Mississippi Fishing License: The Complete Guide for 2025

May 8, 2025 | 4 minute read Comments
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Reading Time: 4 minutes

The “Hospitality State” is not just about true southern warmth, although it is true to its nickname. It’s also home to the mighty Mississippi River, the Gulf Coast’s inshore reefs, Largemouth Bass holes like the Ross Barnett Reservoir and Grenada Lake, and many other hotspots for anglers of all sorts. In order to fully enjoy everything these waters have to offer, you’ll need to get a Mississippi fishing license first.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mississippi fishing permits, where and how to purchase them, who can fish without a license, and what permits are available for residents and non-residents. 

Who needs a fishing license in Mississippi?

All anglers aged 16 and over need to obtain a valid Mississippi license in order to legally fish in the state. Licenses are issued every month and are effective for a year from the date of purchase, covering fresh and saltwater fisheries. However, no matter your residency status, you won’t be able to catch fish in privately owned ponds and streams. 

Both residents and visitors are required to obtain a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) User Permit for hunting, fishing, and trapping on US Forest Service WMAs.

Information for Residents

While there are various options available for both residents and visitors, some types of fishing permits are reserved for Mississippians. 

The Mississippi Lifetime License offers cost-saving benefits and provides lifelong access to the local fisheries. In order to apply for these licenses, you have to be a native-born Mississippian or domiciled in the state for at least 18 months before obtaining the license. Senior residents aged 65 and older are able to obtain a Lifetime Recreational Saltwater fishing license at a discount rate. 

All fees collected by the MDWFP go to the Wildlife Endowment Fund to help various educational activities, research projects, and wildlife management and enforcement programs. 

Resident anglers can also purchase one of the following license packages:

  • Super Sportsman. This fishing and hunting combination package includes a Mississippi Sportsman license and a Saltwater Fishing license, as well as a WMA User Permit, a state waterfowl stamp, and a one-year subscription to the Mississippi Outdoors Magazine.
  • Avid Angler. This is a fishing-only package that includes a Small Game/Freshwater Fishing license and a Saltwater Fishing license, along with a one-year subscription to the Mississippi Outdoors Magazine.

You can learn more about the Mississippi license packages here

Cost for Residents

Resident License Type Cost Agent Fee Process Fee
Sportsman’s (freshwater only) $45.00
$1.00
$1.29
All Game Hunt/Fish* (freshwater only) $25.00
$1.00
$2.49
Small Game Hunt/Fish (freshwater only) $10.00
$1.00
$2.49
3-Day Freshwater Fishing $3.00
$1.00
$2.49
Saltwater Fishing $10.00
$1.00
$2.49
Senior Lifetime Saltwater (65+) $5.00
$1.00
$2.49
Lifetime Sportsman’s (0-12) $500.00


Lifetime Sportsman’s (13+) $1000.00


*Doesn’t include archery, primitive weapons, or crossbows.

Information for Non-Residents

A view of the harbor in Gulfport, Mississippi and the docked boats in it.

While Lifetime licenses are mostly available for Mississippi residents, some non-resident anglers might also qualify. If you hold an original birth certificate that shows that you were born in Mississippi and/or a parent’s address was in the state at the time of your birth, you can apply for a Non-Resident Native Lifetime license

Non-resident active members of the US Armed Forces (except for Reserves and the National Guard) are eligible for a special Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting/Fishing combination license. Please note that this covers freshwater fishing only, and you can purchase only two licenses of this type a year. Here’s a link to the application form. 

Among other options, visitors can also get a 1-Day freshwater license – an option that MS residents don’t have.

Cost for Non-Residents

Non-Resident License Type Cost Agent Fee Process Fee
14-Day Hunt/Fish* (Armed Forces) $32.00
$1.00
$4.42
Freshwater Fishing $68.00
$3.00
$4.42
3-Day Freshwater Fishing $30.00
$2.00
$4.42
1-Day Freshwater Fishing $10.00
$1.00
$4.42
Saltwater Fishing $30.00
$3.00
$4.42
3-Day Saltwater Fishing $15.00
$2.00
$4.42
Mississippi Native Lifetime $1500.00


*Includes fall turkey and archery, primitive weapons, and crossbows.

