What a 3-Day Nonresident License Covers

Mississippi's 3-day nonresident freshwater license lets you fish in the state's lakes, rivers, and streams for three consecutive calendar days without owning property there. The license covers freshwater species only — bass, catfish, bream, crappie, and similar fish in inland waters. It does not cover saltwater fishing or any tidal areas along the coast.

You can purchase the license online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) website or in person at authorized vendors across the state. The license becomes valid the day you purchase it and runs through the end of the third calendar day. If you buy it on a Friday, it covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Key Takeaways

  • The 3-day nonresident freshwater license costs a set fee and covers three consecutive calendar days of fishing in Mississippi's inland waters.
  • You can purchase online through the MDWFP website or at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and other authorized retailers throughout the state.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to any wildlife officer who asks.
  • The license does not cover saltwater fishing, private ponds on someone else's land, or any species with special restrictions.
  • Daily catch limits and size restrictions apply to each species, and these vary — check the current MDWFP regulations before you fish.

How to Purchase Online

The MDWFP website has a licensing portal where you can buy your 3-day license without leaving home. Go to the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website, find the licensing section, and select "nonresident" and "3-day freshwater." You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

Once you complete the purchase, you receive a confirmation email with your license number. Print the email or save it to your phone — you must show proof of purchase to a wildlife officer if asked. Some people take a screenshot of the confirmation as backup. The license is valid immediately after purchase, so you can fish the same day if you buy it in the morning.

Where to Buy in Person

If you prefer to buy your license face-to-face, authorized vendors are scattered across Mississippi. Sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's sell licenses, as do independent bait and tackle shops in most towns with fishing access. Many Walmart and Ace Hardware locations also carry them. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store has them in stock.

When you buy in person, the vendor prints your license on the spot. You receive a physical card or document that you must carry with you while fishing. Keep it in your wallet or tackle box. If you lose it, contact the MDWFP to request a replacement, though this may take several days.

What You Need to Know Before You Fish

Mississippi has daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for most freshwater species. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, for example, have a 12-inch minimum length and a daily limit of five fish. Catfish have different rules depending on the species. Bream and crappie have their own limits. These rules change periodically, so check the current MDWFP fishing guide before you go.

You also cannot fish on private property without the owner's permission, even with a valid license. Public access points include state parks, wildlife management areas, and some sections of major rivers. The MDWFP website lists public fishing areas by county. Trespassing to fish is illegal and can result in fines.

License Restrictions and What Is Not Covered

The 3-day nonresident freshwater license does not cover saltwater species or fishing in tidal waters along the Mississippi coast. If you plan to fish in coastal bays or the Gulf of Mexico, you need a separate saltwater license. The freshwater license also does not cover private ponds or lakes on someone else's land unless you have written permission from the owner.

Some waters have special regulations — certain lakes may be catch-and-release only, or closed during specific seasons. Check the MDWFP website or call their office before fishing an unfamiliar lake. A few species, like paddlefish, require separate permits even with a valid fishing license.

If You Plan to Stay Longer Than Three Days

If you realize you want to fish beyond the third day, you can purchase another 3-day license or switch to a longer-term option. Mississippi offers 7-day and annual nonresident licenses through the same vendors. The 7-day license covers seven consecutive calendar days and costs more than the 3-day but less per day. The annual license is valid for a full calendar year and is the best value if you fish multiple times.

You cannot overlap licenses — once your 3-day license expires at the end of the third day, you must purchase a new one to continue fishing. Plan ahead if you know you will be in Mississippi for a week or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license if I am fishing with someone who has one?

No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. If you are in a boat with a licensed angler, you still need to purchase your own 3-day license before you cast a line. This applies even if someone else is providing the boat and equipment.

What happens if a wildlife officer asks to see my license?

Show your printed license, email confirmation, or screenshot on your phone. Officers check licenses regularly, especially at boat ramps and popular fishing spots. If you cannot produce proof of a valid license, you may be cited and fined. Carry your license or proof of purchase every time you fish.

Can I fish at night with a 3-day license?

Yes, the license covers fishing 24 hours a day for the three days it is valid. Some waters have specific night-fishing rules or closures, so check local regulations. Certain species may have time-of-day restrictions, but the license itself does not prohibit night fishing.

What if I buy a 3-day license on the last day of my trip?

You can do this, but you will only use one or two days of the license. The license runs for three consecutive calendar days regardless of when you purchase it. If you buy it on your last day in Mississippi, you lose the unused days — there are no refunds or carryovers.

Is the 3-day license the same price every year?

The fee varies and can change. Check the MDWFP website or call their office for the current price before you purchase. Prices are typically the same whether you buy online or in person, but confirm this with the vendor if buying at a physical location.