cobia limits in other states | ||||
| King mackerel Salt | State waters | 24" fork length | 3 | Year-round |
| Official source | ||||
| Spanish mackerel Salt | State waters | 12" fork length | 15 | Year-round |
| Official source | ||||
| Red snapper Salt | Set each year: check here. Season set each year and was closed when checked (November 2026); 16" minimum and 4 a day when open. Federal waters may differ. Check LDWF before fishing. ROLP needed. | |||
| Greater amberjack Salt | Set each year: check here. Short seasons (2026: September 1 to October 14), 34" fork length, 1 a day. Check LDWF and federal rules before fishing. ROLP needed. | |||
| Gray triggerfish Salt | Set each year: check here. Seasons close when quotas are met. Check LDWF before fishing. ROLP needed. | |||
| Groupers Salt | Set each year: check here. Several species with different seasons and closures, some quota-based. Check LDWF before fishing. ROLP needed. | |||
| Tunas Salt | Set each year: check here. Federal rules change often and may override state rules. Check LDWF and NOAA before fishing. ROLP needed. | |||
Compare Louisiana with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Louisiana?
Yes, if you are 18 or older and fish public waters in Louisiana, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone aged 17 or under (residents and non-residents).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Louisiana?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $30 for one day (Non-resident 5-day basic fishing license); $60 for seven days (2 x Non-resident 5-day basic fishing license); $68 for a year (Non-resident basic fishing license). Listed prices are LDWF license fees. Online purchases add a small handling fee (amount not stated).
Do seniors need a fishing license in Louisiana?
Senior options for residents: No-fee senior hunting and fishing license (resident): Free (ages 87+); Resident senior lifetime hunting and fishing license: $100 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Louisiana?
Buy it from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: Sold online at louisianaoutdoors.com (small handling fee), at license retailers and at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge. Military, disability and lifetime licenses are applied for separately.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Louisiana?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Passengers need a license: either their own basic (plus saltwater) license or a 3-day charter passenger license ($20 salt, $10 fresh). Charter clients don't need a ROLP because the captain's charter permit covers them.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 7 source pages
- wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/saltwater-seasons-limits
- www.eregulations.com/louisiana/fishing/license-information
- www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/freshwater-creel-size-limits
- www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/louisianas-annual-free-fishing-weekend-to-be-held-june-67
- www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/license-and-permit-fee-list
- www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-fishing-licenses-and-permits
- Louisiana fishing regulations 2026 (eRegulations) secondary
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