As a Texas resident, you may be wondering if you can use your Texas fishing license when fishing in Louisiana’s waters. The answer depends on your age and the specific location where you plan to fish.
Texas Residents 65 and Older
Texas residents who are 65 years old or older may fish in Louisiana’s public waters (both freshwater and saltwater) as long as they possess valid Texas resident fishing licenses and comply with Louisiana’s fishing regulations.
Texas Residents Born Before September 1, 1930
Texas residents born before September 1, 1930 must possess Texas resident fishing licenses when fishing in Louisiana, except in the border waters.
Border Waters Between Texas and Louisiana
Texas and Louisiana have a reciprocal agreement that allows residents from either state to fish in certain border waters without additional licenses. These border waters include:
Caddo Lake
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Sabine River
Sabine Lake
Sabine Pass
As long as you have a valid fishing license from your resident state (Texas) or are exempted from holding a license in your resident state, you can fish in these border waters without needing an additional license from the other state (Louisiana).
Fishing in Louisiana’s Public Waters
If you are a Texas resident who does not fall into the categories mentioned above, you will need to purchase a Louisiana non-resident fishing license to fish in Louisiana’s public waters.
Louisiana offers various fishing license options for non-residents, including daily, weekly, and annual licenses. You can purchase these licenses online, from authorized retailers, or directly from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Exceptions and Discounts
Louisiana offers reduced-fee fishing licenses for certain groups, such as active and former military personnel, disabled residents, and non-resident natives who were born in Louisiana.
Additionally, Louisiana has a Free Fishing Weekend, usually held in mid-June, where anglers from all over the country can fish without a license.
It’s important to note that while you may be able to fish in Louisiana with your Texas license under certain circumstances, you should always familiarize yourself with Louisiana’s fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, before heading out on the water.