FishKillFlea The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) issues the LA fishing license. Known as the "Sportsman's Paradise," Louisiana offers abundant access starting at just $17.00 for a resident Basic fishing license.
2025 LA Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Fishing (Freshwater) | $17.00 | Includes all freshwater |
| Saltwater License | $15.00 | ADD-ON to Basic ($32 total) |
| Hook and Line | $5.00 | Cane pole/natural bait only |
| Senior Hunt/Fish | $5.00 | Age 60+ (born after Jun 1, 1940) |
| Pre-1940 Senior | FREE | Carry proof of age |
| Sportsman's Paradise | $100.00 | Full hunt/fish/WMA access |
| Lifetime (Age 3-64) | $500.00 | Valid for your whole life |
LA Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NR Basic Fishing | $68.00 | Valid 365 Days |
| NR Saltwater (Add-On) | $60.00 | Required below saltwater line |
| NR 1-Day Basic FW | $12.00 | Valid 24 hours |
| NR 1-Day Saltwater | $15.00 | Add to 1-Day FW |
| NR 5-Day Basic FW | $30.00 | Great for vacationers |
The 365-Day Promise
Louisiana moved away from the old June expiration date. Now, annual licenses are valid for a full 365 days from the date of purchase, ensuring you always get a full contiguous year of value.
Compare LA With Neighboring States
| State | Res FW | NR FW | Res Coastal | NR Coastal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $30.00 | $58.00 | $35.00 | $63.00 |
| Mississippi | $10.00 | $60.00 | $10.00 | $30.00 |
| Arkansas | $10.50 | $50.00 | N/A | N/A |
Louisiana's Basic Fishing license ($17) is competitively priced for freshwater fishing, sitting between Mississippi ($10) and Texas ($30). For saltwater anglers, combining the $17 Basic + $15 Saltwater gives a total of $32, perfectly aligning with Texas' $35 saltwater package for coastal residents.
FAQ
How does the Saltwater Boundary work?
Louisiana maintains a strict saltwater line across the coastal parishes. If you fish south of this line for any species, or if you possess saltwater fish anywhere in the state, you must have BOTH the Basic ($17) and the Saltwater ($15) license. See LA fishing spots.