BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy Louisiana’s annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026.
During the two-day event, anglers can fish in Louisiana waters without purchasing a state fishing license, giving families and outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy one of the state’s most popular recreational activities at no cost.
LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth encourages everyone to take advantage of the weekend.
“There is no need to purchase a fishing license this weekend, so bring your families and friends and enjoy one of Louisiana’s most beloved pastimes,” Bosworth said. “Take this opportunity to make lasting memories and introduce someone new to the sport of fishing.”
While fishing licenses are waived during the event, all existing fishing regulations remain in effect, including size limits, season restrictions, daily catch limits, and gear requirements.
To help new anglers get started, LDWF will host free parent-child fishing clinics at the Waddill Wildlife Refuge in Baton Rouge. Participants will learn fishing basics including bait selection, tackle setup, casting, knot tying, fish handling, and other essential skills.
Free Fishing Clinics
Waddill Wildlife Refuge 4142 N. Flannery Road, Baton Rouge
Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Saturday, June 6 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance through the Louisiana Outdoors website.
Anglers planning to keep certain offshore species should note that a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still required during Free Fishing Weekend. The permit applies to species such as tuna, snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, swordfish, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish.
LDWF reminds the public that anglers 18 years of age and older are normally required to possess a valid Louisiana fishing license when fishing in public waters outside of Free Fishing Weekend.
The annual event is designed to introduce new anglers to the outdoors while encouraging families to spend quality time together enjoying Louisiana’s abundant fisheries.
