What a Louisiana Resident Trip License Covers
A Louisiana Resident Trip Fishing License lets you fish both saltwater and freshwater for three consecutive days without buying separate licenses for each. You pay one price and fish both environments during that window — no switching between licenses, no separate fees for moving from a lake to the coast.
The license is designed for residents who want a short fishing trip without committing to a full-year license. It covers recreational fishing only, meaning you cannot sell what you catch. You still follow all the same bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures that apply to any other angler in Louisiana.
This license does not cover saltwater charter trips or guided fishing — those have their own rules. It also does not cover freshwater trout in certain private waters or any fishing that requires a special permit beyond the basic license.
Key Takeaways
- A Trip License covers three consecutive calendar days and works in both saltwater and freshwater, so you do not need two separate licenses.
- You must be a Louisiana resident to buy a Trip License; non-residents need a different license type.
- The license costs less than a full-year resident license but more than a single-day license, making it useful for weekend trips.
- You still must follow all Louisiana fishing regulations, including bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures for each species.
- You can buy a Trip License online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website or at authorized retailers.
Who Can Buy a Resident Trip License
You must be a Louisiana resident to purchase a Trip License. Residency means you have lived in Louisiana for at least one year and can show proof — typically a driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement with a Louisiana address. If you moved to Louisiana less than a year ago, you will need to buy a non-resident license instead.
The license is for individuals only. You cannot buy one license and share it among family members or friends. Each person fishing must have their own valid license in their possession while on the water.
How to Buy Your License and What It Costs
You can purchase a Trip License online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) website at wlf.louisiana.gov. The online system lets you buy and print your license immediately, and it is valid as soon as you print it. You can also buy a Trip License at sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations that carry fishing supplies — staff at these retailers can print your license on the spot.
The cost varies slightly depending on where you buy it. Buying online through LDWF is typically the least expensive option because there is no retailer markup. Buying at a physical store may cost a few dollars more. Prices change periodically, so check the LDWF website for the current price before you purchase.
When you buy online, you will need your Louisiana driver's license number or state ID number. Have that ready before you start. The system will ask for your name, address, and date of birth to verify residency.
What the Three-Day Window Means
Your Trip License is valid for three consecutive calendar days. If you buy a license on a Friday, it covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you buy one on Monday, it covers Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The license expires at the end of the third day, even if you do not fish all three days.
You do not have to fish every day during those three days — you can fish one day and skip the next two. The license remains valid for the full three-day period regardless of how many days you actually use it. Once the three days end, you must buy a new license to fish again.
Regulations You Must Follow
A Trip License does not exempt you from Louisiana fishing regulations. You must follow all bag limits, which vary by species and season. For example, redfish have a daily bag limit of three fish per person in most areas, and trout limits change seasonally. Size restrictions also apply — some species have minimum or maximum lengths you must follow.
Certain species have seasonal closures when you cannot fish for them at all. These dates change year to year, so check the current Louisiana Fishing Regulations Summary on the LDWF website before your trip. The regulations also specify which areas are open or closed to certain types of fishing, and some waters have special rules.
You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to any wildlife officer who asks. A printed license or a digital copy on your phone both count as valid proof.
Saltwater Versus Freshwater Fishing With Your License
Your Trip License covers both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the same three-day period. You can fish the Gulf of Mexico in the morning and a freshwater lake in the afternoon without any additional purchase or paperwork. The same license works everywhere in Louisiana.
However, the species you can keep and the regulations that apply differ between saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater fish like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder have their own bag limits and size rules. Freshwater species like largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie have different limits. Check the current regulations for each species before you fish to avoid accidentally breaking the law.
When a Trip License Is Not Enough
A Trip License does not cover saltwater charter fishing. If you hire a captain to take you out on a charter boat, the captain's license covers you — you do not need your own. However, if you fish from your own boat or from shore, you need a Trip License or another valid license.
Some private freshwater areas, particularly private trout ponds and clubs, require a separate permit beyond your Trip License. Ask the property owner or manager before you fish. Certain species in certain areas also require special permits — for example, some areas have special regulations for speckled trout that require additional documentation. Check with LDWF if you are unsure whether your Trip License covers what you want to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Trip License for someone else?
No. Each person must have their own license, and you must provide your own identification to purchase one. You cannot buy a license for a family member or friend — they must buy their own through the LDWF website or at a retailer.
What if I lose my printed license while I am fishing?
Contact the LDWF to report the loss and request a replacement. If you bought your license online, you can print another copy from your account. If you bought it at a retailer, bring your receipt and identification to that retailer or to LDWF to get a duplicate. Carry a digital copy on your phone as backup.
Do I need a separate license to fish in a state park or wildlife refuge?
Your Trip License covers fishing in state parks and most wildlife refuges. However, some refuges have additional rules or require a special permit. Call the specific refuge or park before your trip to confirm what you need.
Can I use a Trip License if I am visiting from out of state but own property in Louisiana?
No. A Trip License requires Louisiana residency, which means you must have lived in the state for at least one year. If you own property but do not meet the residency requirement, you need a non-resident license instead.
How long is my Trip License valid after I buy it?
Your license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you purchase it. After those three days end, the license expires and you cannot fish with it. You must buy a new license to fish again.