How Much Is a Fishing License In Mississippi?
Mississippi’s sprawling waterways—from the tranquil oxbow lakes of the Delta to the saltwater havens of the Gulf Coast—offer anglers unparalleled opportunities to reel in trophy catfish, bass, and redfish. But before casting a line, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is essential. This guide delivers immediate answers to license costs, types, and purchasing processes while weaving in local insights, conservation context, and money-saving strategies. Updated for 2025, it draws directly from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) to ensure accuracy.
2025 Mississippi Fishing License Costs: Resident vs. Non-Resident Breakdown
Mississippi’s license fees prioritize affordability for residents while offering flexible options for visiting anglers. Below, we decode exact pricing, hidden fees, and ideal license types for different fishing styles.
Resident Fishing Licenses
Available to those who’ve lived in Mississippi for 6+ consecutive months. Prices include a $1.25 issuance fee for online purchases:
| License Type | Cost | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman’s License | $45 | Annual | Covers all hunting + freshwater fishing |
| All Game Hunting/Freshwater | $25 | Annual | Bass, catfish, crappie in lakes/rivers |
| 3-Day Freshwater Fishing | $3 | 3 Days | Ideal for weekend trips |
| Senior Lifetime Saltwater* | $5 | Lifetime | For residents 65+ (excludes trout stamps) |
*Requires proof of age and residency.
Why the Sportsman’s License Pays Off: At $45/year, it’s 62% cheaper than buying separate hunting and fishing permits.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents pay higher fees but gain access to Mississippi’s 200+ public lakes:
| License Type | Cost | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $60 | Annual | Full access to inland waters |
| 3-Day Freshwater | $10 | 3 Days | Short vacations (e.g., Sardis Lake) |
| Annual Saltwater | $30 | Annual | Coastal species like redfish and speckled trout |
| 3-Day Saltwater | $15 | 3 Days | Gulf Coast weekend trips |
Added Costs:
- Trout Stamp ($5.50): Required in stocked areas like the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
- Processing Fees: $1.25 for online purchases; $4.25 at Walmart or bait shops.
Pro Tip: Non-residents fishing less than 14 days/year save $45 by choosing 3-day licenses over annual passes.
Where & How to Buy Mississippi Fishing Licenses
Purchasing a license takes under 5 minutes through these verified methods:
1. Online via MDWFP’s Portal
- Step 1: Visit MDWFP’s Licensing Page.
- Step 2: Select “Fishing Licenses” and residency status.
- Step 3: Add required permits (e.g., trout stamps).
- Step 4: Pay via credit/debit card.
Benefits: Instant digital copies (save to phone) and auto-renewal reminders.
2. In-Person Retailers
Over 500 statewide vendors, including:
- Walmart (agent fee: $4.25)
- Bass Pro Shops (Jackson location)
- County clerk offices (e.g., Hinds County Tax Office).
Documents Needed:
- Residents: Driver’s license or state ID.
- Non-residents: Valid government-issued ID.
3. Mobile App
The MDWFP Hunting & Fishing App (iOS/Android) stores digital licenses and provides real-time regulation updates.
Special Permits, Exemptions, and Hidden Rules
Beyond standard licenses, these permits and exceptions apply:
Mandatory Permits
- Trout Stamp ($5.50): Required year-round in designated waters. Exception: Youths under 16.
- Federal Reef Fish Permit (FREE): Mandatory for offshore species like snapper. Apply via NOAA Fisheries.
Who Doesn’t Need a License?
- Resident landowners fishing on their own property.
- Under 16: Applies to residents and non-residents.
- Disabled veterans: 50% discount on annual licenses with VA disability proof.
Conservation Impact
License fees fund:
- Fish Stocking: 2.1 million bass and catfish released annually.
- Habitat Restoration: Projects like Coastal Marsh Revival post-Hurricane Zeta.
Did You Know? Mississippi offers free fishing days on June 7-8, 2025—no license required! Explore our guide to Free Fishing Days in Alabama for regional opportunities.
Seasonal Regulations & Catch Limits
Mississippi’s fishing regulations ensure sustainable populations of popular species. Key rules for 2025 include:
Freshwater Fishing Restrictions
- Bass:
- Daily Limit: 10 per angler (minimum 12 inches).
- Spawning Closures: March 1–May 15 in Ross Barnett Reservoir to protect nesting areas.
- Catfish:
- Blue/Channel Catfish: No size limit; daily limit of 20.
- Flathead Catfish: Minimum 18 inches; limit of 5.
Saltwater Fishing Restrictions
- Redfish (Red Drum):
- Slot Limit: 18–27 inches.
- Daily Limit: 3 per angler.
- Speckled Trout:
- Minimum Size: 15 inches.
- Daily Limit: 10 (reduced from 15 in 2024 to combat overfishing).
