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If you’re a Texas angler planning to fish in Louisiana waters, understanding exactly where your Texas fishing license is valid can save you money and help you avoid potential legal issues. The good news is that Texas and Louisiana maintain a reciprocal fishing agreement that allows licensed anglers to fish in certain shared waters without purchasing an additional license. However, this agreement comes with specific conditions that every angler should understand before casting their line.
The Texas-Louisiana Fishing License Reciprocity Agreement in 2025
Texas and Louisiana maintain a neighborly agreement that benefits anglers from both states. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, this reciprocal arrangement has two main components that remain active through 2025:
- Border Waters Recognition: Licensed residents can fish in shared border waters without purchasing an additional non-resident license.
- Senior Reciprocity: Texas residents age 65 and older with a valid Texas senior fishing license can fish in all Louisiana public waters without purchasing a Louisiana license.
This agreement saves anglers money and simplifies the fishing experience in the shared waterways between these neighboring states.
Where Your Texas License Works in Louisiana
The reciprocal agreement between Texas and Louisiana specifically applies to shared border waters. If you have a valid Texas resident fishing license, you can fish in these border waters without purchasing a Louisiana license:
- Sabine River
- Sabine Pass
- Sabine Lake
- Caddo Lake
- Toledo Bend Reservoir
It’s important to note that this reciprocal agreement does not extend to waters that branch off from these main border bodies. For example, while you can fish in Sabine Lake with your Texas license, you cannot legally fish in a Louisiana bayou that connects to Sabine Lake without a Louisiana license.
Border Waters Fishing Map
| Water Body | Texas License Valid? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sabine River | ✓ | Entire river along shared border |
| Sabine Pass | ✓ | All areas within the pass |
| Sabine Lake | ✓ | All areas of the lake |
| Caddo Lake | ✓ | All areas except Mooringsport Bayou |
| Toledo Bend Reservoir | ✓ | All areas of the reservoir |
| Gulf of Mexico | ✗ | Not covered by agreement |
| Calcasieu Lake | ✗ | Requires Louisiana license |
| Inland Louisiana waters | ✗ | Requires Louisiana license |
You can learn more about Louisiana’s best fishing spots at Teenfish’s Louisiana Fishing Regulations guide.
Special Rules for Senior Anglers
If you’re a Texas resident age 65 or older with a valid Texas senior fishing license, the agreement offers even greater benefits. According to the 2025 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations, you can fish in any public waters in Louisiana without purchasing a Louisiana non-resident license. This expanded reciprocity for seniors applies to both freshwater and saltwater areas throughout Louisiana.
Similarly, Louisiana residents age 65 or older with a valid Louisiana senior fishing license can fish throughout Texas without purchasing a Texas license.
For Texas seniors, this means:
- You must possess a valid Texas senior fishing license
- You can fish in any Louisiana public waters (freshwater and saltwater)
- You must comply with Louisiana fishing regulations
- This also applies to Texas residents born before September 1, 1930
You can find more information about senior fishing privileges at Teenfish’s SC Non-Resident Senior Fishing License guide.
Understanding Texas Fishing Licenses
Before exploring interstate recognition, it’s important to understand what licenses Texas offers. In Texas, anyone 17 years or older needs a fishing license. According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas offers several options:
- Freshwater License: Valid for inland lakes and rivers ($30 for residents, $58 for non-residents)
- Saltwater License: Valid for coastal waters ($35 for residents, $63 for non-residents)
- All-Water License: Covers both fresh and saltwater ($40 for residents, $68 for non-residents)
Texas fishing licenses typically expire on August 31 regardless of purchase date, except for the Year-from-Purchase option which lasts for a full 12 months.
For more details on Texas license options, visit Teenfish’s Texas Fishing License Fees guide.
Louisiana Fishing License Basics
Louisiana requires a Basic Fishing License for anyone 18 or older fishing in public waters. For saltwater fishing south of the state’s designated saltwater line, an additional Saltwater License is required.
Louisiana offers various license types including:
- Basic Fishing License
- Saltwater License
- Combination licenses that include hunting privileges
- Senior licenses with special provisions
Like many states, Louisiana also offers reduced fees for seniors, military members, and certain qualifying residents, as detailed in FishingBooker’s 2025 Louisiana License Guide.
When You’ll Need a Louisiana License
Despite the reciprocal agreement, there are many situations where Texas anglers will need to purchase a Louisiana fishing license:
- Non-Border Waters: Any fishing in Louisiana waters that aren’t part of the shared border waters requires a Louisiana license (unless you’re a senior angler covered by the senior reciprocity provision).
- Gulf of Mexico: The reciprocity agreement ends at the Gulf of Mexico. Texas anglers fishing in Louisiana’s portion of the Gulf need a Louisiana saltwater license.
- Tributaries and Connected Waterways: Streams, bayous, and other waterways that branch off from border waters but are solely within Louisiana require a Louisiana license.
- Special Species Permits: Certain species may require additional permits beyond the basic license, such as the Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) for offshore species.
