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.

March 7, 2019

10 Family Fishing Ideas for Spring Break in Texas

AUSTIN – Many Texans opt outside to reconnect with nature after a long winter, but spring break adventures aren’t limited to swimming, camping and hiking. Fishing also offers a great way for families to experience the diverse aquatic life and scenic places that Texas has to offer.

Feb. 28, 2019

TPWD Continues the Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide

AUSTIN – In 2017, the 85th Texas Legislature provided $6.3 million to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for aquatic invasive species management in 2018-2019. With this and previous investments, the department has continued to expand prevention and control efforts against aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia, zebra mussels, giant cane and many others that cause environmental and economic harm to Texas.

Feb. 15, 2019

TPWD Releases Freshwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2019-2020

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now accepting public comment on proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations for 2019-2020. The proposed changes include 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 statewide nighttime prohibition on bow fishing, mandatory harvest reporting statewide except for Falcon Lake, and the creation of a drawing for harvest opportunity on the Trinity River.

TPWD Releases Saltwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2019-2020

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now accepting public comment on proposed changes to saltwater fishing regulations for 2019-2020. 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.