Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License: Cost, Rules and Out-of-State Options
If you are coming to Louisiana from Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, or anywhere else, the license question is not just “freshwater or saltwater?” Louisiana has a Basic Fishing License, a Saltwater License, short-term nonresident options, charter passenger licenses, a saltwater line, and free offshore permits for some private trips.
This guide explains the Louisiana out-of-state fishing license in plain local language. You will see exactly when a nonresident needs Basic, when Saltwater is added, what 5-day licenses cost, when charter passenger licenses make sense, how to buy online, how to print your license, and what mistakes visitors should avoid.
Official Source Check Before You Buy
This page is an independent guide, not the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Use it to understand your choices, then confirm the final license, fee, permit, expiration date, and checkout total through official LDWF or Louisiana Outdoors pages.
Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License Cost 2026 Out-of-State Fee Table
Louisiana splits fishing license cost by activity. “Basic” is the main recreational freshwater-style license. “Saltwater” is added when you fish south of the saltwater line for saltwater species. Visitors also have 5-day and charter passenger choices.
| License / Permit | Who It Fits | Best Use | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Basic Fishing | Out-of-state angler age 18+ | Recreational Louisiana fishing; freshwater gear and general base license | $68 |
| Nonresident Saltwater | Out-of-state angler fishing saltwater species south of saltwater line | Coastal, bayou, Gulf, brackish and saltwater species trips; Basic is also required | $60 |
| Nonresident Basic Fishing 5-Day | Short-term visitor | A short freshwater or general trip | $30 |
| Nonresident Saltwater 5-Day | Short-term visitor fishing saltwater species | Short coastal trip; Basic 5-day may also be needed | $30 |
| Charter Passenger Freshwater 3-Day | Resident or nonresident charter passenger | Freshwater charter with licensed guide on board | $10 |
| Charter Passenger Saltwater 3-Day | Resident or nonresident charter passenger | Saltwater/brackish charter with licensed guide on board | $20 |
| Nonresident Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise | Visitor wanting broad hunt/fish package | Includes Basic and Saltwater fishing plus listed hunting/WMA privileges | $400 |
| Nonresident Native 10-Day Basic | Qualifying nonresident native | Special 10-day native option | $17 |
| Nonresident Native 10-Day Saltwater | Qualifying nonresident native | Special 10-day native saltwater option | $15 |
| Recreational Offshore Landing Permit | Private offshore anglers landing certain species | Tuna, snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish and similar listed species | Free |
Simple cost math:
If an out-of-state visitor needs both annual Basic and annual Saltwater, the base license cost is $68 + $60 = $128 before any online handling fee. For a short 5-day trip needing both Basic and Saltwater, the base cost is $30 + $30 = $60 before any handling fee.
Which Louisiana Out-of-State Fishing License Should You Buy? Simple Picker
The right Louisiana visitor license depends on where you fish, what species you target, whether you are on a charter, and how many days you will fish. Start with this picker before you pay.
Use This 30-Second Louisiana License Picker
Louisiana Basic Fishing License for Nonresidents What It Covers
For an out-of-state angler age 18 or older, Basic Fishing is the main license starting point. LDWF says the Basic Fishing License includes all legal means and gear for catching freshwater species.
Annual Basic
The nonresident annual Basic Fishing license is $68 and is valid for 365 days from purchase.
5-Day Basic
The nonresident 5-day Basic option is $30 and fits short trips when saltwater is not part of the plan.
Freshwater Species
Think bass, catfish, crappie, bream and other freshwater-style trips when planning around Basic Fishing.
Louisiana Saltwater License and Saltwater Line Visitor Rules Explained
Louisiana has a designated saltwater line across south Louisiana. If you are fishing south of that line and targeting or possessing saltwater species, LDWF says you must also have a Saltwater License unless a specific rule says otherwise.
Buy Saltwater if the trip is coastal
Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, Gulf fishing, brackish marsh, coastal bayous, and south Louisiana saltwater trips usually point toward adding Saltwater.
Do not guess around the saltwater line
LDWF notes Louisiana has places where fresh and saltwater species can be caught side by side. If you are fishing south Louisiana and plan to catch saltwater species, the safer planning route is to buy Saltwater too.
Plain visitor rule:
If your trip sounds like “marsh,” “brackish,” “coastal,” “Gulf,” “redfish,” “speckled trout,” “flounder,” “shrimp,” “crab,” or “saltwater charter,” slow down and check Saltwater before checkout.
Louisiana 5-Day Nonresident Fishing License Best for Short Trips
The 5-day license is one of the most useful options for visitors because many Louisiana fishing trips are short vacations, family visits, weekend-plus trips, or guided outings.
