What a Louisiana Nonresident Basic License Covers

A nonresident basic fishing license in Louisiana lets you fish in freshwater bodies across the state for 14 consecutive days. It does not cover saltwater fishing, which requires a separate license. The license is personal to you — it cannot be transferred or loaned to another person, and you must carry it with you whenever you fish.

This license covers rod-and-reel fishing and cast-net fishing in freshwater. It does not include trout stamps, redfish stamps, or any special permits for specific species or methods. If you plan to fish for species that require a stamp, you will need to purchase those separately.

Key Takeaways

  • A nonresident basic license costs a set fee and is valid for 14 consecutive days from the date you purchase it.
  • You can buy the license online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, by phone, or at authorized vendors in the state.
  • The license covers freshwater fishing only and does not include saltwater areas, coastal marshes, or tidal zones.
  • You must have the physical license or a digital copy on your phone when you fish, and show it to a wildlife officer if asked.

Where to Buy Your License

The easiest way to purchase a nonresident basic license is through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website at wlf.louisiana.gov. You can buy it online and receive a digital copy immediately, which you can display on your phone or print. The online purchase takes about five minutes and requires a valid credit or debit card.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Wildlife and Fisheries office during business hours, or visit an authorized vendor in Louisiana. Authorized vendors include sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some convenience stores near fishing areas. Vendors may charge a small processing fee in addition to the license cost.

How Long the License Lasts

Your 14-day license begins on the date you purchase it and runs for exactly 14 consecutive calendar days. If you buy the license on a Monday, it expires at the end of the 14th day, regardless of whether you fish every day or not. You cannot pause the license or extend it — once the 14 days end, you must purchase a new one if you want to continue fishing.

Plan your purchase date around when you expect to fish most. If you are visiting Louisiana for a two-week trip, buying the license on your arrival day makes sense. If you are coming for a long weekend, you may want to wait until you arrive rather than buying it days in advance.

What You Must Carry and Show

Louisiana law requires you to have your license in your possession at all times while fishing. This means either the physical printed license or a digital copy on your phone. Wildlife officers can ask to see your license at any time, and you must show it immediately. Fishing without a valid license on hand is a violation, even if you purchased one and simply left it at your hotel.

If you have a digital copy on your phone, make sure you can display it clearly — a screenshot or PDF works fine. Some anglers take a photo of their printed license as a backup. Do not rely on your email confirmation alone; have the actual license document ready to show.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater and Special Stamps

The nonresident basic license covers only freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and bayous that are not tidal. Saltwater fishing — in the Gulf of Mexico, coastal bays, and tidal areas — requires a separate nonresident saltwater license. If you are unsure whether a body of water is freshwater or saltwater, ask at a local bait shop or check the Wildlife and Fisheries website.

Even with a basic license, certain species require additional stamps. Trout, redfish, and some other game fish may need a stamp purchased separately. These stamps are inexpensive but mandatory if you intend to keep those species. Check the current regulations on the Wildlife and Fisheries website before your trip to see which stamps apply to the fish you want to catch.

Regulations and Bag Limits

Your license gives you the right to fish, but it does not override Louisiana's bag limits, size restrictions, or seasonal closures. Each species has rules about how many you can keep per day, how large they must be, and when you can fish for them. These rules change by species and sometimes by region within the state.

Before you fish, look up the current regulations for the species and location you plan to visit. The Wildlife and Fisheries website has a searchable guide, and bait shops near popular fishing spots can tell you what is legal right now. Ignoring size or bag limits is a separate violation from fishing without a license, and both carry fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in saltwater with a nonresident basic license?

No. The basic license covers freshwater only. If you want to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, coastal bays, or tidal areas, you need a separate nonresident saltwater license. Some areas are tidal and count as saltwater even if they look like rivers or bayous, so ask locally if you are unsure.

What happens if a wildlife officer asks to see my license and I do not have it?

You can be cited for fishing without a license in your possession, even if you purchased one. The fine varies but is typically in the range of $50 to $100 or more. Always carry your license — either printed or on your phone — whenever you fish.

Can I buy a license for someone else to use?

No. Licenses are not transferable. Each person who fishes must have their own license. If you are fishing with family or friends, everyone must purchase their own nonresident basic license.

Do I need a stamp to keep bass or catfish?

Bass and catfish do not require a separate stamp in Louisiana. Your basic license covers them. However, they are still subject to bag limits and size restrictions. Check the current regulations to see how many of each species you can keep per day.

Can I renew my 14-day license before it expires?

No. You must wait until your current license expires. You cannot extend or renew it early. Once the 14 days end, you can purchase a new license immediately if you want to keep fishing.