Petroquest Energy (PQ) 10-K 2016 FY Annual report

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-211487) pertaining to the 2016 PetroQuest Energy, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-188731) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-184926) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-174260) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151296) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-134161) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-102758) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(8) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-88846) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(9) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-67578) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan,

(10) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-52700) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan, and

(11) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-65401) pertaining to the PetroQuest Energy, Inc. 1998 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan;

of our reports dated March 9, 2017, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of PetroQuest Energy, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of PetroQuest Energy, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of PetroQuest Energy, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

March 9, 2017