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Do You Need a Fishing License in Louisiana?
Yes. Anyone 18 through 59 must have a fishing license to fish in Louisiana public waters. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) issues all licenses under its modernized 2022 license structure.
Residents under 18 and 60 or older fish free with proof of age. Saltwater fishing requires a separate Saltwater License in addition to the basic fishing license.
A Charter Passenger License covers anglers fishing on licensed charter boats without buying individual licenses.
How Much Does a Louisiana Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident Basic Fishing License: $17. Resident Saltwater License: $15 (add-on). Combination Basic + Saltwater: $32. Non-Resident Basic: $60. Non-Resident Saltwater add-on: $30.
Non-Resident 1-day Basic: $5. Non-Resident 1-day Saltwater add-on: $17.50. Non-Resident Charter Passenger 1-day: $10. Resident senior (60+) Hunt+Fish combo: free.
Wild Louisiana Stamp ($5.50) is required for fishing in LDWF-managed wildlife management areas if not buying a hunting license.
Where to Buy a Louisiana Fishing License
Online at louisianaoutdoors.com is fastest, delivering an instant digital license to your phone or printer. Mobile licenses are accepted by LDWF agents.
Walk-in vendors include Bass Pro, Academy Sports, Walmart, all Rouses Markets, and over 600 independent bait shops and tackle stores. The LDWF vendor locator lists every retailer.
LDWF offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Monroe, and Pineville sell licenses Monday through Friday.
Free Fishing Days in Louisiana
Louisiana's Free Fishing Weekend in 2026 is Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14. No fishing license is required during the event, including no Saltwater License.
Both residents and non-residents fish free statewide. All bag, size, and seasonal limits remain in effect.
LDWF and Get Outdoors Louisiana host events at urban fishing ponds and state parks like Bayou Segnette and Fontainebleau with loaner equipment for kids.
Key Louisiana Fishing Regulations You Need to Know
Redfish (red drum) limit is 5 daily with a 16-inch minimum and only 1 over 27 inches. Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) limit is 15 daily statewide with a 13-inch minimum.
Largemouth bass limit is 10 daily statewide with no minimum length (5 bass under 14 inches and 5 over 14 inches in some lakes like Toledo Bend).
Saltwater anglers should know Louisiana's tag program: tarpon, certain billfish, and cobia have specific reporting and tagging requirements. Sheepshead and black drum have separate creel limits.
Best Fishing Spots in Louisiana
Venice (Plaquemines Parish) is the offshore fishing capital of Louisiana with yellowfin tuna, marlin, wahoo, and snapper minutes from the marina. Inshore, the Mississippi River Delta produces trophy redfish and trout.
Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas border has held Bassmaster's #1 bass lake ranking and is the state's top largemouth destination. Caney Lake holds Louisiana's bass record (15.97 pounds).
Calcasieu Lake near Lake Charles is the speckled trout capital of Louisiana. Grand Isle is the best surf and shore saltwater destination in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resident Basic is $17, with a $15 Saltwater add-on. Non-resident Basic is $60 with a $30 Saltwater add-on. Non-resident 1-day licenses start at $5 (Basic) plus $17.50 (Saltwater).
Yes. The Saltwater License is required in addition to a Basic Fishing License to fish coastal waters. Residents pay $15, non-residents pay $30 on top of the base license.
Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14, 2026. Both residents and non-residents fish without any license, including no Saltwater License required. Limits still apply.
Residents 60 and older fish free with proof of age. Non-residents pay full price regardless of age. Residents born before June 1, 1940 are exempt entirely.
Online at louisianaoutdoors.com for instant digital delivery, at LDWF offices, or at Bass Pro, Academy, Walmart, Rouses, and 600+ local vendors statewide.
Five redfish daily with a 16-inch minimum, and only one over 27 inches per angler. Louisiana has strict slot rules to protect breeding-size bull reds.