5-Day Basic — $30
Use this for a short nonresident trip where Basic Fishing is the right license and saltwater species are not part of the plan.
5-Day Saltwater — $30
Use this when your short trip includes saltwater species. In many cases, this is added on top of the 5-day Basic license.
When 5-day is better than annual
If you are only fishing Louisiana for one short trip this year, the 5-day option can be cheaper. If you come back often, fish with family in Louisiana, or make several coastal trips, compare annual Basic plus Saltwater before paying.
Louisiana Charter Passenger Fishing License Freshwater vs Saltwater Guide Trips
A charter passenger license is designed for people fishing from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board. It is not the same as a general license for DIY bank, pier, kayak, beach, or private boat fishing.
Freshwater Charter Passenger — $10
This 3-day license is for fishing from a charter vessel in freshwater areas of the state with a licensed guide on board at all times.
Saltwater Charter Passenger — $20
This 3-day license is for fishing from a charter vessel in saltwater areas with a licensed guide on board at all times.
Question to ask the guide:
Before booking, ask: “Do I need the charter passenger freshwater license, charter passenger saltwater license, or a regular nonresident Basic/Saltwater license for this trip?” Do not assume every trip is covered the same way.
Louisiana Offshore Fishing Permits Free ROLP and Federal HMS
Private offshore anglers may need extra permits beyond Basic and Saltwater. These are not always expensive, but they matter if you are landing regulated offshore species.
Recreational Offshore Landing Permit
The ROLP is free and is required for private recreational anglers to possess listed offshore species such as tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters.
Federal HMS Angling Permit
Recreational vessels fishing for federally regulated highly migratory species may need a federal HMS Angling Permit. LDWF lists a $20 permit fee and mandatory reporting rules for some catches.
Louisiana and Texas Border-Water Agreement Do Texas Visitors Always Need Louisiana Nonresident?
Louisiana and Texas have a reciprocal agreement for certain border waters. This can matter for Texas residents fishing places like Toledo Bend or the Sabine River, but it does not cover every Louisiana trip and does not include the Gulf.
Border waters listed by LDWF
LDWF lists Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine River, Sabine Lake, and Sabine Pass as border waters.
Resident home-state license
Louisiana and Texas resident recreational fishermen may fish these border waters under their resident license from their home state.
Gulf not included
LDWF specifically notes the agreement does not include the Gulf. Check official rules before relying on reciprocity.
How to Buy a Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License Online Step-by-Step Guide
LouisianaOutdoors.com is the online path for LDWF recreational licenses. Online purchases include a small handling fee, and you will receive digital proof rather than a mailed license.
Open Louisiana Outdoors
Go to LouisianaOutdoors.com or use the official LDWF buy-license link.
Find or create your LDWF account
Use your legal name, date of birth, and correct out-of-state information. Do not use a Louisiana resident profile unless you qualify as a bona fide Louisiana resident.
Choose nonresident products
Select nonresident Basic, Saltwater, 5-day Basic, 5-day Saltwater, charter passenger, or Sportsman’s Paradise based on your trip.
Add required permits
Add free ROLP, bowfishing permit, or federal HMS permit only if your trip needs them. Offshore and saltwater trips can have extra rules.
Review the cart
Check Basic vs Saltwater, annual vs 5-day, charter vs regular, and final handling fee before payment.
Pay and save proof
Online buyers receive a text with a temporary authorization number and an email with the number and PDF license. Save it before heading to the water.
How to Print, Reprint or Save a Louisiana Fishing License Visitor Proof Help
If you buy online or by mobile device, LDWF says you will not receive a license in the mail. You get digital proof, which you can print or save to the device you carry fishing.
Email PDF
Save the emailed PDF and temporary authorization number after purchase.
Print a copy
Print your PDF before traveling, especially if you will fish marshes, rural launches, or offshore areas with poor signal.
Reprint online
If you purchased online or through a mobile device, LDWF says you can reprint for free. A lost physical license duplicate can cost $2 per license.
Real-Life Louisiana Out-of-State License Examples What Should You Buy?
Example 1: Texas visitor fishing Toledo Bend
Check the Louisiana/Texas border-water agreement first. If your situation qualifies, you may be able to fish under your resident Texas license on listed border waters.
Example 2: Mississippi visitor fishing bass in north Louisiana
The nonresident Basic Fishing license is usually the starting point. If the trip is short, compare the 5-day Basic option.
Example 3: Arkansas visitor fishing redfish in the marsh
Redfish and south Louisiana marsh fishing usually point toward Basic plus Saltwater, unless you are only fishing under a fitting charter passenger license.