Who can fish without a license?

As we mentioned earlier, there are anglers who can fish in Mississippi without a license. However, in some cases, you’ll need to still get a permit, even though it’s complimentary. 

Here’s the list of license exemptions:

  • Disabled residents. Visually impaired, multiple-amputee, paraplegic, and 100% service-connected veterans or residents adjudged 100% disabled by the Social Security Administration can fish without a license. 
  • Senior residents. MS residents aged 65 and over aren’t required to purchase a fishing license. However, they should obtain a Resident Senior Exempt license, which is a lifetime privilege that allows its holders to contribute to various MS wildlife programs. 
  • Younger residents. Residents under the age of 16 can fish license-free. The state offers a voluntary Youth Exempt license, which is similar to the Resident Senior Exempt license. 
  • Free fishing days. You don’t need a license or lake permit to fish in Mississippi’s State Fishing Lakes on the first Saturday and Sunday of the National Fishing Week in June. 

How to purchase a Mississippi fishing license?

An infographic stating "Mississippi Fishing License Where to Buy" against a dark blue background, with the flag of Mississippi above the text.

Here’s how you can get your Mississippi fishing license:

  • Online. The easiest way to get your MS permit is through the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks website
  • In person. Visit the agency’s license sales office and buy a physical copy of your license there. 

How can I get Resident Senior Exempt or Youth Exempt licenses? 

Residents can obtain the Senior and Youth Extempt licenses from any vendor that sells fishing and hunting licenses in Mississippi. Note that younger residents need to provide their social security number along with a copy of their parent/legal guardian’s driver’s license to prove their residency.

We’ve tried to cover everything, but if you still have questions it’s best to get in touch with your local MDWFP office. Hopefully, you’re now ready to grab your rod, find a guide near you, and start fishing!

Author profile picture

Lisa traded the lecture hall for the vast expanse of the world's waters, transforming her love of teaching into an insatiable passion for angling and storytelling. She would sail through oceans, lakes, and rivers, reeling in the world’s fish stories one catch at a time.

Comments (16)
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Larry Jackson

Feb 24, 2025

I have heard that you can’t eat the fish from the Tennessee River. Is this true?

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  • Marko

    Feb 25, 2025

    Hi Larry,

    It depends on which portion of the Tennessee River you intend to fish in, there are different advisories pertaining to different parts of it.

    You can read up on all the current fish consumption advisories in Tennessee on this page.

    I hope the info helps!

    Tight lines,

    Marko

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Herman Ray Wooten

Sep 9, 2024

I sent a request for a sportsman license on I I sent the request for new license on August 30th even though I am in my 70th. It was returned and said that the fees were increased by $1.00. I didn’t know the fees had been increased, but they could not fill the order. I only buy these license to support our game & fish. Why did they not send me the license with a request for the additional $1.00? The office in Jackson must be in bad need of an additional dollar.

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  • Tanya

    Sep 10, 2024

    Hi Herman, they have both agent and processing fees visible on their official website, but I agree it would be more convenient for users if they would notify you in advance of those changes, especially before you have to renew your existing license. We recommend that you reach out to them directly via their Contact Form and leave them feedback on how to improve their service. Let us know how it went. Tight lines!

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Maria

May 26, 2024

Good morning.
I was recently in Mississippi for work. So to pass the time I was invited by some friends that live in that state. To go fishing. I purchased the fishing license. I was wondering if I can use my license back at home Texas with no issues?

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  • Tanya

    May 27, 2024

    Hi Maria,
    Thanks for reading our blog and reaching out.
    How was your Mississippi fishing experience? 🙂
    As for whether you can reuse your Mississippi fishing license in Texas, we’re afraid that’s not possible. Normally, to fish in a certain state you need a fishing license issued by the authorities of the state where you’ll be wetting your line or taking fish from. So, to fish in Texas, you’ll need an appropriate Texas fishing license. Here’s more info on how you can obtain it. Hope this helped.
    Tight lines!

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