Louisiana Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots

Dropping a line in Louisiana waters has a certain allure. The Bayou State offers year-round fishing opportunities that will make your heart race, whether you’re battling a bull redfish in the surf, navigating the marshes for speckled trout, or casting from a pier at dawn. I can attest that Louisiana is known as the Sportsman’s Paradise for good reason, having spent innumerable mornings watching the sun rise over Lake Pontchartrain.

Louisiana continues to offer some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing in the nation for 2025–2026. Bass, crappie, catfish, redfish, speckled trout, and even offshore giants like tuna and marlin can be found in the cypress-lined lakes in the north and the barrier islands in the south. Everything you need to know is broken down in this guide, including the best places to wet your line, license requirements, catch dates, and creel limits.

Knowing the rules helps protect these amazing fisheries for future generations, whether you’re from Louisiana or are just visiting from out of state. Now that you have your tackle box and your fishing license in order, let’s explore what makes Louisiana fishing so unique.

Table of Contents

📅 Quick Reference Table by Month

Here’s a month-by-month snapshot of what’s biting in Louisiana waters. Remember, some species are available year-round, while others have specific seasons or closures.

Month	Prime Freshwater Species	Prime Saltwater Species	Special Notes
January	Crappie, Bass, Catfish	Redfish, Speckled Trout	Great for speckled trout in cold water
February	Crappie (spawning soon), Bass	Redfish, Speckled Trout	Pre-spawn bass action heats up
March	Bass (spawning), Crappie	Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead	Spring patterns emerge
April	Bass, Crappie, Catfish	Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder	Excellent all-around month
May	Bass, Catfish, Bluegill	Redfish, Speckled Trout, Cobia	Red snapper season begins
June	Bass, Catfish, Gar	Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tarpon	Summer heat arrives
July	Catfish, Gar	Redfish, Speckled Trout (deeper water)	Fish early morning/late evening
August	Catfish, Gar	Redfish, Speckled Trout	Hot weather pushes fish deeper
September	Bass, Crappie, Catfish	Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder	Fall patterns start
October	Bass, Crappie, Catfish	Redfish (peak!), Speckled Trout, Flounder	Southern flounder closure mid-month
November	Crappie, Bass	Redfish, Speckled Trout	Excellent for bull reds
December	Crappie, Bass, Catfish	Redfish, Speckled Trout	Cooler water concentrates fish

🐟 Popular Sport Fish

Largemouth Bass 🎣

Louisiana’s premier freshwater gamefish, largemouth bass thrive in everything from cypress swamps to man-made reservoirs. There’s no closed season for bass, making them a year-round target. The daily bag limit is 5 bass (combined largemouth and spotted bass), with some waters having special slot limits or protected size ranges.

Top Bass Waters:

Toledo Bend Reservoir (14-18″ protected slot on largemouth)
Lake Pontchartrain
Caddo Lake
Atchafalaya Basin

Spring (March-May) brings spawning activity when bass move shallow and become aggressive. Fall (September-November) offers another excellent window when fish feed heavily before winter.

Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout) 🐠

One of Louisiana’s most beloved saltwater species, speckled trout are available year-round with no closed season. The current regulations allow 15 fish per person daily with a minimum size of 13 inches total length. No more than 2 fish over 25 inches can be retained.

These beautiful fish inhabit bays, passes, and nearshore waters. They’re structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, submerged vegetation, and oil platforms. Summer finds them in deeper, cooler water, while cooler months bring them into the marshes.

Best Trout Hotspots:

Lake Mechant
Sister Lake
Barataria Bay (Manila Village area)
The Trestles (Lake Pontchartrain)
Venice area passes

Red Drum (Redfish) 🦞

Talk about a fighter! Redfish are Louisiana’s signature saltwater gamefish, and 2025 brings updated regulations. The daily bag limit is 4 fish per person with a size range of 18 to 27 inches total length. The season is open year-round in state waters.

October through December is prime time for bull reds (oversized fish over 27 inches), though you’ll need to release these bruisers. Juvenile reds (slot-size fish) populate the marshes and bays year-round.

Redfish Hotspots:

Calcasieu Lake
Sabine Lake
Hackberry marshes
Grand Isle
Delacroix

Crappie (White & Black) 🐟

Spring crappie fishing in Louisiana is legendary. These panfish stage near spawning areas from February through April, making them easy targets. The daily limit is 25 crappie with a possession limit of 100 fish. There’s no minimum size limit statewide, though some waters may have specific regulations.

