Freshwater Finfish

If you’re age 18 or older, you must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in freshwater in Louisiana. This license includes the following recreational gear:

• Bow and arrow
• Barbed or barbless spear
• Frog gig/catcher
• Scuba gear
• Hook and line
• Cast net (radius no longer than 8 feet, 6 inches)
• Yo-yos or trigger devices
• Slat traps
• Crawfish traps
• Standing spearing equipment
• Hoop nets
• Wire nets.

Combination (e.g. Senior Hunting/Fishing and Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise Licenses) and some special licenses (e.g. Lifetime Licenses) also include recreational freshwater fishing privileges. 

Crawfish

You must have a Basic Fishing License to harvest crawfish recreationally using traps.

You must have a Basic Fishing License or Hook and Line License to harvest crawfish recreationally with crawfish nets, dip nets, hand lines, or bait seines. In addition, you must have a WMA Access Permit if you’re on an LDWF WMA or refuge.

Combination (e.g. Senior Hunting/Fishing and Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise Licenses) and some special licenses (e.g. Lifetime Licenses) also include recreational crawfishing privileges.