Enforcement Notes: Violations can incur fines up to $500 and license revocation. Always check the MDWFP Freshwater Regulations and Saltwater Regulations before heading out.
Senior Discounts & Special Permits
Mississippi offers significant savings for seniors, military personnel, and disabled anglers:
Senior Fishing Licenses
- Residents 65+:
- Lifetime Freshwater License: $7 (vs. $25 standard annual).
- Lifetime Saltwater License: $5 (vs. $30 annual).
Proof of age and residency required .
Military & Veteran Benefits
- Active-Duty Military: 50% discount on annual licenses (valid with military ID).
- Disabled Veterans: Free Freshwater/Saltwater Combo License for those with 100% VA disability rating.
Free Fishing Days
- June 7–8, 2025: No license required statewide. Ideal for introducing kids to fishing.
- Coastal Free Weekend: September 13–14, 2025 (saltwater only).
Pro Tip: Pair these dates with our guide to Top 10 Family-Friendly Fishing Spots in Alabama for a multi-state angling adventure.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
1. Can I Fish in Both Freshwater and Saltwater With One License?
No. Mississippi requires separate freshwater and saltwater licenses. However, the Sportsman’s License ($45) bundles freshwater fishing with hunting privileges.
2. What If I Lose My License?
Replacement licenses cost $5 and can be reprinted via the MDWFP Portal or mobile app.
3. Are Out-of-State Licenses Honored?
Only for border waters (e.g., Mississippi River). For inland lakes, non-residents must purchase a Mississippi license.
4. Do I Need a License for Catch-and-Release?
Yes. All anglers over 16 must hold a valid license, regardless of intent to keep fish.
Conservation Efforts & Economic Impact of Fishing Licenses
Mississippi’s fishing license fees directly fund conservation programs that protect aquatic ecosystems and boost local economies. Here’s how your license purchase makes a difference:
Key Conservation Initiatives
- Fish Stocking Programs: Over 2.1 million bass, crappie, and catfish are released annually into public waters, including Grenada Lake and Pickwick Lake.
- Habitat Restoration:
- Coastal Marsh Revival: $3.2 million invested post-Hurricane Zeta to rebuild wetlands.
- Riverbank Stabilization: Projects along the Pearl River to reduce erosion.
- Invasive Species Control: Combating Asian carp and blue catfish in the Mississippi River.
Economic Contributions
Fishing generates $1.8 billion annually for Mississippi’s economy through:
- Tourism: 400,000+ non-resident anglers visit yearly.
- Jobs: Supports 15,000+ jobs in tackle shops, marinas, and guide services.
| Funding Allocation | Percentage of License Fees | Key Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Stocking | 35% | Bass, catfish, trout replenishment |
| Habitat Restoration | 25% | Coastal marsh and riverbank projects |
| Research & Education | 20% | Youth fishing clinics, species studies |
| Law Enforcement | 15% | Patrols, poaching prevention |
| Administrative Costs | 5% | License processing, app maintenance |
Did You Know? Mississippi’s conservation model inspired neighboring states like Alabama. Learn how their system works in Alabama’s Fishing Regulations and Catch Limits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Avoid Costly Mistakes
Fishing without a valid license or violating regulations carries severe consequences. Below are 2025 penalties enforced by MDWFP:
Common Violations & Fines
- Fishing Without a License:
- First Offense: $100–$500 fine + court fees.
- Repeat Offense: Up to $1,000 fine + 30-day license suspension.
- Exceeding Catch Limits:
- $50 per fish over the limit (e.g., 2 extra bass = $100).
- Fishing in Closed Seasons:
- $250–$500 fine + confiscation of gear.
Enforcement Practices
- Random Checks: Wardens patrol high-traffic areas like Ross Barnett Reservoir and Gulf Coast piers.
- Digital Monitoring: License data is cross-checked in real-time via the MDWFP app.
How to Avoid Issues:
- Carry a digital copy of your license on your phone.
- Review MDWFP’s 2025 Regulation Guide before each trip.
For a comparison of penalties in other states, see Fishing License Violations in California.
Conclusion: Fish Responsibly, Protect Mississippi’s Waters
Understanding Mississippi’s fishing license requirements ensures you stay compliant while contributing to the state’s thriving ecosystems. To recap:
- Residents save with annual or lifetime licenses, while non-residents benefit from short-term options.
- Trout stamps and reef permits are mandatory in specific waters.
- License fees fuel critical conservation work, from fish stocking to habitat restoration.
Before You Go:
- Double-check 2025 regulations on the MDWFP website.
- Explore Mississippi’s top destinations with our guide to Top 10 Fishing Spots in Alabama.
Final Reminder: Always verify rules with MDWFP before your trip—regulations can change seasonally. Tight lines and responsible fishing!
