Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License: 2026 Cost, Saltwater Rules, 5-Day Options and Online Buying
Planning to fish Louisiana from out of state? The right license depends on whether you fish freshwater, saltwater, brackish water, offshore species, a charter boat, or only a short 5-day trip. This guide explains Louisiana out-of-state fishing license cost, Basic and Saltwater license rules, charter passenger licenses, youth exemptions, LA Wallet proof, and official LDWF links.
Use these shortcuts before checkout. Louisiana can be confusing because many trips need the Basic Fishing License first, and saltwater or brackish fishing south of the saltwater line can require an additional Saltwater License.
How Much Is a Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License in 2026?
LDWF lists the Nonresident Basic Fishing Season License at $68. This includes all legal recreational gear for catching freshwater species and is the starting license for most out-of-state anglers fishing Louisiana waters.
If you fish south of Louisiana’s saltwater line for saltwater or brackish species, LDWF lists the Nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License at $60. The Saltwater License requires the Basic Fishing License, so a full nonresident annual freshwater-plus-saltwater setup can total $128 before any other optional permits or transaction fees.
Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License Quick Facts for 2026
Louisiana’s nonresident fishing license system is practical once you separate the trip type. A bass trip, redfish trip, charter trip, offshore snapper trip and 5-day vacation can each need a different license or permit mix.
What This Louisiana Out-of-State Fishing License Guide Covers
Official Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License Links
Use official LDWF and LouisianaOutdoors links before buying. Louisiana fishing license prices, saltwater line rules, charter passenger rules and offshore permits can change, and old summaries may not show the current 365-day license setup.
🎣 LDWF Recreational Fishing Licenses
Main LDWF page explaining Basic Fishing, Saltwater License, saltwater line, exemptions, ROLP and fee table.
Open LDWF Fishing Page💵 LDWF Fee List
Official license and permit fee list with nonresident Basic, Saltwater, Native, 5-day and student fees.
Check Fee List💳 LouisianaOutdoors
Official online portal to buy, renew, view and manage Louisiana outdoor licenses.
Buy License Online🧳 Nonresident Season Licenses
LouisianaOutdoors support page for adult nonresident season fishing licenses and WMA permits.
Open Season Licenses📅 3-Day and 5-Day Licenses
Support page for nonresident 5-day Basic, 5-day Saltwater and 3-day charter passenger licenses.
Open Short-Term Licenses💵 State Cost Guide
Compare Louisiana visitor license costs with other state fishing license fees.
Compare License CostsLouisiana Non-Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Louisiana nonresident anglers should compare season licenses, 5-day licenses and charter passenger licenses. Saltwater fishing usually requires Basic first, then Saltwater when fishing south of the saltwater line for saltwater or brackish species.
| Louisiana Nonresident License | Official Listed Cost | Best For | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fishing Season License | $68 | Nonresidents fishing freshwater or starting any Louisiana recreational fishing setup. | Required for recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing unless exempt. |
| Saltwater Fishing Season License | $60 | Saltwater or brackish fishing south of the saltwater line. | Basic Fishing License is required first. |
| Basic Fishing 5-Day License | $30 | Short freshwater or mixed-trip visitors. | Valid for 5 consecutive days. |
| Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License | $30 | Short saltwater or brackish trips. | Requires Basic Fishing Season or Basic Fishing 5-Day license. |
| Charter Passenger Freshwater License, 3-day | $10 | Fishing only on a freshwater charter vessel with a licensed guide onboard. | Valid for 3 consecutive days. |
| Charter Passenger Saltwater License, 3-day | $20 | Fishing only on a saltwater/brackish charter vessel with a licensed guide onboard. | Valid for 3 consecutive days. |
| Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License | $400 | Nonresidents who want broad hunting and fishing privileges. | Excludes federal duck stamp and WMA camping permit. |
| Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise 5-Day, Blast & Cast | $120 | Short hunting/fishing mixed trips. | Valid during the 5 days only. |
| WMA Access Permit | $20 season / $5 five-day | Use of WMAs, refuges and LDWF-administered lands. | Required for many activities by users age 18 and older unless exempt. |
How to Buy a Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License Online
The official online route is LouisianaOutdoors. Start from LDWF’s recreational fishing license page or go directly to LouisianaOutdoors so you do not accidentally use an outdated or unofficial page.
Open the official licensing portal
Use LouisianaOutdoors.com or start from the official LDWF recreational fishing license page.
Select nonresident status
Choose nonresident unless you meet Louisiana residency rules. Out-of-state anglers should not select resident pricing.
Choose your trip type
Pick Basic, Saltwater, 5-day Basic, 5-day Saltwater, charter passenger, or Sportsman’s Paradise based on the trip.
Add saltwater or offshore permits if needed
Add Saltwater if fishing saltwater or brackish areas. Private offshore anglers may also need a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit for certain species.
Save and carry proof
Save your license proof, print a copy, or keep a digital copy available. Louisiana residents with Louisiana ID may connect LDWF licenses to LA Wallet, but visitors should still save proof from LouisianaOutdoors.
Louisiana Basic Fishing vs Saltwater 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. This license includes legal means and gear for catching freshwater species.
