Louisiana fishing license costs
These are the recreational fees listed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Confirm the final amount on the official LDWF license and permit fee list before purchasing.
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Key details |
| Basic fishing (annual) | $17 | $68 | Covers recreational freshwater fishing. Required with a Saltwater License. |
| Saltwater fishing (annual) | $15 | $60 | Required in addition to the Basic license when targeting saltwater species in designated saltwater areas. |
| Five-day Basic fishing | Not available | $30 | Nonresident short-trip option. |
| Five-day Saltwater fishing | Not available | $30 | Nonresident short-trip option. |
| Nonresident native 10-day Basic | Not available | $17 | Qualifying nonresident natives only. |
| Nonresident native 10-day Saltwater | Not available | $15 | Qualifying nonresident natives only. |
| Hook and Line | $5 | Not listed | Pole or hook and line only, no reel or artificial bait. |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing | $5 or free | Not available | Depends on age and eligibility. |
| Charter passenger (3-day), freshwater / saltwater | Not listed | $10 / $20 | Only for passengers fishing with a licensed guide. |
A resident Basic license costs $17 and a standard nonresident license costs $68. If you plan to fish for saltwater species, budget for both the Basic and Saltwater licenses.
Louisiana also offers lifetime licenses for eligible residents and other qualifying applicants, plus discounted licenses for certain seniors, military personnel, students, and people with disabilities.
Short-term options for visitors
Louisiana doesn’t list a general three-day or one-day nonresident license. Nonresidents can buy five-day licenses, and qualifying nonresident natives can buy 10-day licenses. The three-day licenses that do exist are for charter passengers, and they don’t replace a standard license if you’re fishing independently.
Five days is enough to fish two very different Louisiana waters: an inland bayou or lake on one side of the saltwater line, and coastal marsh on the other.
Before choosing, consider how many days you’ll fish and whether you’ll fish on your own or with a charter guide. Then try out Fishbox to map spots and check each day’s forecast.
Louisiana saltwater fishing license requirements
Louisiana has a designated saltwater line separating freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. South of it, if you’re targeting saltwater species, you generally need both a Basic and a Saltwater license. If you’re south of the line and targeting and possessing only freshwater fish, a Basic license is generally enough.
Because freshwater and saltwater species can share the same water here, the line is easy to cross without noticing. Fishbox’s spot map helps you see which side of the line a spot sits on, so you can choose the right license before you launch.
Recreational offshore landing permit
Some offshore species require a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) when caught and possessed in Louisiana waters. It applies to species including tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper, snapper, cobia, wahoo, and dolphinfish. Anglers under 18 don’t need one. Check the LDWF recreational fishing licenses and permits page for current requirements.
What age do you need a fishing license in Louisiana?
Anglers aged 18 and older generally need a Basic Fishing License, and a Saltwater License may also be required depending on where and what you’re fishing. Anglers aged 17 and younger are generally exempt from both. Certain exemptions also apply to qualifying long-term Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940.
If you’re relying on an age-based exemption, carry proof of age. Size limits, daily catch limits, and seasonal restrictions still apply.
Because Louisiana’s cutoff is 18, a family can bring teenagers along without extra licenses. Pick a spot close to a boat launch or bank access, and check the forecast first so a short outing with younger anglers isn’t cut short by weather.
How to get a fishing license in Louisiana
Buy online through the official LDWF system, from participating retailers, or in person at LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge.
- Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.
- Open the fishing license purchasing portal.
- Choose the resident or nonresident license that matches your trip.
- Add a Saltwater License or other permits if required.
- Complete your purchase and save your license information.
Online purchases come with a temporary authorization number by text and a PDF of your licenses by email, which you can save or print. Annual licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase, and short-term licenses are valid for the period specified. For help, call LDWF at 225-765-2898.
Commercial and charter fishing licenses
Recreational licenses don’t cover operating a fishing business or guiding paying customers.
! A commercial license is required for certain commercial fishing activities, including operating a commercial vessel. The required license and gear permits depend on the activity, species, and equipment.
| License | Cost |
| Resident Commercial Fisherman | $96 |
| Nonresident Commercial Fisherman | $620 |
| Eligible resident Senior Commercial Fisherman | $50 |
! Guides and charter operators may need a specific license depending on whether they offer freshwater or saltwater trips. A Saltwater Charter Boat Fishing Guide License costs $275 for residents and $1,750 for nonresidents. A Freshwater Charter Guide License costs $150 for residents and $1,000 for nonresidents. Passengers fishing with a licensed guide may qualify for a three-day charter passenger license.
Got your license? Pick your side of the line
Louisiana fishing runs from inland bayous and lakes to coastal marsh and offshore water, and the license, the species, and the conditions change with each. Fishbox gives you the spot map and a forecast for the water you choose, so you can decide where to go and when.