Fishing license changes effective June 1st

In last year's legislative session, House Bill 691 proposed much-needed changes in Louisiana's fishing and hunting licenses and fees.  With strong bipartisan support, the bill passed and was signed into law.  In a few days - on June 1st - this new licensing structure will take effect. Here's a summary of the changes that will affect recreational anglers:

• All licenses now will be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
• Basic freshwater license (now includes crawfish nets):  $17 annual resident, $68 annual non-resident, $17 non-resident native 10-day, $30 non-resident 5-day.
• Saltwater license (now includes crab traps and shrimp trawls to 25 feet):  $15 annual resident, $60 annual non-resident, $15 non-resident native 10-day, $30 non-resident 5-day
• Hook & Line license (includes roadside crabbing): $5 annual resident, $5 non-resident native 10-day
• Senior licenses (includes hunting): born before 6/1/1940 - not required, born between 6/1/1940 and 5/31/1962 - $5, otherwise anyone 65+ after 6/1/2027 - fee will then be $20.
• Disabled (includes hunting): $4. If disabled native-born military, free.
• Retired military: either resident or native-born - $20.
• Lifetime fishing/hunting: resident or native-born - $500, non-resident $4,000.
• Senior lifetime fishing/hunting: resident or native-born - $100, non-resident - $4,000.
• Youth: the maximum age has been raised from 15 to 17. Does not require a fishing license.

For a complete list of changes, or more details, go to the LDWF Licenses & Permits webpage.