If you fish south of the Louisiana saltwater line, you must also have a Saltwater License unless you are fishing south of the saltwater line and targeting and possessing freshwater fish only. The Saltwater License includes legal means and gear for catching saltwater species.
Basic Fishing
Required starting license for most recreational fishing and freshwater species. Nonresident season cost is $68.
Freshwater foundationSaltwater Fishing
Required for recreational saltwater or brackish fishing south of the saltwater line. Basic is required first.
Add-on for saltwaterLouisiana Nonresident 5-Day Fishing License Options
Short-trip licenses are useful for visitors who fish only a few days. LDWF lists the nonresident Basic Fishing 5-Day License at $30 and the nonresident Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License at $30.
$30: Includes legal means and gear for freshwater species and is valid for 5 consecutive days.
$30: Includes legal means and gear for saltwater species and is valid for 5 consecutive days.
Basic required: The 5-day Saltwater License requires a nonresident Basic Fishing Season License or nonresident Basic Fishing 5-Day License.
$120: The nonresident Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise 5-Day option covers a broader hunting/fishing trip for 5 days.
Louisiana Charter Passenger Fishing Licenses for Nonresidents
Louisiana has 3-day charter passenger licenses for people fishing with a licensed guide onboard. These are useful when you only fish on a charter and do not need broader independent fishing privileges.
| Charter Passenger License | Cost | Valid For | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Charter Passenger License | $10 | 3 consecutive days | Freshwater charter vessel with a licensed guide onboard at all times. |
| Saltwater Charter Passenger License | $20 | 3 consecutive days | Saltwater or brackish charter vessel with a licensed guide onboard at all times. |
Louisiana Offshore, ROLP, HMS and Saltwater Bowfishing Permit Rules
Some Louisiana fishing activities need extra permits beyond Basic and Saltwater. These permits often depend on species, location, fishing method, and whether you are on a private recreational trip or a charter trip.
Free permit: Private recreational anglers need a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters.
Captain coverage: LDWF says you do not need an ROLP if you only go offshore on charter boats as a client and are covered by the captain’s Charter ROLP.
Federal permit: Recreational vessels fishing for federally regulated highly migratory species may need a federal HMS Angling Permit.
Free permit: LDWF says a recreational saltwater bowfishing permit is required for people 18 and older taking or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear.
Who Is Exempt From Louisiana Nonresident Fishing Licenses?
LDWF says residents and nonresidents under age 18, meaning age 17 and under, are not required to have Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses. LDWF also lists private-property and private-pond situations as exemptions in some contexts.
No Basic/Saltwater license: Residents and nonresidents age 17 and under are not required to have Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses.
Limited exemption: Fishing on your own private property or in a private pond without public access may be exempt.
Specific gear rule: LDWF has a Hook and Line License for pole or hook-and-line fishing without a reel and without certain gear or artificial bait.
Check details: Students, Purple Heart recipients, retired military, disability and nonresident native categories can have special license options.
Nonresident Native, Student and Special Louisiana Fishing Licenses
Louisiana has special reduced-fee license categories for certain out-of-state anglers. These are not for every visitor, but they can matter if you were born in Louisiana, are a qualifying student, or qualify under a military or special status category.
| Special Category | Listed Fee | Who It Helps | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Native Basic Fishing, 10-day | $17 | People born in Louisiana who are not current residents. | Valid for 10 consecutive days. |
| Nonresident Native Saltwater, 10-day | $15 | Nonresident natives fishing saltwater. | Basic Fishing License required. |
| Nonresident Student Basic Fishing | $17 | Qualifying nonresident students. | Check LDWF special license rules. |
| Nonresident Student Saltwater | $15 | Qualifying nonresident students fishing saltwater. | Basic Fishing License required. |
| Retired Military Hunting/Fishing | $20 | Qualifying resident/nonresident native retired military applicants. | Check eligibility before buying. |
How to Print, Save or Show a Louisiana Nonresident Fishing License
After buying through LouisianaOutdoors, save proof before fishing. A printed copy, screenshot, PDF or account access can help when cell service is weak around marshes, boat launches, canals, lakes or offshore docks.
Save your receipt and license details
Keep your confirmation, license number and account email after checkout.
Print a backup
A paper copy is useful in a tackle bag, boat folder or glove box.
Use LA Wallet only when eligible
Louisiana residents with a Louisiana driver’s license or state ID can connect purchased LDWF licenses to LA Wallet. Nonresidents should not rely on LA Wallet unless they meet the app’s ID/account requirements.
Carry extra permits separately
If you need ROLP, saltwater bowfishing permit, WMA access, or federal HMS permit, save those documents too.
Louisiana Fishing Rules Nonresidents Must Check After Buying
A Louisiana fishing license gives you license coverage, but it does not replace species rules. Before keeping fish, check seasons, size limits, possession limits, gear rules, saltwater line, offshore permits, WMA rules and federal water requirements.
Before fishing Louisiana as an out-of-state angler, check this list
- Do you need Basic Fishing, Saltwater, or both?
- Are you fishing north or south of the saltwater line?
