Mississippi Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
How much is a fishing license in Mississippi (MS)?
A resident annual Mississippi fishing license costs $13.49, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $73.49. Mississippi also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
How does Mississippi compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Mississippi Fishing License →Fishing in Mississippi
Mississippi is Delta crappie water and a stretch of Gulf Coast. The flood-control reservoirs — Grenada, Sardis and Enid — are famous for producing giant crappie (white perch), and they hold largemouth and catfish too. Along the coast at Biloxi and the barrier islands, anglers chase speckled trout, redfish and flounder inshore with offshore action beyond. A saltwater license covers the Gulf; the freshwater fishing runs year-round.
Mississippi Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$13.49
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$73.49
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$34.49
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$29.00
Senior (65+)
FreeMS resident 65+ exempt for freshwater (optional $2.30 lifetime card)
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified September 2026 from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Mississippi fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Mississippi. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Mississippi residents under 16 need no fishing license.
- Seniors (65+)
- Mississippi residents 65 and older are EXEMPT from the fishing license. They may optionally buy a one-time $2.30 Senior Exempt Lifetime license (All Game Hunting / Freshwater Fishing); the saltwater senior lifetime is $5.00. There is no $5 annual freshwater senior product.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Residents who are blind, paraplegic, a multiple amputee, adjudged 100% disabled by the Social Security Administration, or 100% service-connected disabled by the VA or Railroad Retirement Board are NOT required to buy a hunting or fishing license (an optional $2.30 Disabled Exempt license is available).
- Veterans & military
- Covered by the disability exemption above — residents certified 100% service-connected disabled by the VA need no fishing license.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7 and July 4, 2026 — residents may fish Mississippi's public waters without a license. On June 6–7 permits are also waived at state fishing lakes and state park lakes; on July 4 those lake permits are STILL required. All other regulations apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a Mississippi fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Mississippi also sell licenses.
Mississippi Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Mississippi species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrappieNo statewide length limit; 12-inch minimum applies only at Grenada/Sardis/Enid | 30 | No limit | Year-round |
| Largemouth BassStatewide 10 black bass/day default; state lakes differ | 10 | No limit | Year-round |
| Redfish (Red Drum)Saltwater slot; confirm current coastal rule | 3 | 18" | Year-round |
| Speckled TroutSaltwater; confirm current coastal rule | 15 | 15" | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Mississippi Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Mississippi?
A resident annual fishing license in Mississippi costs $13.49, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $73.49. Mississippi also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Mississippi?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Mississippi costs $73.49. For a shorter trip, Mississippi also sells 3-Day, 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Mississippi residents 65 and older are EXEMPT from the fishing license. They may optionally buy a one-time $2.30 Senior Exempt Lifetime license (All Game Hunting / Freshwater Fishing); the saltwater senior lifetime is $5.00. There is no $5 annual freshwater senior product. Always confirm current rules with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before you fish.
Where do you buy a Mississippi fishing license?
Buy directly from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Mississippi.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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