AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal water opens June 1 for a projected 97-days. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. Bag and size limits will remain unchanged; 2 fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size limit in federal waters, and 4 fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has announced the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s State-Fish Art Contest winners for 2019.
AUSTIN – Like many Texans, state game wardens spent the Memorial Day weekend out on the water. But, unlike the many thousands who flocked to lakes, rivers and coastal bays to recreate, these wardens were on the job ensuring boaters stayed safe.
AUSTIN – Texas offers a Free Fishing Day on the first Saturday in June every year to help kick off National Fishing and Boating Week. On this day anglers can fish on any public waterbody in the state without a fishing license.
AUSTIN – With four Central Texas lakes receiving upgraded zebra mussel classifications this month, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging the thousands of boaters and paddlers expected to hit the water this summer to clean, drain and dry their watercraft and equipment to help avoid spreading invasive species to new locations.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reopening fishing for alligator gar in portions of the river between the Highway 287 bridge near Cayuga and State Highway 7 near Crockett effective Friday, May 24th.
PILOT POINT— Ray Roberts Lake State Parks’ Isle Du Bois Unit is closing its day use area for a major capital repair project until fall 2019. The closure begins May 28 and includes the swimming area, picnic area and pavilions.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved $3.81 million dollars in grants to fund 22 motorized and non-motorized recreational trail-related projects across the state.
AUSTIN – Last year, 29 boating fatalities and hundreds of boat accidents and injuries occurred on Texas waters. As part of National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement are reminding Texans to be safe this Memorial Day weekend and all summer long by following the law and taking basic safety precautions while on the water.