Prime Crappie Lakes:

Caddo Lake
Lake D’Arbonne
Black Bayou Lake
Lake Verret

Catfish (Channel, Blue, Flathead) 🎣

Louisiana’s catfish provide reliable action year-round, with summer being peak time. Regulations vary by species:

Channel & Blue Catfish: 50 daily (combined), no more than 5 over 30″ total length
Flathead Catfish: 10 daily, 18″ minimum length

These whiskered warriors are perfect for bank anglers and kids learning to fish. Night fishing produces excellent results during summer months.

🦞 Specialty Species

Flounder (Southern Flounder)

Southern flounder regulations include a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person with varying size limits depending on the season:

January 1 – May 31: 16″ minimum
June 1 – October 14: 17.5″ minimum
October 15 – November 30: CLOSED SEASON
December 1 – December 31: 17.5″ minimum

This fall closure protects spawning flounder as they migrate to offshore waters.

Red Snapper 🦈

Federal and state red snapper seasons typically open in late spring/early summer. The 2025 season began May 1 with a daily bag limit of 4 fish per person and a 16-inch minimum size. Anglers must have a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) to possess red snapper.

The season runs until the quota is met, so check the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website for current closure dates.

Striped Bass & Hybrid Striped Bass

These powerful fish are stocked in various reservoirs and rivers. They’re considered game fish with specific regulations. Stripers provide exciting freshwater action, especially in tailrace areas below dams.

Paddlefish

Paddlefish snagging is a unique Louisiana tradition in the Atchafalaya Basin and Pearl River systems. A special permit is required, and the season typically runs during winter months with specific quotas.

🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches

Louisiana’s panfish provide fun, easy action for anglers of all skill levels. Here’s a quick reference for common species:

Species	Daily Bag Limit	Size Restrictions	Best Season
Bluegill	No limit	None	April – August
Sunfish (various)	No limit	None	Spring – Summer
White Perch	50	None	Spring – Fall
Sacalait/Crappie	25	None (varies by water)	February – April
Yellow Perch	No specific limit	None	Fall – Winter

These fish are perfect for introducing kids to angling. Most community ponds and public lakes have healthy panfish populations.

🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters

Louisiana’s Get Out & Fish! program is a gem. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries partners with local communities to stock adult-sized channel catfish and rainbow trout in ponds throughout the state. These family-friendly waters provide easy access and nearly guaranteed action.

2025 Stocked Waters Include:

I-10 Park (Jennings)
Zemurray Park (Hammond)
Joe Brown Park (New Orleans)
Southside Regional Park (Youngsville)
Grambling City Park

Rainbow trout stockings typically occur during winter months (December-February) when water temperatures allow these cold-water fish to survive. Channel catfish are stocked throughout the year.

Check the LDWF Get Out & Fish program page for current stocking schedules and locations. These ponds are perfect for beginners and families.

🌍 Public vs Private Waters

Understanding the difference between public and private waters is crucial for Louisiana anglers.

Public Waters include:

State-owned lakes and reservoirs
Navigable rivers and streams
Coastal/saltwater areas
Wildlife Management Areas (WMA permit required for some)

You can access these with proper licenses. Many have boat launches, fishing piers, and bank fishing areas maintained by LDWF.

Private Waters include:

Farm ponds
Private lakes
Non-navigable streams on private property

You’ll need landowner permission to fish private waters. Louisiana’s complicated water law means some waters have public navigation rights even though surrounding land is private—when in doubt, ask!

Pro Tip: Wildlife Management Areas offer excellent fishing, but you’ll need a WMA Access Permit ($20 annual) in addition to your fishing license if you’re 18 or older.

🎟️ Fishing License Guide

Let’s break down Louisiana’s license structure for 2025–2026. It might seem complex at first, but understanding what you need ensures you’re fishing legally.

Resident Licenses

Basic Fishing License: $17 (covers all legal freshwater gear)
Saltwater License: $15 (requires Basic License; covers saltwater gear)
Sportsman’s Paradise License: $100 (includes Basic & Saltwater Fishing, deer, turkey, duck, and WMA access—best value for active outdoorsmen!)

Non-Resident Licenses

Basic Fishing License: $68
Saltwater License: $60 (requires Basic License)
5-Day Basic License: $30
5-Day Saltwater License: $30
Sportsman’s Paradise License: $400

Special Licenses

Senior (born before June 1, 1940): No fee (license still required)
Senior (age 60+, born after May 31, 1940): $5
Charter Passenger (3-day saltwater): $20
Youth (under 18): No license required! 🎉

Specialty Stamps & Permits

WMA Access Permit: $20/year (free for youth under 18)
Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP): No fee, but required for tuna, billfish, snapper, grouper, and other offshore species
Recreational Saltwater Bowfishing Permit: No fee, required for bowfishing in saltwater

Where to Buy: Purchase licenses online at LouisianaOutdoors.com or at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and many retail locations. Your license can be displayed via the LA Wallet app—no need to print!