- Are you targeting freshwater species only or saltwater/brackish species?
- Is a 5-day license enough, or do you need season coverage?
- Are you only fishing with a licensed charter guide?
- Do ROLP, HMS, bowfishing or WMA permits apply?
- What are the current size limits and daily possession limits?
- Are crab, shrimp, oyster, red snapper, tuna or reef fish rules involved?
- Do you need proof for youth, special license, student or native eligibility?
Common Louisiana Out-of-State Fishing License Mistakes
Most visitor mistakes happen because Louisiana has both freshwater and saltwater license layers. The saltwater line, charter-only licenses and offshore permit rules can surprise anglers who buy too quickly.
Basic is not enough for saltwater or brackish fishing south of the saltwater line when saltwater species are involved.
LDWF says south Louisiana has areas where fresh and saltwater species overlap. Add Saltwater if you plan to catch saltwater species.
Charter passenger licenses are for charter vessels with a licensed guide onboard at all times. They may not cover independent fishing.
Private offshore trips for certain species can require a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit.
Save or print proof before going to remote bayous, marshes, lakes or offshore docks.
LDWF says residents and nonresidents under 18 do not need Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses.
How This Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared using official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries resources, LDWF fee lists, LouisianaOutdoors support pages and LA Wallet support guidance. The focus is out-of-state license cost and rules because that is the main user intent behind “louisiana out of state fishing license.”
- LDWF recreational fishing license requirement page.
- LDWF license and permit fee list.
- Nonresident Basic Fishing Season License cost and coverage.
- Nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License cost, prerequisite and coverage.
- Nonresident 5-day Basic and 5-day Saltwater license costs.
- Charter Passenger Freshwater and Saltwater 3-day license costs.
- Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise season and 5-day pricing.
- Youth exemption for residents and nonresidents under age 18.
- Saltwater line guidance and south Louisiana best-practice note.
- ROLP, HMS and saltwater bowfishing permit notes.
- LA Wallet license connection support guidance.
Find Louisiana Fishing License Vendors Near You
If you do not want to buy online, look for Louisiana license vendors or LDWF-related sales locations. Call before visiting because hours, license-system access and printer availability can vary.
Search Louisiana Fishing License Vendors
Use this map for a general search, then confirm through LDWF or LouisianaOutdoors before relying on a location.
Louisiana Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Rules and Online Buying
How much is a Louisiana non-resident fishing license in 2026?
LDWF lists the nonresident Basic Fishing Season License at $68. If you need saltwater coverage, the nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License is $60 and requires the Basic Fishing License first.
How much is a Louisiana out-of-state 5-day fishing license?
LDWF lists the nonresident Basic Fishing 5-Day License at $30 and the nonresident Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License at $30. The Saltwater 5-Day requires a Basic Fishing Season License or Basic Fishing 5-Day License.
Can nonresidents buy a Louisiana fishing license online?
Yes. Nonresidents can buy Louisiana fishing licenses online through LouisianaOutdoors, the official LDWF license portal.
Do I need both Basic and Saltwater licenses in Louisiana?
You need Basic to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters. If fishing south of the saltwater line for saltwater or brackish species, you also need the Saltwater License unless an exemption applies.
How much is a Louisiana nonresident saltwater fishing license?
The nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License is listed at $60. It requires the nonresident Basic Fishing License first, which is listed at $68.
How much is a Louisiana charter passenger fishing license?
LDWF lists the Charter Passenger Freshwater License at $10 for 3 consecutive days and the Charter Passenger Saltwater License at $20 for 3 consecutive days. These are for charter vessels with a licensed guide onboard at all times.
Do kids need a Louisiana nonresident fishing license?
No, not for Basic or Saltwater licenses. LDWF says residents and nonresidents under age 18, meaning 17 and under, are not required to have Basic or Saltwater Fishing licenses.
What is the Louisiana Recreational Offshore Landing Permit?
The ROLP is a free permit required for private recreational anglers to possess certain offshore species such as tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo and dolphinfish in Louisiana waters.
Can I show my Louisiana fishing license in LA Wallet?
Louisiana residents with a Louisiana driver’s license or state ID can connect purchased LDWF licenses to LA Wallet. Nonresidents should save or print proof from LouisianaOutdoors unless they meet app account requirements.
How long is a Louisiana annual recreational fishing license valid?
LDWF says annual recreational fishing licenses are valid from the date of purchase and for one year, or 365 days, from the date of purchase.
Final Summary: Louisiana Out-of-State Fishing License Cost and Rules in 2026
A Louisiana nonresident Basic Fishing Season License costs $68. A nonresident Saltwater Fishing Season License costs $60 and requires Basic first. Short-trip visitors can use a $30 Basic Fishing 5-Day License and, if needed, a $30 Saltwater Fishing 5-Day License.
The safest path is to buy through LouisianaOutdoors, choose Basic or Basic plus Saltwater based on where and what you fish, use charter passenger licenses only when the trip truly stays with a licensed guide, save proof before the trip, and check LDWF regulations for saltwater line, offshore permits, WMA access and species rules before keeping fish.