Residents and visitors across Louisiana, including those in Webster Parish, will have the opportunity to fish without a license during the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
The event allows the public to fish any Louisiana public waters without purchasing a fishing license. However, all other fishing regulations, such as size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will still apply.
“Each year, we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our state’s most beloved pastimes,” LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said in a statement. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”
Anglers targeting specific offshore species—including tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish—must still obtain a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP). Registration for the Free Fishing Weekend ROLP opens June 2. Participants should select the “Free Fishing Weekend” license option and may leave the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field blank. The Free Fishing Weekend ROLP is valid only on June 7 and 8.
To register for a ROLP, visit https://ldwf.wlf.la.gov/rolp/login.
Outside of Free Fishing Weekend, all anglers age 18 and older are required to have a valid Louisiana fishing license to fish in public waters. Licenses can be purchased at https://louisianaoutdoors.com.
Locally, Lake Bistineau State Park offers area residents a nearby destination to take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend. Located on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, the park features boat launches, hiking trails, a lakefront beach and fishing access.