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Freshwater Fishing in Louisiana
Louisiana Fishing at a Glance
Louisiana offers some of the United States’ top spots for angling, with its 5000 miles of navigable rivers that feature a veritable menagerie of species including bass, catfish and trout.
Louisiana boasts an abundance of habitats which cater to all types of fishing, from freshwater streams to saltwater marshes.
The state offers both commercial and recreational fishing opportunities, so no matter the type of angler you are, you’re sure to find something suitable.
Whether resident or non-resident, everyone is required to have a valid fishing license before venturing out onto the water.
The government has implemented regulations in order to protect both fish and fishermen alike – these include limits on how many and what size fish can be caught as well as details on where and how they can be fished.
With its wealth of diverse habitats and regulation-protected resources, Louisiana is truly a paradise for fishing enthusiasts looking for a unique experience.
Louisiana ranks #13 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 16.19% of the population having fishing licenses.
- Louisiana has 5000 miles of navigable rivers with a variety of species including bass, catfish, and trout.
- The state offers a range of fishing habitats from freshwater streams to saltwater marshes.
- Both commercial and recreational fishing opportunities are available in Louisiana.
- A valid fishing license is required for everyone to fish, regardless of residency status.
- Regulations are in place to protect fish and fishermen, including limits on catch size and location restrictions.
- Louisiana ranks #13 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with over 16.19% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 4,657,757 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 753,950 |
| Fishing License % | 16.19% |
| Hunters Rank | 13 |
The state of Louisiana is mostly private land with just 7.65% of acres considered public land -ranking #28 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 27,882,200 | ||
| Public | 2,131,700 | 7.65% | 28 |
| Private | 25,750,100 | 92.35% | 21 |
| Tribal | 400 | 0.00% | 25 |
Louisiana Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Louisiana DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Louisiana DNR
P.O. Box 98000
#1 Sportsmans Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
- (225) 765-2800
Louisiana’s waters are home to a wide variety of fish species – from catfish prized for their size and fight, bass admired for their power and agility, to crappie lauded for their flavor. No matter your angling goals, Louisiana’s rivers and streams offer the perfect opportunity to hook your desired catch.
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Fishing private land in Louisiana
Fishing on private land in Louisiana has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Louisiana or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Lake Pontchartrain
2. Atchafalaya Basin
3. Redfish Lake
4. Caddo Lake
5. Toledo Bend Reservoir
Fishing private land in Louisiana
Fishing on private land in Louisiana has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Louisiana or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.