Louisiana Out of State Fishing License: Cost & Rules
A Louisiana out of state fishing license is required for most nonresident anglers age 18 or older who fish recreationally in Louisiana public waters. The confusing part is choosing between Basic Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, 5-day visitor licenses, charter passenger licenses, Sportsman’s Paradise, WMA access, free offshore permits, and special saltwater-line rules. This guide explains 2026 Louisiana nonresident fishing license costs, when visitors need basic vs saltwater, how 5-day and charter licenses work, what youth under 18 need, how to buy online through Louisiana Outdoors, and which official LDWF pages to check before fishing.
Watch Before You Buy: Louisiana Hunting and Fishing License Online Help
This license-buying video is included as a practical walkthrough for visitors who want to understand the online purchase flow before using Louisiana Outdoors. Use it as general help, then verify final prices and rules on LDWF’s official pages.
Video availability may change. LDWF and Louisiana Outdoors should always be used as the final source for current license purchases.
Louisiana Out of State Fishing License Cost in 2026
Louisiana visitor pricing is based on water type and trip type. Basic Fishing is the foundation. Saltwater is added when fishing south of the saltwater line for saltwater species. Short-term licenses help visitors avoid paying for annual coverage when they only fish a few days.
NR Basic Fishing Season License
Includes legal means and gear for catching freshwater species. Required for most recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing unless exempt.
NR Saltwater Fishing Season License
Required for recreational saltwater or brackish fishing unless exempt. Requires a Basic Fishing License first.
NR Basic Fishing 5-Day License
Valid for five consecutive days and includes legal means/gear for catching freshwater species.
NR Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License
Valid for five consecutive days. Requires a season or 5-day Basic Fishing License.
Charter Passenger Freshwater License
Valid for three consecutive days on a charter vessel in freshwater areas with a licensed guide on board.
Charter Passenger Saltwater License
Valid for three consecutive days on a charter vessel in saltwater or brackish areas with a licensed guide on board.
Louisiana Nonresident Basic Fishing License
The Basic Fishing License is the main license for out-of-state anglers. LDWF says anglers age 18 or older must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. It includes legal means and gear for catching freshwater species.
Annual Basic
Best for visitors who will fish Louisiana more than one short trip or who want 365 days of basic coverage.
5-Day Basic
Best for short freshwater trips or the Basic prerequisite for a 5-day saltwater trip.
Annual Validity
Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase.
Louisiana Nonresident Saltwater Fishing License
Louisiana’s saltwater line is a major visitor trap. LDWF says if you are fishing south of the saltwater line, you must also have a Saltwater License unless you are fishing south of the line and targeting/possessing freshwater fish only. Because south Louisiana often has fresh and saltwater species close together, LDWF says the best practice is to buy the additional saltwater license if fishing anywhere in south Louisiana and planning to catch saltwater species.
Annual Saltwater
Requires Basic Fishing and covers legal recreational saltwater gear for saltwater species.
5-Day Saltwater
Requires 5-day or season Basic Fishing and is valid for five consecutive days.
Saltwater Line Matters
Check the Louisiana saltwater line before fishing south Louisiana, brackish marshes, bays or coastal areas.
Louisiana 5-Day Nonresident Fishing License Rules
The 5-day licenses are best for vacations, weekend-plus trips, guided camps, family visits and anglers who do not need annual coverage. They are valid for five consecutive days, so choose the start date carefully.
5-Day Basic
For short freshwater trips and as a prerequisite for 5-day saltwater coverage.
5-Day Saltwater
For short saltwater or brackish trips, paired with Basic coverage.
Consecutive Days
The 5-day period runs continuously. It is not five separate flexible dates.
Louisiana Charter Passenger Fishing License for Nonresidents
If your entire trip is with a licensed charter guide, Louisiana’s charter passenger licenses can be cheaper and cleaner than buying broader visitor coverage. These are limited to charter-vessel situations with a licensed guide on board and valid for three consecutive days.
Freshwater Charter Passenger
For freshwater charter vessel fishing with a licensed guide on board. Valid for three consecutive days.
Saltwater Charter Passenger
For saltwater or brackish charter vessel fishing with a licensed guide on board. Valid for three consecutive days.
Ask Your Captain
Ask whether you need a passenger license, whether the trip is saltwater or freshwater, and whether offshore permits apply.
Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License for Nonresidents
The nonresident Sportsman’s Paradise License is a broader package for visitors who hunt and fish, not just casual anglers. It includes Basic and Saltwater Fishing, several hunting licenses, and WMA Access, but excludes the Federal Duck Stamp and WMA Camping Permit.
Annual Sportsman’s Paradise
Valid 365 days and includes nonresident Basic and Saltwater Fishing plus several hunting privileges and WMA Access.
