Louisiana Fishing License Guide (2026)

Louisiana requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years or older. The Sportsman's Paradise is legendary for redfish, speckled trout, largemouth bass, and crawfish. The Mississippi Delta, Atchafalaya Basin, and Gulf Coast offer some of the most productive waters in the nation.

Official LA Website →
16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$17
Resident/yr
$60
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Basic Fishing License
Freshwater only — all legal methods
 $17
Saltwater License (add-on)
Must also have Basic Fishing License
 $15
Hook & Line License
Pole/hook without reel, no artificial bait
 $5
Sportsman's Paradise License
All hunting + fishing + WMA access
 $100
Lifetime Resident
$300 — all licenses for life
 $300

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident All-Water
 $60
3-Day Non-Resident
 $17.50
1-Day Charter Passenger
Only when on a licensed charter boat
 $5

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior Hunt/Fish (born 1940-1962)
$5 — born between 6/1/1940 and 5/31/1962
 $5
See the complete Louisiana cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

Louisiana Outdoors ↗

Official LDWF online portal — instant digital license
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (225) 765-2800
LDWF Baton Rouge headquarters
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops, Bass Pro Shops
Explore all Louisiana purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
National Free Fishing Day
All waters · All regulations still apply. No license needed.

License Validity

Louisiana fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Full Louisiana free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 16 Exemption

Residents and non-residents under 16 do not need a fishing license. Mississippi too — under 16 for both states.

👴

Senior Exemptions

Born before 6/1/1940: completely FREE (carry ID). Born 1940-1962: $5 Senior Hunt/Fish license. See our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military & Purple Heart

Active duty stationed in LA get resident rates. Purple Heart recipients get free licenses. See our military veterans fishing license guide.

Full Louisiana exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$100–$ 500
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Misdemeanor with fines $100-$500 and/or up to 90 days in jail. Repeat offenders face higher fines.

Learn more about Louisiana fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to LDWF Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.