What a nonresident trip license covers and who needs one

A nonresident trip fishing license in Louisiana lets you fish saltwater or freshwater for up to 14 consecutive days without being a state resident. You need one if you live outside Louisiana and plan to fish in state waters — whether you're fishing from shore, a boat, a pier, or with a guide. The license covers both saltwater and freshwater in a single purchase, so you don't buy separate licenses for each.

Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues these licenses. The trip license is the fastest option if you're visiting for a short period and don't want to commit to a full-year nonresident license. You can buy it online, by phone, or at authorized retailers before you arrive or once you're in the state.

Key Takeaways

  • A nonresident trip license covers 14 consecutive days of fishing in both saltwater and freshwater Louisiana waters.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website, by phone, or at authorized retailers.
  • The license is valid only for the person named on it and does not transfer to family members or friends.
  • Certain species require additional stamps or permits beyond the base trip license, including redfish, speckled trout, and saltwater species over specific sizes.
  • You must carry your license and any required stamps with you while fishing and show them to a wildlife officer if asked.

How to purchase a nonresident trip license online or by phone

The easiest way to get a trip license is through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website at wlf.louisiana.gov. Look for the "Licenses and Permits" section and select "Buy a License." You'll enter your name, address, date of birth, and the dates you plan to fish. The system will ask whether you want saltwater, freshwater, or both — select both to cover all waters. Payment is by credit or debit card, and you receive your license by email immediately as a PDF you can print or display on your phone.

If you prefer to buy by phone, call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 1-888-765-2602. A representative will walk you through the same information and email your license to you. Processing takes a few minutes, so you can call the day before you fish or the morning you arrive.

You can also buy a trip license at any authorized retailer in Louisiana — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some convenience stores near fishing areas stock them. Bring your ID and let the retailer know your intended fishing dates. They'll print your license on the spot.

Cost and what the 14-day period means

The cost of a nonresident trip license varies slightly depending on when you purchase it and which retailer you use, but generally ranges from around $25 to $35 for the combined saltwater and freshwater license. Prices are set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and do not change based on how many days you actually fish — you pay the same whether you fish all 14 days or just one.

The 14-day period runs consecutively from the date you specify when you purchase the license. If you buy a license valid from June 1 to June 14, you cannot extend it or pause it if you leave and return later. If you need to fish beyond 14 days, you must purchase a separate nonresident annual license, which covers a full calendar year and costs more but is valid indefinitely during that year.

Stamps and additional permits you may need

The trip license itself allows you to fish, but certain species require additional stamps purchased separately. A saltwater stamp is required if you plan to keep saltwater fish — this covers species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. A freshwater stamp is required for keeping freshwater fish like bass and catfish. You can purchase these stamps when you buy your trip license or separately at the same retailers.

If you plan to fish for redfish or speckled trout specifically, you'll also need a Redfish and Speckled Trout Stamp, which is separate from the saltwater stamp. Tarpon fishing requires its own Tarpon Stamp if you intend to keep or land a tarpon. Check the current regulations on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website before your trip, because stamp requirements and bag limits change seasonally and can vary by region.

Guides and charter captains are familiar with these requirements and will often remind you what stamps you need. If you're fishing on your own, it's your responsibility to have the correct stamps before you fish — wildlife officers check licenses and stamps regularly, especially in popular fishing areas.

Regulations and bag limits while fishing

Your trip license gives you the right to fish, but Louisiana's bag limits and size restrictions apply to everyone. Bag limits are the number of fish you can keep per day — for example, redfish typically have a limit of three fish per person per day, though this varies by season and area. Size restrictions mean a fish must be a certain length to be legal to keep; a speckled trout might need to be 12 inches or longer.

Saltwater and freshwater regulations differ, and some areas have special rules. The Gulf of Mexico has federal regulations that overlap with state rules, so if you're fishing offshore, you need to know both. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries publishes a free Fishing Guide that lists all current bag limits, size restrictions, and closed seasons by species. Download it before you go, or ask your guide or the tackle shop for a printed copy.

Catch-and-release fishing does not require stamps for most species, but you still need your base trip license. If you're unsure whether a fish you've caught is legal to keep, measure it and check the guide — it's better to release it than to risk a citation.

What to bring and how to prove you have a valid license

You must carry your license with you at all times while fishing. If you printed your PDF license, bring the printed copy. If you have it on your phone, make sure your battery is charged and the file is easy to access — wildlife officers need to see it clearly. Some people take a photo of their license as a backup.

You'll also need a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Wildlife officers check both your license and your ID to confirm the license belongs to you. If you're fishing from a charter boat or with a guide, the captain or guide usually carries a copy of all passengers' licenses, but you should still have your own.

Bring the physical stamps if you purchased them separately, or have them displayed on your license if they were printed together. If a wildlife officer stops you and you don't have your license or required stamps, you can face a fine. The fine varies depending on the violation, but it's always cheaper and easier to carry your license than to deal with a citation.

When to buy your license and common mistakes to avoid

Buy your trip license at least a day before you plan to fish, even if you're buying online. Email delivery is usually instant, but occasionally there are delays. If you're arriving in Louisiana and buying in person at a retailer, go early in the day so you have time to get to your fishing spot.

A common mistake is buying a trip license when you actually plan to fish more than 14 days. If you're staying longer, a nonresident annual license is a better value and doesn't expire until the end of the calendar year. Another mistake is forgetting that the trip license is non-transferable — you cannot give it to a family member or friend. Each person who fishes must have their own license.

Don't assume your guide or charter captain will provide a license for you. They're required to have their own captain's license, but passengers must have individual licenses. Finally, don't forget the stamps. Many people buy the base trip license and then realize mid-trip they need a saltwater or redfish stamp. It's a quick fix at a tackle shop, but it's easier to buy everything upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with a trip license if I'm staying with family who live in Louisiana?

Yes. Your residency status is based on your legal address, not where you're staying. If your permanent address is outside Louisiana, you need a nonresident license regardless of where you sleep during your visit. Bring proof of your out-of-state address, such as a driver's license, when you purchase the license.

What happens if my 14 days end while I'm in the middle of a fishing trip?

Your license expires at the end of the 14th day, even if you're actively fishing. You cannot fish on the 15th day without purchasing a new license. Plan your trip dates carefully, and if you think you might need extra days, buy an annual nonresident license instead.

Do I need a trip license if I'm only fishing in a private pond or on private land?

No. A license is required only for fishing in public waters. If you have written permission from the landowner to fish on private property, you do not need a state license. However, you still must follow bag limits and size restrictions for any fish you keep.

Can I buy a trip license for someone else as a gift?

No. The license is issued in the name of the person who will fish, and that person must provide their own information when you purchase it. Each angler must buy their own license or have someone purchase it with their name and details provided at the time of sale.

What if I lose my printed license while I'm fishing?

Contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 1-888-765-2602 and provide your name and license purchase date. They can reissue a duplicate license by email. In the meantime, if a wildlife officer stops you, explain that you've lost your license and are waiting for a replacement — have the officer's contact information ready so they can verify your license is valid if needed.