Mississippi offers a dual freshwater/saltwater licensing system — you need to choose the right license based on where you fish. The state has outstanding possibilities: bass fishing on Ross Barnett Reservoir, catfishing on the Mississippi River, crappie on Enid and Grenada lakes, and redfish and speckled trout along the Gulf Coast.
Seniors age 65 and older get a lifetime exemption — they fish free forever.
Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), updated for 2026 season.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Mississippi?
Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Mississippi’s public waters.
Exemptions (No License Required)
- Children under 16 — no license needed (can get voluntary Youth Exempt license)
- Mississippi residents age 65 and older — lifetime exemption (Resident Senior Exempt)
- Residents fishing on their own property — stocked private ponds
- Anglers on Free Fishing Day (see below)
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mississippi Fishing License
Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status
Mississippi Resident: Must have maintained permanent residency in Mississippi for at least 6 months.
Non-Resident: Anyone who does not meet the 6-month residency requirement.
Step 2: Freshwater or Saltwater?
Mississippi uses a geographic boundary system for license types:
| Zone | License Needed |
|---|---|
| North of I-10 | Freshwater license required |
| Between I-10 and US Highway 90 | Either freshwater or saltwater valid |
| South of US Highway 90 | Saltwater license required |
Step 3: Choose Your License Type
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing | $25.00 |
| Sportsman’s License (FW Fishing + Archery/Primitive) | $45.00 |
| Avid Angler Package (FW Fishing + Saltwater) | Varies |
| Lifetime Recreational Saltwater (65+) | $7.29 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing (Annual) | $68.00 |
| 3-Day Freshwater Fishing | $30.00 |
| 1-Day Freshwater Fishing | $10.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing (Annual) | $30.00 |
| 3-Day Saltwater Fishing | $15.00 |
| Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing | $32.00 |
Source: MDWFP, current as of March 2026. Online purchases include eGov and processing fees.
Lifetime Licenses (Resident Only)
| Age at Purchase | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth through 12 | $500.00 | Sportsman + Wild Turkey + WMA + Saltwater |
| 13 and older | $1,000.00 | Sportsman + Wild Turkey + WMA + Saltwater |
Step 4: Purchase Your License
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
Visit mdwfp.com — available 24/7.
Option 2: By Phone
Call MDWFP customer service.
Option 3: In Person
- MDWFP offices
- Authorized agents — sporting goods stores, bait shops, convenience stores
- Walmart locations
Step 5: Carry Your License
You must carry your license while fishing and present it to any conservation officer upon request.
Freshwater vs Saltwater: Know the Boundaries
Understanding Mississippi’s geographic license zones is critical:
Freshwater Zone (North of I-10)
Covers the vast majority of Mississippi’s fishing waters:
- Ross Barnett Reservoir (Jackson area)
- Grenada Lake (north-central MS)
- Enid Lake (north-central MS)
- Sardis Lake (north-central MS)
- Pickwick Lake (northeast MS)
- Mississippi River (entire western border)
- Pearl River (central MS)
- Thousands of farm ponds and creeks
Overlap Zone (Between I-10 and US 90)
Either freshwater or saltwater license is valid. Key waters:
- Back Bay of Biloxi
- Coastal bayous
- Inshore lagoons
Saltwater Zone (South of US 90)
| Water | Key Species |
|---|---|
| Mississippi Sound | Speckled trout, redfish, flounder |
| Gulf of Mexico | Red snapper, cobia, king mackerel |
| Barrier islands | Speckled trout, redfish |
| Cat Island, Ship Island | Offshore species |
Mississippi Free Fishing Day
Mississippi typically designates one Free Fishing Day per year, usually around National Fishing and Boating Week in early June. The exact date for 2026 will be announced by MDWFP.
No license is required. All other regulations apply.
Where to Fish in Mississippi
Bass
| Location | Species |
|---|---|
| Ross Barnett Reservoir | Largemouth bass (outstanding) |
| Pickwick Lake | Smallmouth and largemouth bass |
| Grenada Lake | Largemouth bass, crappie |
| Sardis Lake | Largemouth bass |
| Okatibbee Lake | Largemouth bass |
Crappie (Mississippi’s Most Popular Fish)
| Location | Season |
|---|---|
| Enid Lake | Spring — legendary crappie |
| Grenada Lake | Spring and fall |
| Ross Barnett Reservoir | Year-round |
| Sardis Lake | Spring |
| Arkabutla Lake | Spring |
Catfish
| Location | Species |
|---|---|
| Mississippi River | Blue cats, flatheads (trophy) |
| Big Black River | Channel cats, flatheads |
| Yazoo River | Channel cats, blue cats |
| Farm-raised catfish ponds | Channel cats (Delta region) |
Gulf Coast (Saltwater License Required)
| Species | Where | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Speckled Trout | Mississippi Sound | Spring and fall |
| Redfish | Barrier islands, marshes | Year-round |
| Red Snapper | Offshore (20+ miles) | Summer (federal season) |
| Flounder | Back Bay, sounds | Fall |
Mississippi Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
| Species | Daily Limit | Length Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 10 | 14″ (varies by lake) |
| Crappie | 30 | None (varies by lake) |
| Channel Catfish | No limit | None |
| Blue Catfish | No limit | None |
| Flathead Catfish | No limit | None |
| Striped Bass | 3 | 22″ |
| Speckled Trout | 15 | 13″ |
| Redfish | 3 | 18″–30″ slot |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Mississippi fishing license?
Non-residents pay $68 for annual freshwater, $30 for saltwater. Residents typically purchase combination hunting/fishing licenses ($25+). Short-term: 3-day FW ($30), 1-day FW ($10).
Do I need separate freshwater and saltwater licenses?
Yes — unless you fish in the overlap zone (between I-10 and US 90), where either license works. North of I-10 requires freshwater; south of US 90 requires saltwater.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi residents age 65 and older are exempt from licensing requirements. A free Resident Senior Exempt license is available as proof.
What about Louisiana residents fishing Mississippi’s coast?
Louisiana residents must purchase both a Non-Resident Freshwater privilege and the Non-Resident LA Saltwater Fishing privilege ($60) to fish Mississippi marine waters.
Is there a free fishing day in Mississippi?
Yes — typically one day in early June during National Fishing and Boating Week. The exact 2026 date is announced by MDWFP each spring.
Related Resources
Lifetime Fishing License ROI: When Does It Make Financial Sense?
How Much Is a Fishing License in Mississippi?
Best Fishing Spots in Mississippi
Saltwater Fishing License Requirements: A Complete Guide
