Which States Does Louisiana Have Reciprocity on Freshwater Fishing Licenses?

Southern states sometimes stick together. Louisiana and Texas do – at least when it comes to fishing. They have reciprocity on freshwater fishing licenses. Here's what that means, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.

1. Be a Card Carrier
You don't need a fishing license at all if you are 15 or younger or reached age 60 before June 2000. But the state wants you to carry identification with proof of your age.

2. Texas Reciprocal
Louisiana seniors age 65 and older do not need to buy a non-resident license to fish in all public waters in Texas. All you need is a Louisiana Senior Fishing license, and you need to comply with Texas law.

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3. Some Nonresident Licenses Needed
Louisiana residents age 17 to 64 still need a nonresident fishing license when fishing in Texas, except when fishing in border waters. In all border waters, except the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and Louisiana anglers possessing the necessary resident licenses, or those exempted from resident licenses for their state, are allowed to fish the border waters of Louisiana and Texas without purchasing nonresident licenses. Border waters include Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, the Sabine River and Sabine Lake.

4. Special Texas Resident Licenses
Louisiana allows Texas seniors to fish in Louisiana's public waters if they possess any type valid Special Texas Resident licenses for seniors as issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The Dallas Morning News said: "Texas and Louisiana have reciprocal license agreements, meaning a legally licensed Texas angler can cross into Louisiana on boundary waters without running afoul of Louisiana regulations and vice versa for Louisiana anglers fishing on the Texas side of the lake or river."

That kind of agreement may "lure you to a reel getaway," the Marine Corps Times said in a headline about fishing in places that straddle the border. It called out Toledo Bend Reservoir as a favorite spot for fishing largemouth bass.

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