For more information on Louisiana’s specific fishing requirements, check out Teenfish’s Louisiana Fishing Regulations.
Youth Exemptions in Both States
Both Texas and Louisiana offer exemptions for young anglers:
- Texas: Residents and non-residents under 17 years of age do not need a fishing license
- Louisiana: Residents and non-residents under 18 years of age do not need a fishing license
These exemptions apply throughout both states, not just in border waters. Due to the one-year difference in age requirements, a 17-year-old angler from Louisiana who wishes to fish in Texas beyond the shared border waters should purchase a non-resident Texas fishing license.
Following Fishing Regulations and Limits
Even when fishing under the reciprocal agreement, you must follow the regulations of the state where you’re physically located. This includes:
- Size limits for fish
- Daily bag limits
- Seasonal restrictions
- Gear regulations
- Special permits for certain species
For example, if you catch fish on the Texas side of Toledo Bend, you must adhere to Texas regulations. If you catch fish on the Louisiana side, you must follow Louisiana’s rules.
Game wardens from both states actively patrol these waters and can check your license and enforce their state’s fishing regulations, so always be aware of which state you’re fishing in.
How to Purchase the Right License
If you determine you need a Louisiana license, you have several convenient options:
- Online: Through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website
- In-Person: At tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and LDWF offices
- By Phone: Call the LDWF licensing division
Similarly, Texas licenses can be purchased:
- Online: Through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website
- In-Person: At TPWD offices, hardware stores, tackle shops, and many grocery stores
- By Phone: Call (800) 895-4248 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Mobile App: Using the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app
Learn more about purchasing options at Teenfish’s How to Get a One Day Fishing License in Texas.
Digital License Options in 2025
Both Texas and Louisiana have embraced technology to make fishing licenses more accessible. Louisiana was one of the first states to offer fully digital fishing licenses through their LA Wallet app. This allows anglers to display their licenses on their smartphones when checked by enforcement officers.
Texas also offers digital license options through the Texas Outdoor Annual app, allowing you to store your license on your phone or print it at home after online purchase.
Digital licenses have become increasingly important in 2025, with more states adopting this technology for convenience and conservation purposes.
2025 License Fees Comparison
| License Type | Texas Resident | Texas Non-Resident | Louisiana Resident | Louisiana Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic/Freshwater | $30 | $58 | $17 | $60 |
| Saltwater | $35 | $63 | $15 | $30 |
| All-Water/Combo | $40 | $68 | $32 | $90 |
| Senior Freshwater | $12 | N/A | $8 | $15 |
| Senior Saltwater | $17 | N/A | $8 | $15 |
| One-Day All-Water | $11 | $16 | $5 | $10 |
Prices subject to change. Always verify current fees on official state websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish anywhere in Louisiana with my Texas license?
No, unless you’re a Texas resident age 65+ with a senior license. Otherwise, you can only fish in shared border waters with your Texas license.
Do I need a special permit for saltwater fishing in Louisiana?
Yes, a Saltwater License is required in addition to the Basic Fishing License when fishing south of Louisiana’s saltwater line, even under the reciprocity agreement.
What if I’m fishing from a charter boat in Louisiana?
If you’re fishing from a charter vessel with a licensed guide, special charter passenger licenses may apply. Check with your charter operator for specifics.
Do children need fishing licenses in Texas or Louisiana?
No. In Texas, anglers under 17 are exempt from needing a license. In Louisiana, those under 18 are exempt.
Can I use my Texas license to fish inland Louisiana waters like the Atchafalaya Basin?
No, the reciprocity agreement only covers shared border waters. You would need a Louisiana non-resident license unless you qualify for the senior reciprocity.
What happens if I accidentally cross the state line while fishing?
You must follow the regulations of the state where you are physically located. If you cross into Louisiana waters not covered by the reciprocity agreement, you technically need a Louisiana license.
For more fishing license information across other states, visit Teenfish’s Free Fishing Days guide.
Conservation and Management
Both Texas and Louisiana use license fees to fund important conservation and fisheries management programs. The reciprocal agreement helps manage shared resources and ensures consistent protection of fish populations in border waters.
Both states participate in joint management efforts for Toledo Bend Reservoir and other shared waters, coordinating on issues like:
- Fish stocking programs
- Habitat enhancement projects
- Invasive species control
- Water quality monitoring
By purchasing the appropriate licenses and following regulations, anglers contribute directly to the preservation of these fisheries for future generations.
Conclusion
Understanding interstate license recognition between Texas and Louisiana can save you money and help you avoid potential legal issues. While the reciprocal agreement provides convenient options for fishing shared border waters, it’s important to remember its limitations. When in doubt, purchasing a license for the state you’re fishing in is always the safest option.
For the most current information about fishing licenses, regulations, and reciprocal agreements, always check the official websites of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries before your fishing trip.
Remember to explore more fishing resources at Teenfish.com for comprehensive guides on fishing licenses, regulations, and tips across the United States.
