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Louisiana Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Louisiana fishing license costs $17 and a nonresident annual license $68, with a 5-day nonresident option at $30, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Louisiana fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fishing | Resident | freshwater | annual | $17 |
| Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required) | Resident | saltwater | annual | $15 |
| Hook and Line (cane pole, no reel or artificial bait) | Resident | all | annual | $5 |
| Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise (hunting/fishing combo) | Resident | all | annual | $100 |
| Senior Hunting/Fishing (born June 1, 1940 – May 31, 1962) | Resident | all | annual | $5 |
| Senior Lifetime Hunting/Fishing (65+) | Resident | all | lifetime | $100 |
| Basic Fishing | Nonresident | freshwater | annual | $68 |
| Saltwater (Basic Fishing License required) | Nonresident | saltwater | annual | $60 |
| Basic Fishing 5-Day | Nonresident | freshwater | 5-day | $30 |
| Saltwater 5-Day (Basic required) | Nonresident | saltwater | 5-day | $30 |
| Basic Fishing – Nonresident Native 10-Day | Nonresident (louisiana native) | freshwater | 10-day | $17 |
| Saltwater – Nonresident Native 10-Day | Nonresident (louisiana native) | saltwater | 10-day | $15 |
| Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise (hunting/fishing combo) | Nonresident | all | annual | $400 |
| Charter Passenger Saltwater | Resident/nonresident | saltwater | 3-day | $20 |
| Charter Passenger Freshwater | Resident/nonresident | freshwater | 3-day | $10 |
| Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) | Resident/nonresident | saltwater | annual | Free |
Prices from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a Louisiana fishing license
- Who needs one: Anglers 18 and older need a Basic Fishing License, plus a Saltwater License to keep saltwater species south of the saltwater line; residents 60+ use the Senior Hunting/Fishing License instead.
- Kids: Residents and nonresidents 17 and under need no Basic or Saltwater license (and no ROLP).
- Seniors: Residents 60+ need the Senior Hunting/Fishing License (replaces Basic and Saltwater): free if born before June 1, 1940; $5 if born June 1, 1940 – May 31, 1962. Senior Lifetime (65+) $100.
- Saltwater: The $15 resident / $60 nonresident Saltwater License can only be bought on top of a Basic Fishing License, so the real annual cost to fish salt is $32 resident / $128 nonresident. Private offshore anglers landing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers (incl. red snapper), cobia, wahoo or dolphinfish also need the free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP). The pages checked do not mention NOAA's National Saltwater Angler Registry; federal HMS species need a NOAA HMS Angling Permit ($20).
- On a charter: Charter passengers can buy a 3-day Charter Passenger license (saltwater $20, freshwater $10) valid with a licensed guide aboard; charter clients are covered by the captain's Charter ROLP. The agency page does not clearly say whether a Basic license is also needed.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Louisiana
Charter captains and guides we list in Louisiana, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Louisiana fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Louisiana?
A resident annual license is $17 and a nonresident annual license is $68, and a 5-day nonresident license is $30. Full list above, from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Who needs a fishing license in Louisiana?
Anglers 18 and older need a Basic Fishing License, plus a Saltwater License to keep saltwater species south of the saltwater line; residents 60+ use the Senior Hunting/Fishing License instead.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Louisiana?
Charter passengers can buy a 3-day Charter Passenger license (saltwater $20, freshwater $10) valid with a licensed guide aboard; charter clients are covered by the captain's Charter ROLP. The agency page does not clearly say whether a Basic license is also needed.
Where do I buy a Louisiana fishing license?
Online from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at wlf.louisiana.gov, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
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