Fishing Laws in Louisiana (2026): Don't Get Caught Off Guard

Louisiana is called the Sportsman’s Paradise for good reason. The state has some of the best fishing in the entire country. Redfish, speckled trout, crappie, catfish — it’s all here.

But before you cast a line, you need to know the rules. Break them and you could face fines, lose your license, or even face jail time. This guide breaks it all down in plain language so you can fish with confidence.

What Are Louisiana Fishing Laws?

Louisiana fishing laws are rules set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or LDWF. These rules cover who needs a license, how many fish you can keep, what size fish are legal, and what gear you can use.

They exist to protect fish populations for future generations. Think of it like a shared resource. If everyone takes too much, there’s nothing left. Pretty straightforward, right?

The LDWF updates these rules regularly. Some changed as recently as 2025 and early 2026. So even if you fished here before, it’s worth a quick review.

Do You Need a Fishing License in Louisiana?

Short answer: probably yes. Here’s the longer version.

If you are 18 or older, you need a valid fishing license to fish in Louisiana’s public waters. This applies to both residents and out-of-state visitors. No exceptions just because you’re on vacation.

There are a few people who don’t need one. Kids 17 and under are exempt. Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940, who have lived in the state for at least six months are also exempt. And if you’re fishing on your own private property or a private pond with no public access, you don’t need one either.

Wondering if that last one applies to you? It has to be truly private water with no public access. If in doubt, get the license.

Types of Fishing Licenses

This is where a lot of people get confused. Louisiana has two main types of recreational fishing licenses.

The first is the Basic Fishing License. This covers freshwater fishing. The second is the Saltwater Fishing License. This covers fishing in coastal and brackish waters. The boundary between the two runs along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Here’s the thing most people miss. If you fish in saltwater, you need both licenses. The saltwater license is an add-on, not a replacement.

What Does It Cost?

For Louisiana residents, the Basic Fishing License costs $17. Adding the Saltwater License brings the total up. Non-residents pay $68 for the basic annual license. Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date you buy them.

If you hunt and fish, the Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License is worth checking out. It bundles fishing, saltwater, and hunting licenses together for $100. That’s a solid deal if you use all of it.

Visiting for a short trip? Non-residents can get 3-day and 5-day licenses too. Charter boat passengers also have special options. The 3-Day Charter Passenger License covers both basic and saltwater fishing for passengers on a licensed guide boat.

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New in 2026: honorably discharged veterans can now get a Hunt/Fish combo license for just $20. Veterans with a 50% or greater service-connected disability get Basic and Saltwater licenses free.

How to Get Your License

You can buy your license online at LouisianaOutdoors.com. You get an authorization number by text right away. A PDF also arrives by email. You can legally fish as soon as you have that number.

You can also store and show your license through the LA Wallet app on your phone. So there’s honestly no excuse to forget it.

Bag Limits and Size Limits

Okay, pause. Read this carefully. This is the part that gets anglers in trouble most often.

Louisiana sets rules on how many fish you can keep each day. That’s called the bag limit or creel limit. They also set size limits. Some species have a minimum size. Some have both a minimum and maximum size. Fish outside that range must go back.

Red Drum (Redfish)

Red drum is one of the most popular fish in Louisiana. The rules changed in 2024 and are still in effect.

You can keep 4 red drum per day. The minimum size is 18 inches total length. The maximum size is 27 inches total length. Fish bigger than 27 inches must be released. Those big bulls are the breeders, and the law protects them.

Taking red drum in federal waters is prohibited entirely. State waters only.

Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)

Speckled trout rules also changed in recent years due to population concerns.

You can keep 15 speckled trout per day. The slot size is 13 to 20 inches. You are allowed up to two fish over 20 inches in your daily bag. Fish under 13 inches go back immediately.

Largemouth Bass

For freshwater anglers, largemouth bass has a daily bag limit of 8 fish at Toledo Bend Reservoir, with a 14-inch minimum size. Rules can vary by location, so always check the specific water body you’re fishing.

Crappie (Sac-a-Lait)

The daily bag limit for crappie is 50 fish. At Toledo Bend Reservoir specifically, anglers may have up to 100 crappie in their possession.

Catfish

Blue catfish must be at least 12 inches. Channel catfish must be at least 11 inches. Flathead catfish have a 14-inch minimum. No bag limit is set for catfish, but always verify current rules before you head out.

Possession Limits

Here’s one that surprises a lot of people. You can generally have up to twice the daily bag limit in your possession on land. But while you are on the water or actively fishing, you cannot exceed the daily bag limit. Period.

There are some exceptions for anglers who have been fishing remotely south of U.S. Highway 90 for two or more days. In that case, possession of up to three times the daily limit is allowed for certain species. The fish must be kept whole or gutted, and bags must be labeled with your name, license number, species, date, and count.

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Gear Rules and Restrictions

Louisiana regulates what equipment you can use to catch fish. Honest truth — this section trips up a lot of anglers.