5-Day Blast & Cast
Short-term version that includes Basic, Saltwater, several hunting privileges and WMA Access for five consecutive days.
Not Everything Included
The Federal Duck Stamp and WMA Camping Permit are excluded and may still be needed.
Louisiana ROLP and Offshore Permit Rules
Private recreational offshore anglers may need a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit, or ROLP, in addition to fishing licenses. LDWF says the free ROLP is required to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters. Minors under 18 are not required to have an ROLP, and charter clients are covered by the captain’s Charter ROLP.
ROLP Is Free
It costs nothing, but private offshore anglers must register when targeting or possessing covered offshore species.
Red Snapper and More
Snapper, grouper, amberjack, tuna, billfish, cobia and similar offshore species can trigger ROLP needs.
Federal HMS Permit
Vessels fishing federally regulated highly migratory species may need a federal HMS Angling Permit.
Louisiana Saltwater Bowfishing Permit
LDWF says a recreational saltwater bowfishing permit is required for private and charter sectors beginning January 1, 2024. The permit is free and valid for one year from issue. It applies to individuals age 18 and older taking or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear, with charter-sector rules for captains and clients.
Required for Saltwater Bowfishing
If you bowfish saltwater species, check this permit before going out.
Free Permit
The permit is free but still required when the rule applies.
Age 18 and Older
Private recreational anglers age 18+ using bowfishing gear should verify the permit requirement.
Louisiana WMA Access and Camping Permits
Fishing on LDWF-administered lands can require more than a fishing license. WMA Access is required for people 18 or older using LDWF-administered property for any activity, including WMAs, refuges and conservation areas, unless exempt. WMA camping has a separate permit where camping is allowed.
Annual WMA Access
Required for year-round use of LDWF-administered lands by those 18 and older unless exempt.
5-Day WMA Access
Short-term WMA access option valid for five consecutive days.
WMA Camping Permit
Camping permit is $7 per night for up to five adults where WMA camping is permitted.
Who Needs a Louisiana Out of State Fishing License?
LDWF says anglers age 18 or older must have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters unless exempt. Nonresidents under age 18 do not need Basic or Saltwater fishing licenses, but they should carry proof of age while fishing.
Most Nonresidents 18+
Need Basic Fishing and, when applicable, Saltwater Fishing.
Nonresidents Under 18
Do not need Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses but should carry proof of age.
Private Property Exception
Fishing on your own private property or a private pond without public access may be exempt.
Hook and Line / Cane Pole
Special low-gear situations may only need a Hook and Line License; check the exact gear limits.
Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend for Visitors
Louisiana’s annual Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license during the official weekend. For 2025, LDWF held it June 7–8. At the time of writing, verify the current 2026 dates directly with LDWF before relying on a license-free weekend. Even during Free Fishing Weekend, size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions remain in effect, and a Free Fishing Weekend ROLP may still be needed for offshore covered species.
Residents and Visitors
LDWF’s Free Fishing Weekend is designed for both residents and nonresidents.
Regulations Still Apply
Size limits, seasons, catch limits and gear restrictions still apply.
Offshore Permit Check
Free Fishing Weekend may still require special ROLP registration for covered offshore species.
How to Buy a Louisiana Out of State Fishing License Online
The official online system is Louisiana Outdoors. LDWF also sells recreational fishing licenses at LDWF Headquarters and many local license retailers. Online buying is usually easiest for visitors because annual licenses can be purchased for 365 days from the date of purchase and, when available, automatic renewal can be selected.
Start at Louisiana Outdoors or LDWF
Use louisianaoutdoors.com or LDWF’s Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits page. Avoid unofficial lookalike pages before entering payment details.
Create or find your customer account
If you have had an LDWF license before, look up your existing account instead of creating duplicates.
Select nonresident Basic Fishing
Choose annual Basic or 5-day Basic depending on how long you will fish.
Add Saltwater if needed
If fishing south of the saltwater line for saltwater species, add annual or 5-day Saltwater coverage.
Choose charter-only if appropriate
If fishing only on a licensed charter, ask the guide whether the 3-day charter passenger license is the correct option.
Add free/special permits
Check ROLP, saltwater bowfishing permit, WMA access, WMA camping or federal HMS permit before checkout.
Which Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License Is Cheapest?
