Fishing for Beginners

Fishing is a fun, affordable way to spend time together outdoors. We'll get you started with instructional events, how-to-videos, planning your trip, and rules & regulations.

Recreational Fishing

Fishing Regulations

Fisheries Management

Fish & Aquatic Species

Assistance & Business

Fishing Programs

Visitor Centers

Conservation

Commercial Fishing

Play Button Clean, Drain, Dry Video

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.
Red Snapper

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.
grand father and grand daughter anglers posing with Catfish

Fishing for Beginners

If you are (or think you might be) interested in fishing, you'll find fish—helpful videos, articles, apps and other resources to teach you the basics and help you find just the right place to fish.
Girls fishing Goose Island State Park

Free Fishing in State Parks

Did you know you can fish without fishing license or stamps in Texas state parks? Texas State Parks are proud to host “Free Fishing in State Parks” a year-round program to encourage folks to spend time enjoying one of America's greatest pastimes.
Father and son fishing on pier

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.
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.