Free Fishing in State Parks Year-Round

Did you know you can fish without fishing license or stamps in Texas state parks? Enjoy free fishing all year at more than 60 state parks (park entry fees still apply).

Find a place to fish.

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Now Stocking Catfish!

Catch your catfish close to home at Neighborhood Fishin' lakes and ponds. Help your kid hook a keeper! Look over the stocking schedule for specific dates and a location near you.

Jason Haynie in 2020 and mule deer which scored 166 5-8 gross and 158 4-8 net.

Big Time Texas Hunts Entries are on Sale Now!

Take a chance and enter to win any of 10 premium hunting packages on some of the best private ranches and TPWD Wildlife Management Areas across Texas! For only $9 online or $10 at your local license retailer, you could win the hunts of a lifetime.

Federal Red Snapper Season is Open

New federal regulations are now in effect as of January 2022. The DESCEND Act requires all commercial and recreational anglers to possess a venting tool or a rigged descending device on their boat while fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Research shows that properly releasing reef fish reduces mortality for reef fish species like red snapper.

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Alternatives to doing business in person with TPWD.

Online Boat Registration

Renew registration, obtain replacement documents and more online.
See available online boat registration options

Mail-in Boat Requests

Mail ownership transfer transaction requests to your nearest TPWD Law Enforcement Office:

Contact TPWD Boat Section

(800) 262-8755
Boat.Reg@tpwd.texas.gov

Fishing & Hunting Licenses: Online purchase of licenses, stamps, tags & packages.
Buy fishing & hunting licenses
Outdoor Annual: Summary of Hunting, Fishing and Boating Regulations
View the Outdoor Annual or Download the app
Boater Education: Online courses are available for required boater education.
See available boater education courses

Law Enforcement Contacts

TPW Television on PBS this Week

Weevil Warfare, Helping City Kids Outside, Chimney Creek Ranch

Biologists battle an invasive aquatic plant that threatens Caddo Lake, enlisting local conservation groups, volunteer troops, and a horde of tiny insects. Learn how one outdoorsman from Houston works to get urban kids outside with fishing. Ranchers honor local and family history at Chimney Creek Ranch.

Now in TPW Magazine - June 2022

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine June 2022 cover

Wind-Powered Wow

Growing up in the blustery West Texas oil patch, I cursed the wind. The relentless wind wheezed through the gaps around our front door like an out-of-tune harmonica. Some rowdy days, the onslaught stirred up the dirt, turning the sky an apocalyptic reddish-brown.

Outdoor Annual app on phone and computer screen

Get the free Outdoor Annual.

Visit outdoorannual.com or get the free app for everything you need to know before you go. The app shows location-based info on hunting seasons and nearby waterbodies, plus the ability to look up current and past license purchases.

Find a Spot to Fish

Fishing is a fun, affordable way for families and friends to spend time together outdoors. Try fishing for free (without a fishing license) in state parks, or buy your fishing license to help support healthy fish populations and their habitats.

Hunting for Beginners

Whether you're looking for a new outdoor adventure, interested in a quality source of fresh meat, wish to contribute to wildlife conservation or just looking for a way to spend more time with friends and family – we've got you covered.

Protect the Lakes You Love

Invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels can ruin fishing, boating and swimming for everyone. You can't always tell if a lake is infested with invasive species, and even a small piece left on your boat or gear can infest another lake. That's why it's so important to always clean drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before traveling from lake to lake.

Get all access to TPW magazine for only $15.

Enjoy a full year of our award-winning photos, travel recommendations, and much more! Plus, the digital subscription includes more than 600 articles and future updates while the subscription is active.