Important Note: Licenses are valid for one year from date of purchase, not by calendar year.

If you’re exploring Florida fishing seasons or Texas fishing opportunities, Louisiana has reciprocal agreements for border waters like Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sabine Lake, which can save you money on multi-state trips.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: Do kids need a fishing license in Louisiana?

Nope! Anyone under 18 years old can fish without a license. This makes Louisiana incredibly family-friendly for introducing young anglers to the sport.

Q: Can I use live bait in Louisiana?

Yes! Live bait is legal for most species. Common choices include shiners, shad, minnows, shrimp, and crabs. Some bass tournaments restrict live bait, but recreational anglers can use it freely.

Q: Are there any catch-and-release-only waters in Louisiana?

Some specific waters or management areas may have catch-and-release regulations for certain species or size classes. Always check local regulations for the water you’re fishing. The slot limits on some bass waters are designed to protect breeding fish.

Q: Is night fishing allowed?

Absolutely! Night fishing is legal and often productive, especially for catfish, crappie, and speckled trout. Just ensure you have proper lights on your boat if you’re on the water.

Q: Is bowfishing legal in Louisiana?

Yes, bowfishing is permitted for non-game species in both freshwater and saltwater. As of 2025, you’ll need a Recreational Saltwater Bowfishing Permit (no fee) to bowfish in saltwater if you’re 18 or older. Common targets include gar, buffalo, and carp.

Q: What’s the best time of year to fish Louisiana?

Honestly? All year! Spring (March-May) offers fantastic bass and crappie action. Summer has excellent saltwater fishing. Fall brings peak redfish and the return of cooler-weather patterns. Winter is prime for speckled trout and crappie. Each season has its highlights.

Q: Do I need different licenses for freshwater vs. saltwater?

Yes, for saltwater fishing you need BOTH a Basic Fishing License ($17 resident) AND a Saltwater License ($15 resident). The Basic License alone only covers freshwater. The Sportsman’s Paradise License ($100) includes both and is the better deal if you fish year-round.

🗺️ Map & Hotspots

Louisiana’s fishing opportunities span from the piney hills of North Louisiana to the coastal marshes of the Gulf. Here are five must-visit destinations for 2025–2026:

1. Venice, Louisiana – “The End of the World”

Located at the very tip of the Mississippi River, Venice offers world-class offshore fishing for tuna, marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Inshore, you’ll find excellent redfish and speckled trout. The natural gas platforms offshore create fish magnets. If you’re serious about big game fishing, Venice is your spot.

2. Grand Isle

Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle provides easy access to both inshore and offshore fisheries. The beaches, piers, and jetties teem with redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. It’s a perfect weekend destination with accommodations and bait shops.

3. Toledo Bend Reservoir

Straddling the Louisiana-Texas border, Toledo Bend is one of America’s premier largemouth bass fisheries. This 185,000-acre reservoir consistently produces trophy bass. Crappie and catfish populations are also excellent. The lake has special slot limits to protect bass.

4. Lake Pontchartrain

This massive brackish lake on New Orleans’ doorstep offers surprisingly good fishing. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead are primary targets. The Trestles (old railroad bridge) and various reefs provide structure that concentrates fish. It’s highly accessible with numerous launch points.

5. Atchafalaya Basin

The nation’s largest river swamp is a cypress-studded paradise. Bass, crappie, catfish, and even alligator gar call these waters home. The basin’s interconnected lakes, bayous, and flooded timber create endless exploration opportunities. Spring and fall are peak times for bass.

Interactive Maps: Check out the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Interactive Maps for detailed water body information, boat launches, and access points.

✅ Wrap-Up

Louisiana’s 2025–2026 fishing seasons offer something for everyone, from backyard pond bluegill to offshore blue marlin. The combination of freshwater and saltwater opportunities, year-round action, and relatively affordable licensing makes the Pelican State a true angling paradise.

Before you head out, remember to:

✓ Purchase the appropriate license (and ROLP if targeting offshore species)
✓ Review bag limits and size restrictions for your target species
✓ Check local water conditions and weather forecasts
✓ Practice catch-and-release for out-of-slot or protected fish
✓ Respect private property and follow WMA regulations
✓ Bring family and friends—fishing’s better together!

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries works hard to maintain these incredible fisheries through stocking programs, habitat improvement, and science-based regulations. By following the rules and practicing ethical angling, we ensure our kids and grandkids will enjoy the same amazing experiences.

So grab that rod, bait your hook, and experience what makes Louisiana the Sportsman’s Paradise. Tight lines, y’all! 🎣

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