Mississippi Fishing License Guide (2026)

Mississippi requires a fishing license for anyone 16 through 64. One of the most affordable states for fishing — freshwater starts at just $10! Mississippi offers excellent bass fishing on Barnett, Grenada, and Ross Barnett Reservoirs, legendary Delta catfish, plus Gulf Coast saltwater out of Biloxi and Gulfport.

Official MS Website →
16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$10
Resident/yr
$30
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Small Game/Freshwater Fishing
Most popular - all freshwater species
 $10
Saltwater Fishing
Required south of US-90
 $10
All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing
Hunting + freshwater (no saltwater)
 $25
Sportsman License
Includes archery, primitive weapons + freshwater
 $45
3-Day Freshwater
Quick trip option
 $3
Lifetime Sportsman
$300 — all licenses for life
 $300

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident All-Water
 $30
14-Day Non-Resident
 $15
3-Day Non-Resident
 $5
1-Day Non-Resident
 $5

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior Exempt (65+)
FREE freshwater — carry proof of age
 $0
Senior Saltwater (65+)
One-time $7.29 lifetime saltwater purchase
 $7.29
See the complete Mississippi cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

MDWFP Online Licensing ↗

Instant digital license. $2.49 processing fee + $1 agent fee.
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (601) 432-2400
MDWFP Jackson headquarters
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops. $1.00 agent fee applies.
Explore all Mississippi purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
National Free Fishing Day
All waters · First Saturday in June. All regulations apply. No license needed.

License Validity

Mississippi fishing licenses expire on June 30 each year. License year runs July 1 – June 30.

Full Mississippi free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 16 Exemption

Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Mississippi. Voluntary Youth Exempt license available.

👴

FREE License for Seniors (65+)

Mississippi residents 65+ get free Resident Senior Exempt license for freshwater. Saltwater requires a one-time $7.29 lifetime purchase. See our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military & Disabled Veterans

Active duty in MS get resident rates. 100% disabled veterans (VA or SSA) fish free. See our military veterans fishing license guide.

♿

Disability Exemptions

Visually impaired, multiple-amputees, paraplegics, and 100% disabled (SSA) fish free with proof.

✅

Private Ponds

No license needed for privately owned ponds and streams.

Full Mississippi exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$100–$ 500
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Misdemeanor with fines $100-$500. Repeat offenders face equipment seizure and license revocation.

Learn more about Mississippi fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to MDWFP 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.