What the Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License Covers
Mississippi's Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License is a permit that allows people with certain disabilities to fish in freshwater without paying the standard license fee. The license covers fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams across the state using rod and reel, and it runs for a full calendar year from January 1 to December 31.
The license does not cover saltwater fishing, commercial fishing, or trotlines and other methods beyond rod and reel. You still need to follow all Mississippi fishing regulations — season dates, catch limits, size restrictions, and gear rules apply the same way they do to any other angler.
This license is issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). It is available only to Mississippi residents who meet the disability requirements set by the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License is free and covers rod-and-reel fishing in freshwater only, for one calendar year.
- You must be a Mississippi resident and have a disability that meets MDWFP criteria to receive the license.
- You can obtain the license in person at any MDWFP regional office or by mail, and you will need proof of residency and disability documentation.
- All standard Mississippi fishing regulations, season dates, and catch limits still apply to your fishing activity.
- The license does not cover saltwater fishing, trotlines, or any method other than rod and reel.
Who Can Receive the Disabled Freshwater License
Mississippi defines disability broadly for this license. You must be a Mississippi resident and have a permanent or temporary disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The state accepts disabilities including mobility impairments, blindness or low vision, deafness or hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, and chronic illnesses that affect your ability to work or perform daily tasks.
You do not need to be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to may have access to. The disability must be documented by a physician, a licensed mental health professional, or a state or federal agency that has already determined your disability status. If you hold a disability information letter from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, that document will satisfy the requirement.
Temporary disabilities can also may have access to. If your disability is expected to last at least one year, you may receive the license. You will need to provide medical documentation of the condition and its expected duration.
How to Obtain Your License
You can obtain the Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License through two main routes: in person at an MDWFP regional office, or by mail.
In-person application: Visit any of the five MDWFP regional offices across Mississippi. Bring your current Mississippi driver's license or state ID card to prove residency, and bring your disability documentation — this can be a letter from your doctor, a disability information letter from Social Security or the VA, or a letter from the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services confirming your disability status. The office staff will complete the paperwork on the spot, and you will receive your license immediately. There is no fee.
Mail application: Contact the MDWFP Licensing Section at 601-432-2400 or visit the MDWFP website to request an application form. Complete the form and mail it along with a copy of your residency proof (driver's license, utility bill, or lease) and a copy of your disability documentation. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. Once approved, the license will be mailed to your address.
You will need to renew your license each calendar year. If your disability documentation is still valid, you may be able to renew by mail or phone; if your documentation has expired, you will need to provide updated medical records or a new disability information letter.
MDWFP Regional Offices and Contact Information
| Region | Office Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| North | Grenada | 662-226-6311 |
| Central | Jackson (Licensing Section) | 601-432-2400 |
| South | Hattiesburg | 601-584-4364 |
| East | Meridian | 601-693-6322 |
| West | Yazoo City | 601-746-5500 |
Call ahead to confirm office hours before visiting in person. Some offices may have limited hours on certain days.
Fishing Regulations That Still Apply
Holding a Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License does not exempt you from Mississippi's fishing regulations. You must follow all current season dates, which vary by species and location. For example, largemouth bass season may open on a different date than crappie season, and some waters have year-round seasons while others close during spawning periods.
Catch limits and size restrictions are the same for all anglers. If the regulation says a largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches long, that applies whether you hold a standard license or a disabled license. You may keep only the number of fish allowed per day for each species.
You must fish with rod and reel only. Trotlines, jugs, nets, and other methods are not covered by this license. If you want to use those methods, you would need a separate permit or license.
Check the current Mississippi Fishing Guide before each trip. The guide is updated annually and lists all open seasons, size limits, and daily catch limits by species and water body. You can download it from the MDWFP website or pick up a printed copy at any regional office.
What Waters You Can Fish
Your license covers all freshwater in Mississippi — public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds where fishing is permitted. This includes state wildlife management areas, national forests, and privately owned waters where the owner has given permission to fish.
Some waters have special rules or closures. For example, certain lakes may be closed to fishing during specific months, or may allow only catch-and-release fishing for certain species. Always check the current regulations for the specific water you plan to visit.
Your license does not cover saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or coastal bays. If you want to fish saltwater, you would need a separate saltwater license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to carry my license with me when I fish?
Yes. Mississippi law requires you to have your license in your possession while fishing. Keep it with you in your tackle box or wallet. If a wildlife officer stops you, you must be able to show it immediately.
Can I fish with someone else using their disabled license?
No. The license is issued to one person only and is not transferable. Each person who wants to fish must have their own valid license. If someone else wants to fish with you, they need to obtain their own Resident Disabled Freshwater Fishing License or purchase a standard license.
What if my disability documentation expires?
You will need to provide updated documentation when you renew your license. Contact the MDWFP Licensing Section at 601-432-2400 to find out what documents they will accept. If your disability is permanent, a new letter from your doctor or an updated information letter from Social Security or the VA will work.
Can I fish at night with this license?
Night fishing is allowed in most Mississippi freshwaters, but some waters have specific rules. Check the current Mississippi Fishing Guide or call your regional MDWFP office to confirm whether night fishing is permitted on the water you plan to visit.
What happens if I lose my license?
Contact the MDWFP Licensing Section at 601-432-2400 to request a replacement. You may be able to obtain a duplicate in person at a regional office, or you can request one by mail. There is typically no fee for a replacement license.