May 29, 2020

Gear Up for Free Fishing Day in Texas June 6

AUSTIN – The first Saturday in June each year is designated as Free Fishing Day in the state of Texas. Texans can fish on any public waterbody in the state without a fishing license on June 6, 2020.

Game Warden Field Notes, May 29, 2020

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement reports.

Common Salvinia Discovered on Lake Fork

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) confirmed the presence of common salvinia on Lake Fork near Emory after conducting a vegetation survey on May 19, 2020.  The common salvinia was found in the White Oak Creek Cove, the same cove giant salvinia was found in 2018 and eventually eradicated.  Currently, the common salvinia is mixed with other aquatic vegetation and can be difficult to see.

May 27, 2020

Texas Game Wardens Put Wraps on Busy Memorial Day Weekend Boating Safety Effort

AUSTIN – Thousands of Texans headed out to lakes, rivers and coastal bays to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, and Texas Game Wardens were out in force to ensure everyone stayed safe on the water. Game wardens conducted safety checks on more than 9,000 vessels across the state between Friday and Monday.

May 26, 2020

New Overnight Reservations to Resume for Summer Trips to Texas State Parks

AUSTIN—Starting May 27, visitors will be able to make camping reservations at parks with arrival dates between June 1 and Sept. 7. This gradual reopening of overnight reservations will be limited to varying degrees at individual parks to align with safe business practices currently followed in Texas.

May 22, 2020

TPWD Reminds Boaters to ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’

AUSTIN – With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend and summertime temperatures, Texans may be getting out on the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) inland fisheries and law enforcement staff are urging boaters to do their part to fight back against aquatic invasive species, such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels, threatening Texas lakes.

Endangered Aplomado Falcon Chicks Banded at Mustang Island State Park

AUSTIN — On May 16, researchers banded two females and one male 26-day-old northern aplomado falcon chicks at Mustang Island State Park. This banding is part of ongoing restoration efforts by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the nonprofit The Peregrine Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sea Center Texas, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center to Partially Re-Open Wednesday, May 27

AUSTIN- With Texas gradually re-opening, Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens will partially re-open to public visitation on Wednesday, May 27. Both facilities will have enhanced safety measures that comply with CDC guidelines and Governor Abbott’s executive orders.

May 21, 2020

TPW Commission Approves Changes to Saltwater Fishing Regulations for 2020-21

AUSTIN – On May 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission discussed several changes to state saltwater fishing regulations, including updates to the recreational and commercial flounder fishery regulations and paddle craft all-water guide license.

TPW Commission Approves Changes to Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2020-21

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted multiple changes to the freshwater fishing regulations for the upcoming 2020-2021 season at the meeting held virtually May 21. Modifications include length limits and harvest regulations at some waterbodies for largemouth bass; blue, channel, and flathead catfish; and black and white crappie. The expiration date of August 31, 2020 was removed for the five-fish daily bag limit for alligator gar at Falcon International Reservoir.