The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is proud to introduce its new website, thoughtfully designed to present information in a clearer, more intuitive way and help users quickly find what they need. Explore the features of the new site to see what’s improved.
Go Fishing
Fishing in Louisiana
Louisiana’s waters provide an incredible bounty of recreational fishing harvests and support one of the most diverse commercial fishing industries in the nation. Together, these fisheries fuel local economies, create jobs, and play a vital role in the state’s culture and coastal communities.
Seasons and Regulations Brochure, Interactive Flipbook, and Quick Reference Guide
Find everything you need to know about recreational and commercial fishing seasons and regulations. Also learn about recreational crab, shrimp, and oyster regulations.
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Fishing Seasons and Regulations
Fishing Licenses and Permits Fishing License Requirements, Fees, and Purchase Information
Find helpful information about license requirements, including specialty licenses. Fishing licenses are valid from the date of purchase and expire one year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
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Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags
For-Hire/Charter Fishing Saltwater and Freshwater Guide Information
Operators of for-hire/charter vessels derive income from bringing recreational fishermen to take and retain legal species of fish.
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For-Hire/Charter Guides
Fisheries Management Learn about the tools LDWF uses to manage your fisheries.
Responsible fisheries management starts with sound scientific information about fish populations and the ecosystems in which they live, as well as the fisheries that depend on them.
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Fisheries Management
Recreational Fishing
Commercial Fishing
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LA Creel - LDWF's Saltwater Recreational Data Collection
Active management starts with LA Creel. LA Creel is LDWF’s recreational saltwater landings data collection program which uses a combination of data collected dockside and through phone and email surveys to estimate recreational saltwater fish harvests. The goal of LA Creel is to provide statistically significant recreational fishery information to aid in managing Louisiana’s valuable fishery resources.
Learn More About LA Creel
Looking for some not-so-secret recreational fishing spots? We can put you on fish
Below are a couple great resources to help you get a line wet and put a few in the ice chest. Get Out and Fish! ponds are stocked with adult-sized fish throughout Louisiana, while our Outdoor Explorer will show you some excellent bank fishing areas, boat launches, and other stocked ponds around the state (click 'Get on the Water')
News
Recreational Fishing
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Mar 09, 2026 Gulf Council Holds Ecosystem Working Group Meetings
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Mar 05, 2026 Commission Adopts Notice of Intent to Modify Crappie and Black Bass Regulations on the Saline-Larto Complex
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Mar 05, 2026 LDWF Requests Bass Anglers to Submit Tournament Results for 2026 Season
Commercial Fishing
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Apr 14, 2026 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ New, Updated Website to Launch April 16
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Apr 02, 2026 Louisiana Oyster Task Force to Meet April 7
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Mar 31, 2026 REMINDER: Vermilion/East and West Cote Blanche/Atchafalaya Bay Public Oyster Seed Grounds 2025-2026 Oyster Season to Close Wednesday, April 1, 2026