For passive gear like trotlines, yo-yos, and limb lines, there are now specific limits. You can set no more than 50 recreational yo-yos, trigger devices, or limb lines per person. You also cannot set more than 150 hooks on recreational trotlines combined.

All passive saltwater hooked gear must now be properly marked. These changes were finalized in recent rule updates to reduce ghost gear issues.

Bowfishing is allowed but requires a free Bowfishing Permit for anyone 18 or older who is fishing south of the saltwater line.

Some areas have even stricter rules. Biloxi WMA, for example, requires all fish to be taken by rod and reel only. Always check the rules for the specific area where you plan to fish.

Special Permits You May Need

Wait, it gets a little more involved for offshore anglers.

If you plan to catch or keep reef fish in offshore waters — things like red snapper, grouper, and amberjack — you need a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit, called an ROLP. This is free and easy to get, but you must have it.

Note: charter boat passengers do not need their own ROLP. The captain’s permit covers you as a paying passenger.

If you’re targeting highly migratory species like tuna, billfish, or swordfish in federal waters, you also need an Atlantic HMS Permit. The fee is $24. You must also report all catches of marlin and other billfish within 24 hours of landing.

New for 2026: Wahoo now has a bag and possession limit of 5 fish per person. That’s a change from previous years when no limit existed.

Penalties for Breaking the Rules

So what happens if you break these laws? Let’s be direct about this.

Fishing without a valid license can result in a fine of up to $500. Exceeding bag limits or keeping undersized fish can cost you $100 to $350 per fish. Yep, per fish.

For certain species, the penalties are even more specific. Keeping red drum under the minimum size or over the limit carries a $25 fine per fish. Keeping red drum over the 27-inch maximum size brings a $150 per fish fine.

For a second offense, fines jump significantly. Jail time of 30 to 90 days is also possible for repeat violations.

Here’s the part that really stings. Serious violations can lead to the revocation of your fishing license. Not just for the current year, but for the remainder of the license period plus one year beyond that. Your gear can also be confiscated.

Think of it like a traffic ticket, but more serious. And nobody wants to lose their fishing privileges in the Sportsman’s Paradise.

Free Fishing Weekend

Here’s some good news. Louisiana holds a Free Fishing Weekend once a year, usually in mid-June.

During this event, anyone can fish without a license. Both residents and visitors are welcome. The normal bag and size limits still apply, though. It’s not a free-for-all.

It’s a great way to introduce kids or friends to fishing before committing to a license purchase. Keep an eye on the LDWF website for the exact dates each year.

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How to Stay Legal in Louisiana

You’re not alone if this feels like a lot to track. Most people don’t realize how many layers there are to Louisiana fishing rules until they dig in.

Here’s what you should do before every trip. First, confirm you have the right license for the type of fishing you’re doing. Second, look up the current bag and size limits for the species you’re targeting. Third, check for any special rules for the specific water body or area you’re fishing.

You can buy licenses and check current regulations at wlf.louisiana.gov. The LA Wallet app lets you carry your license digitally on your phone. LDWF agents actively patrol the water, so having everything in order is worth the few minutes it takes.

Personally, I think these laws make a lot of sense. They’re what keep Louisiana’s fisheries so incredible. Follow them and you’re doing your part to keep the Sportsman’s Paradise thriving for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids need a fishing license in Louisiana?

No. Anyone 17 and under does not need a recreational fishing license, whether they are a resident or a visitor.

Can I use my phone to show my fishing license?

Yes. Louisiana’s LA Wallet app allows you to display your LDWF license digitally on your phone. It’s accepted as valid proof.

Do I need a separate saltwater license?

Yes, if you’re fishing in coastal or brackish waters south of the Intracoastal Waterway, you need both a Basic Fishing License and a Saltwater Fishing License.

Can I fish for free during Free Fishing Weekend?

Yes, no license is required during Louisiana’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, typically held in mid-June. Normal size and bag limits still apply.

What happens if a LDWF agent catches me over the bag limit?

You can face fines ranging from $25 to $350 per fish depending on the species, have your gear confiscated, and potentially lose your fishing license. Repeat violations can mean jail time.

Do I need a special permit to fish offshore?

Yes. If you plan to keep reef fish in federal waters, you need a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP). For highly migratory species like tuna and billfish, an Atlantic HMS Permit ($24) is required.

Are the fishing rules the same everywhere in Louisiana?

No. Some water bodies and Wildlife Management Areas have their own special rules. Always check area-specific regulations before fishing a new location.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana fishing laws can seem like a lot at first. But once you know the basics, it all comes together quickly.

Get the right license. Know your limits. Check the size rules for what you’re targeting. And always verify the rules for the specific spot you’re fishing.

Now you know what you need to fish legally in Louisiana. Stay informed, respect the resource, and tight lines out there.

Fishing Laws in Louisiana (2026): Don’t Get Caught Off Guard