April 1, 2019

Lake Leon Produces Final ‘Legacy Class’ ShareLunker of 2019

AUSTIN – Lake Leon near Abilene produced the fifth and final Toyota Sharelunker “Legacy Class” entry over 13 pounds during the final weekend of the 2019 donation season March 29.

March 26, 2019

TPWD Fall Zebra Mussel Sampling Found No New Infested Lakes

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department found no new lakes infested with invasive zebra mussels during recent statewide early detection and monitoring. TPWD and partners monitor more than 60 lakes for early detection or population monitoring of zebra mussels.

March 22, 2019

TPW Commission Approves Changes to Saltwater Fishing Regulation for 2019-20

AUSTIN – On March 20, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved all the proposed changes to the saltwater fishing regulations. These changes are intended to streamline regulations for the entire Texas coast for spotted seatrout and modified regulations for certain species to be in line with federal rules to reduce confusion among anglers for sharks and cobia.

March 21, 2019

TPWD Stocking Tagged Fish in San Gabriel River for Prize Giveaway

AUSTIN – In 2010, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and partners established an ambitious 10-year conservation goal to restore and conserve 10 self-sustaining populations of the official state fish, Guadalupe bass, in creeks and rivers of central Texas. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of a passionate and committed network of public and private partners, that goal was realized in 2019. To celebrate, TPWD is partnering with the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International (TX-FFI), San Gabriel Fly Fishers, Bass Pro Shops and Living Waters Fly Fishing on a prize giveaway program to reward anglers for catching the state fish.

March 20, 2019

TPW Commission Approves Changes to Freshwater Fishing Regulations for 2019-20

AUSTIN – On March 20, The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted a suite of changes to this year’s freshwater fishing regulations that includes modifications to the length limits and harvest regulations for largemouth bass, Alabama bass and alligator gar in certain areas. The proposed changes to alligator gar regulations also include a nighttime prohibition on bow fishing on the Trinity River, mandatory harvest reporting statewide except for Falcon Lake, and the creation of a drawing for harvest opportunities on the Trinity River.

March 19, 2019

TPWD Sets Federal Red Snapper Season for 2019

AUSTIN- The private recreational angler red snapper season opens Saturday, June 1, 2019 for a projected 97-days in federal waters. Red snapper fishing is open year around in state waters. The season length is based on historical landing data, last year’s fishing effort data and the increase in the state’s allocation from the 2018 stock assessment. 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.

March 15, 2019

Anglers, Boaters Stay Clear of Coastal Waterbird Rookeries

AUSTIN – With spring approaching, iconic coastal birds like brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, and reddish egrets are starting to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young in colonies on small, inshore islands along the Gulf Coast of Texas.  The nesting islands, or rookeries, often support thousands of birds that utilize all available island habitat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning Texas boaters and anglers to watch out for nesting birds, which are particularly sensitive to manmade disturbances.

March 14, 2019

Texas Game Wardens Send Warning to Commercial Seafood Scofflaws

AUSTIN – Texas game wardens are giving notice that attempts to circumvent laws regulating commercial seafood operations will not go unpunished. The message was delivered in several East Texas counties during a recent two-day dragnet inspection operation.

March 11, 2019

Two ShareLunkers Caught Back to Back from Lake Fork, Lake Conroe Over the Weekend

AUSTIN – Two largemouth bass over 13 pounds were caught by anglers in Texas over the weekend, bringing the total number of “Legacy Class” Toyota ShareLunker entries up to four for the selective breeding program’s 2019 donation season ending March 31. The fish were caught out of the top two ShareLunker producing lakes of 2018 – Lake Fork and Lake Conroe.

March 8, 2019

Game Warden Field Notes, March 8, 2019

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