Example 4: Visitor on a saltwater charter for one weekend
Ask the captain if the 3-day charter passenger saltwater license is the correct product. It costs $20 and applies only with a licensed guide on board.
Example 5: Private offshore snapper trip
You may need Basic, Saltwater, and the free ROLP depending on the trip. Check federal permits too if highly migratory species are targeted.
Example 6: Family with a 17-year-old visitor
LDWF says resident and nonresident anglers under age 18 are not required to have Basic or Saltwater fishing licenses, but proof of age must be in possession.
Helpful Video: Get Louisiana Fishing and Hunting Licenses Online
This video is included because many out-of-state anglers want to see the online license system before entering personal information. Use it as a visual help only. Always follow the current Louisiana Outdoors portal and LDWF rules at checkout.
If the video screen looks older, use the current LouisianaOutdoors.com portal as the final source.
Find a Louisiana Fishing License Retailer Near You Map Search
If you prefer buying in person after arriving in Louisiana, many local retailers sell hunting and fishing licenses. Call first because hours and license services can vary.
Louisiana Nonresident License Mistakes Avoid These Before Paying
Buying Basic only for a saltwater trip
If you are south of the saltwater line and targeting saltwater species, Basic alone may not be enough.
Buying annual when 5-day is enough
If your trip is short, compare 5-day Basic and Saltwater before buying annual licenses.
Using a charter passenger license for DIY fishing
Charter passenger licenses apply only when fishing from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board.
Forgetting free ROLP for private offshore trips
ROLP is free, but it can be required for listed offshore species on private recreational trips.
Relying on cell service only
Print or screenshot your license before going to marshes, launches, camps, or offshore areas.
Ignoring the Texas border-water details
The reciprocal agreement is useful, but it only covers listed border waters and not the Gulf.
Final Louisiana Visitor Fishing Checklist Before You Cast
- Confirm everyone age 18 or older has the right license unless exempt.
- Decide if the trip needs Basic only or Basic plus Saltwater.
- Use 5-day licenses for short trips when they fit.
- Ask charter guides exactly which passenger license applies.
- Check ROLP for private offshore trips landing listed species.
- Check federal HMS permit rules if targeting tuna, sharks, swordfish, marlin, sailfish or similar species.
- Use LouisianaOutdoors.com for online purchase.
- Save the PDF, email, text authorization number, screenshot, or printed copy.
- Review current seasons, limits, gear rules, and saltwater line details before keeping fish.
Independent guide notice:
This article is for practical planning only. It is not the official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website and is not legal advice. Always verify current fees, license requirements, exemptions, permits, and fishing regulations with LDWF before purchasing or fishing.
Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License FAQ Cost and Rules
How much is a Louisiana nonresident fishing license in 2026?
The nonresident Basic Fishing license is $68 and the nonresident Saltwater license is $60. If you need both for an annual trip, the base cost is $128 before any online handling fee.
How much is a Louisiana out-of-state 5-day fishing license?
The nonresident 5-day Basic Fishing license is $30 and the nonresident 5-day Saltwater license is $30. A short saltwater trip may require both, depending on where and what you fish.
Do nonresidents need both Basic and Saltwater in Louisiana?
If you are age 18 or older, you generally need Basic Fishing to fish recreationally. If you fish south of Louisiana’s saltwater line and target or possess saltwater species, you usually need Saltwater too.
Where do I buy a Louisiana nonresident fishing license online?
Buy online through LouisianaOutdoors.com, the official LDWF license portal. You can also buy at LDWF headquarters or many local license retailers.
Do kids from out of state need a Louisiana fishing license?
LDWF says resident and nonresident anglers under age 18 are not required to have Basic or Saltwater fishing licenses, but they must have proof of age in their possession when fishing.
How long is a Louisiana annual recreational fishing license valid?
Annual recreational fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Can I print my Louisiana fishing license?
Yes. Online buyers receive an email with a PDF license that can be printed or saved. If purchased online or through a mobile device, LDWF says you can reprint for free.
Does a Louisiana charter passenger license cover all fishing?
No. Charter passenger licenses are for fishing from a charter vessel with a licensed guide on board at all times. They are not general DIY fishing licenses.
Do I need a Louisiana Recreational Offshore Landing Permit?
You need the free ROLP if you are a private recreational angler planning to possess listed offshore species such as tunas, snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, billfish, or swordfish in Louisiana waters.
Can Texas residents fish Louisiana border waters without a nonresident license?
Louisiana and Texas have a reciprocal agreement for listed border waters such as Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine River, Sabine Lake, and Sabine Pass. The agreement does not include the Gulf, so check LDWF rules before relying on it.