What Louisiana Fishing Licenses Cost

A Louisiana resident fishing license costs $9.98 for a one-year license and $19.98 for a three-year license. Non-residents pay $27.98 for a one-year license and $59.98 for a three-year license. These prices cover freshwater fishing in Louisiana's rivers, lakes, and streams. If you plan to fish in saltwater — the Gulf of Mexico and coastal areas — you need a separate saltwater license that costs $9.98 for residents and $27.98 for non-residents, both for one year.

Some people do not need a license at all. Louisiana residents aged 60 and older fish free. Children under 16 can fish free when supervised by a licensed adult. If you fish on private property with the owner's permission, you do not need a license. Military personnel on active duty stationed in Louisiana also fish free.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Louisiana resident fishing license costs $9.98 for freshwater or $9.98 for saltwater, or you can buy both for $16.98 combined.
  • Non-residents pay $27.98 for freshwater or $27.98 for saltwater, with a combined license available for $44.98.
  • Louisiana residents aged 60 and older do not need a license to fish anywhere in the state.
  • Children under 16 fish free when with a licensed adult, and active-duty military stationed in Louisiana also fish without a license.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, at sporting goods stores, or at tackle shops.

Combination Licenses and Multi-Year Options

If you fish in both freshwater and saltwater, buying a combination license saves money. A resident combination license costs $16.98 for one year instead of paying $9.98 twice. Non-residents pay $44.98 for a one-year combination license. Three-year combination licenses are also available: $34.98 for residents and $99.98 for non-residents.

The three-year option makes sense if you plan to fish regularly. Over three years, a resident paying year-to-year spends $29.94 for freshwater alone; a three-year license costs $19.98, saving $9.96. For non-residents, the three-year freshwater license ($59.98) costs less than three separate one-year licenses ($83.94).

Where to Buy Your License

You can buy a Louisiana fishing license online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website (wlf.louisiana.gov). Online purchase takes a few minutes, and you receive your license when ready by email. You do not need to print it — you can show the email on your phone to a game warden.

You can also buy licenses in person at sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, at local tackle shops, and at some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the store carries licenses. Licenses bought in person are ready to use right away.

Temporary and Special Licenses

Louisiana offers short-term licenses for visitors and people who fish occasionally. A three-day license costs $7.98 for residents and $16.98 for non-residents and covers both freshwater and saltwater. A one-day license costs $5.98 for residents and $9.98 for non-residents. These are useful if you are visiting family or trying fishing for the first time.

The state also issues licenses for specific situations. A lifetime resident license costs $99.98 and never expires. Disabled Louisiana residents can get a free license. Apprentice licenses for people aged 16 to 17 cost $4.98 and cover freshwater only.

What Your License Covers and Does Not Cover

Your freshwater license lets you fish in Louisiana's lakes, rivers, bayous, and streams using rod and reel, cane poles, or hand lines. It does not cover commercial fishing, which requires a different permit. Saltwater licenses cover fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and coastal bays.

Your license does not cover trout stamps or redfish stamps, which are separate. If you want to keep speckled trout or redfish in saltwater, you must buy a trout stamp ($5.98) or redfish stamp ($5.98) in addition to your saltwater license. Freshwater anglers do not need stamps for any species.

Checking License Status and Renewal

You can check whether your license is active by visiting the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website and entering your license number. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online the same way you bought it. Renewal takes the same amount of time as a new purchase.

Game wardens check licenses during routine patrols and at boat launches. Fishing without a valid license when one is required can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and confiscation of your catch and equipment. Keeping your license current and carrying proof — either printed or on your phone — prevents problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a pier or jetty?

Yes, if you are fishing in saltwater from a public pier or jetty, you need a saltwater license. Some piers have their own rules — call ahead to ask whether the pier requires a separate permit or if your state license is enough.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can buy a license online or in person and give the license number to the recipient. If you buy it online, the license is sent to the email address you provide, so you can forward it to them or print it as a gift.

What happens if I lose my license?

Contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with your license number or the email address you used to buy it. They can reissue your license or provide proof of purchase. You can also buy a replacement license online for the same price as the original.

Do I need a license to fish on a guided charter boat?

Yes, you still need your own license even on a charter. The captain's license covers the boat and crew, not passengers. Buy your license before boarding, or some charters can sell you one when you arrive.

Can I use a license from another state?

No. You must have a Louisiana license to fish in Louisiana waters. If you are a resident of another state, buy a non-resident Louisiana license. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but Louisiana does not recognize out-of-state licenses.