Louisiana · Fishing license
Louisiana fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 18 or older needs one.
A year costs $17 if you live here and $68 if you don't. Just passing through? Charter passenger freshwater, 3 days costs $10. The saltwater licence only works together with the basic fishing licence — count both.
There is a free option: Senior hunting and fishing (born before 1 June 1940). Free.
What it costs
If you live in Louisiana
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic fishingCovers every legal method for freshwater species. | $17 |
| SaltwaterOnly sold on top of the basic fishing licence, and needed south of the saltwater line. 7.50 of it funds LA Creel. | $15 |
| Hook and line (cane pole, roadside crabbing)The cheap option if you fish with a pole and no reel. | $5 |
| Senior hunting and fishing (born before 1 June 1940)Free. | Free |
| Senior hunting and fishing (born 1 June 1940 to 31 May 1962) | $5 |
| Charter passenger saltwater, 3 daysFor anglers on a licensed charter boat. | $20 |
| Charter passenger freshwater, 3 days | $10 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic fishing | $68 |
| SaltwaterOn top of the basic fishing licence. | $60 |
| Charter passenger saltwater, 3 daysSame price as for residents. | $20 |
| Charter passenger freshwater, 3 daysSame price as for residents. | $10 |
Saltwater is not a licence of its own here: LDWF sells it only on top of the basic fishing licence. Fishing salt water as a visitor therefore costs 68 plus 60.
How long it lasts
LDWF: an annual licence runs 365 days from the day you buy it. Buying online lets you set it to renew itself each year.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone under 18 years of age, resident or not
- Louisiana residents born before 1 June 1940, who hold a free senior licence
LDWF words the age rule this way: LDWF: "If you're age 18 or older, you must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters." Louisiana sets the bar at 18, not at 16 as most states do — anyone 17 and under fishes free, resident or not.
Where to buy it
- Online through LDWF's licensing system
- At licence agents across Louisiana
- By telephone on 225-765-2898
Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.
Days you can fish without one
LDWF publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.
Where to use it today
Waters we read every morning in Louisiana.
- 4 Picky Caddo Lake
- 4 Picky Lake Pontchartrain
- 3 Lockjaw Grand Isle