The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offers various fishing licenses for Louisiana residents between the ages of 18 and 59. Below is a list of available licenses and their details:

• For information on recreational hunting licenses, please click HERE.
• For information on how to purchase your LDWF license, please click HERE.

Exemptions

You do not need a recreational fishing license if you are:

• A resident or non-resident under 18 years old (17 and under).
• A Louisiana resident born before June 1, 1940, who has lived in Louisiana for at least six months.
• Fishing on your own private property or in a private pond without public access.

Fishing Licenses

• (0024) Res Basic Fishing Season License
  • Cost: $17
  • Includes: All legal means/gear for catching freshwater species.
  • Required For: All recreational freshwater fishing, except those exempt by law.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

• (0027) Res Saltwater Fishing Season License
  • Cost: $15
  • Includes: All legal means/gear for catching saltwater species.
  • Prerequisite: Res Basic Fishing License.
  • Required For: All recreational saltwater or brackish fishing, except those exempt by law.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

• (0047) Res Hook and Line License
  • Cost: $5
  • Required For: Fishing with a pole or hook and line without a reel and without artificial bait or any of the following: dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets, or crab lines, except those exempt by law.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Saltwater Fishing Season License, Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License, and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

• (0042) Res/NR Charter Passenger Freshwater License (3-day)
  • Cost: $10  
  • Required for: Charter vessel in freshwater areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times. Best for those that only fish with a charter/guide.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Basic Fishing Season, Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 3 days.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Saltwater Fishing Season License and Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License.

• (0042) Res/NR Charter Passenger Saltwater License (3-day)
  • Cost: $20  
  • Required for: Charter vessel in saltwater or brackish areas of the state, with a licensed guide on board at all times. Best for those that only fish with a charter/guide.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Saltwater Fishing Season, Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 3 days.
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License.

• (0042) Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License
  • Cost: $100  
  • Includes: This license is in lieu of Res Basic and Res Saltwater Fishing Licenses along with Res/NR Charter Passenger Freshwater and Res/NR Saltwater Fishing Guide Licenses; Res Basic, Res Deer, Res Waterfowl, and Res Turkey Hunting Licenses; and the Res/NR WMA Access Permit. It also includes all legal gear privileges for fishing and hunting.
  • Excludes: Federal Duck Stamp and Res/NR WMA Camping Permit.
  • Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permits

• (0070) Res/NR WMA Access Permit
  • Cost: $20
  • Includes: Year-round access to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other LDWF-Administered Lands.
  • Required For: Those 18 years and older for use of any LDWF-Administered property, including WMAs, refuges, and conservation areas, for any activity
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

• (0071) Res/NR WMA Access 5-Day Permit
  • Cost: $5
  • Includes: Access to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other LDWF-Administered Lands.
  • Required For: Those 18 years and older for use of any LDWF-Administered property, including WMAs, refuges, and conservation areas, for any activity
  • Exemptions: Included in the Res Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License and all lifetime licenses.
  • Duration: Valid for 5 consecutive days.

• (0072) Res/NR WMA Camping Permit
  • Cost: $7
  • Includes: Camping privileges within a WMA.
  • Required For: Each camping party of up to five individuals 18 years or old.
  • Duration: Valid for one day.

For more details on recreational fishing license requirements and pricing, please visit LDWF's Recreational Fishing Licenses page HERE or contact the LDWF Support Team at (225)267-9996 for assistance.