Mississippi · Fishing license
Mississippi fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 16 or older needs one, until you turn 65 as a resident.
A year costs $25 if you live here and $68 if you don't. Just passing through? Freshwater fishing, one day costs $10. South of US Highway 90 the saltwater licence is the one that counts — a freshwater licence does not carry there.
What it costs
If you live in Mississippi
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| All game hunting and freshwater fishing | $25 |
| Small game hunting and freshwater fishingThe cheapest way for a resident to fish fresh water all year. | $10 |
| Sportsman's licenceDoes not include saltwater. | $45 |
| Freshwater fishing, three days | $3 |
| Saltwater fishing | $10 |
| Senior lifetime saltwater (65+)Residents of 65 and over are exempt from the freshwater licence but still buy this one for salt water. | $5 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Freshwater fishing | $68 |
| Freshwater fishing, three days | $30 |
| Freshwater fishing, one day | $10 |
| Saltwater fishing | $30 |
| Saltwater fishing, three days | $15 |
| Louisiana-resident saltwater privilegeLouisiana residents need this on top of the non-resident freshwater privilege to fish Mississippi's marine water. | $60 |
Where you stand decides which licence counts: salt water south of US Highway 90, either licence between I-10 and Highway 90, and nothing saltwater north of I-10.
How long it lasts
Mississippi draws its licence boundary geographically rather than by season: a saltwater licence is needed south of US Highway 90, either licence works between I-10 and Highway 90, and a saltwater licence is worthless north of I-10.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone under 16 years of age, resident or not
- Mississippi residents of 65 and over — exempt, but they must carry proof
- Residents who are visually impaired, paraplegic, multiple amputees, or adjudged totally disabled by the Social Security Administration or totally service-connected disabled by the Veterans Administration
MDWFP words the age rule this way: MDWFP: residents aged 16 to 64 must buy a fishing licence; residents of 65 and over are exempt but must carry documentation. Non-residents of any age need one unless they are under 16.
Where to buy it
- Online through MDWFP's licence system
- At licence agents across Mississippi
- At MDWFP offices
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
MDWFP 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 Mississippi.
- 4 Picky Enid Lake
- 4 Picky Grenada Lake
- 4 Picky Sardis Lake
- 3 Lockjaw Biloxi