Fishing Rules & Regulations
- Fishing Regulations
License requirements, prohibited acts & possession of fish - Definitions
Fishing terms - Legal Devices, Methods & Restrictions
Freshwater & Saltwater devices & restrictions for fish - Fishing with a Boat
Safety requirements, anchoring, restrictions & cleaning - Bow Fishing Regulations
Licensing, equipment, what to catch & where to fish - Reservoir Boundaries
For bag, possession and length limits - Freshwater/Saltwater Boundary
Description of waters considered fresh or salt - Possession & Transport of Exotic Aquatic Species
Rules against transportation & prevention of spreading exotic species
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Purchase fishing licenses
Where to get licenses, types & license requirements -
Sign up for fishing email updates
Get fishing news, promotions and information by email -
Catch & Release Tips
Guidelines for handling & releasing -
Measurement Tips
How to measure fish & crabs -
Fish Consumption Bans & Advisories
Recommendations to limit consumption, species and sizes
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual includes regulations for recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing and hunting in Texas. While Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) strives to provide accurate information in the Outdoor Annual, hunting and fishing regulations may change due to legislative or Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission actions. The Outdoor Annual Mobile App may automatically update to reflect published changes upon establishment of a data connection, but users should independently check the associated statutes and regulations to verify their accuracy. For commercial fishing regulations, see the "Commercial Fishing Guide". For more detailed information on game and fish regulations, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement offices, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 800-792-1112 or 512-389-4800 (Mon–Fri 8AM – 5PM).
TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at 512-389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or 800-735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.