The cheapest choice depends on trip length, water type, charter use and species. Do not compare only the first license price; saltwater and offshore requirements can change the real cost.
| Trip Plan | Likely License | Important Add-On |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater vacation up to 5 days | NR Basic Fishing 5-Day – $30 | WMA Access if using LDWF-administered lands. |
| Saltwater / brackish vacation up to 5 days | NR Basic 5-Day + NR Saltwater 5-Day – $60 total | ROLP if possessing covered offshore species. |
| Annual freshwater visits | NR Basic Fishing Season – $68 | Valid 365 days from purchase. |
| Annual saltwater visits | NR Basic + NR Saltwater – $128 total | Check saltwater line and offshore permits. |
| Freshwater charter only | Charter Passenger Freshwater 3-Day – $10 | Only when on licensed charter vessel with guide. |
| Saltwater charter only | Charter Passenger Saltwater 3-Day – $20 | Ask captain about covered permits/species. |
Louisiana Out of State Fishing License Mistakes That Waste Money
Most visitor mistakes happen because anglers buy Basic only for a coastal trip, choose a charter-only license but also fish on their own, forget ROLP for offshore species, or overlook WMA access.
Before Buying
- Do not buy only Basic if you will target or possess saltwater species south of the saltwater line.
- Do not buy a charter passenger license if you will also fish without the licensed charter guide.
- Do not buy annual if a 5-day license covers your whole trip.
- Do not ignore WMA Access if using LDWF-administered property.
- Do not forget ROLP for covered private offshore species.
- Do not assume Free Fishing Weekend removes all permits and offshore reporting.
Before Fishing
- Save or print license proof.
- Carry proof of age if under 18 and exempt.
- Check Louisiana size, season, catch and gear limits.
- Ask your charter captain what passenger license applies.
- Confirm freshwater vs saltwater line rules for the exact area.
- Check crab, shrimp, bowfishing, offshore and HMS rules if relevant.
Official Louisiana Out of State Fishing License Links
Use these official LDWF, Louisiana Outdoors and related permit pages for final decisions. This guide explains the cost structure, but LDWF controls license fees, exemptions, saltwater-line rules, Free Fishing Weekend, offshore permits, WMA access and current regulations.
Louisiana Out of State Fishing License FAQ
How much is a Louisiana out of state fishing license in 2026?
The nonresident Basic Fishing Season License is $68. If you need saltwater coverage, the nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License is $60 and requires Basic Fishing first.
How much is a Louisiana 5-day nonresident fishing license?
The nonresident Basic Fishing 5-Day License is $30. The nonresident Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License is also $30 and requires a season or 5-day Basic Fishing License.
Do nonresidents need both Basic and Saltwater licenses in Louisiana?
Yes, when fishing south of the Louisiana saltwater line for saltwater species, nonresidents generally need Basic Fishing plus Saltwater Fishing unless exempt.
Who needs a Louisiana nonresident fishing license?
Most nonresident anglers age 18 or older need a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. Nonresidents age 17 and under are exempt but should carry proof of age.
How long is a Louisiana annual fishing license valid?
Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
How much is the Louisiana saltwater charter passenger license?
The charter passenger saltwater license is $20 and is valid for three consecutive days when fishing on a charter vessel in saltwater or brackish areas with a licensed guide on board.
How much is the Louisiana freshwater charter passenger license?
The charter passenger freshwater license is $10 and is valid for three consecutive days when fishing on a charter vessel in freshwater areas with a licensed guide on board.
Do I need an ROLP in Louisiana?
Private recreational offshore anglers need a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to possess covered offshore species such as tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish. Charter clients are covered by the captain’s Charter ROLP.
Does Louisiana require a saltwater bowfishing permit?
Yes, when taking or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear in covered situations. The recreational saltwater bowfishing permit is free and valid for one year from issuance.
Do I need a WMA Access Permit to fish in Louisiana?
You may need one if using LDWF-administered property, including WMAs, refuges and conservation areas, for any activity. Annual WMA Access is $20 and 5-day WMA Access is $5 unless exempt.
Can I buy a Louisiana nonresident fishing license online?
Yes. Buy through Louisiana Outdoors, LDWF’s official online license portal, or through other official LDWF purchase channels.
Where should I verify Louisiana nonresident fishing license rules?
Verify through LDWF’s Recreational Fishing Licenses and Permits page, Louisiana Outdoors, LDWF fee list, ROLP page, saltwater bowfishing permit page and current fishing regulations before buying or fishing.
Final Take: Louisiana Visitor Fishing Licenses Depend on Water Type and Trip Style
The best Louisiana out of state fishing license depends on whether you fish freshwater, saltwater, a licensed charter, LDWF-administered land, or private offshore waters. For a short freshwater trip, the 5-day Basic license may be enough. For a short saltwater trip, you usually need both 5-day Basic and 5-day Saltwater. For a licensed charter only, the charter passenger license may be cheaper. For repeat visits, annual Basic and Saltwater licenses may make more sense.
Before checkout, confirm your age, fishing location, saltwater-line status, species, charter situation, WMA access, ROLP need and bowfishing or HMS permit requirements. Buy through Louisiana Outdoors, save proof, and use LDWF’s official pages as the final authority before fishing.
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