2026 regulation year
Texas Fishing Regulations 2026 — License Fees, Seasons, Bag Limits
Last updated
Texas runs a single combined fishing licence covering freshwater and saltwater (separate endorsements optional). Year licences run September 1 through August 31; most short-term licences run for the calendar days purchased.
License fees
| Licence | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual (freshwater) | $30.00 | |
| Resident annual (saltwater) | $35.00 | |
| Resident all-water package | $40.00 | |
| Resident 1-day all-water | $11.00 | |
| Resident senior (65+) | $12.00 | |
| Resident lifetime — all-water | $1000.00 | |
| Disabled veteran (super combo) | Free | Free — eligibility required |
| Licence | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident annual all-water | $58.00 | |
| Non-resident annual freshwater | $58.00 | |
| Non-resident 5-day all-water | $20.00 | |
| Non-resident 1-day all-water | $16.00 |
Buy directly from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Fees may include processing surcharges at point of sale.
Top species — season, bag, size
| Species | Season | Daily bag | Size / slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | Open year-round | 5 / day (most waters) | 14 in minimum; slot limits on listed lakes |
| White bass | Open year-round | 25 / day | 10 in minimum |
| Channel catfish | Open year-round | 25 / day (channel + blue combined) | 12 in minimum (most waters) |
| Crappie | Open year-round | 25 / day | 10 in minimum (most waters) |
| Red drum (saltwater) | Open year-round | 3 / day | 20–28 in slot; one over 28 in per year with tag |
Notable water-body special regulations
Largemouth slot 16–24 in; bass 24 in+ for trophy tag
5-bass daily, 14 in minimum statewide rule applies
Standard 14 in / 5-fish; tournament release rule applies
Shared TX/LA — TX licence + LA reciprocity required on LA side
Official source
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the authoritative source for Texas fishing regulations. Always verify rules before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override published booklets.