2026 regulation year
Texas Crappie 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Pomoxis annularis / nigromaculatus
Last updated
Crappie (white and black combined) are managed under a single statewide rule across most public Texas reservoirs: 25 / day, 10 in minimum. Lake Fork and a small handful of overlay lakes adjust the minimum size for limited windows.
Season
Open year-round Open year-round; springtime shallow-cover bite is the peak.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 25 / day (white + black combined)
- Possession
- 50 in possession
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 10 in minimum (most waters)
Gear restrictions
- Pole-and-line on public waters
- Multi-pole rigs allowed; jugline / trotline not permitted for crappie
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific Texas waters:
Lake Fork Reservoir
Dec 1 – last day of Feb: no length limit, 25 fish daily — winter overlay
Lake O' the Pines
Statewide 25 / day, 10 in applies
Lake Conroe
Statewide rule applies; community lake exemptions do not apply
Official source
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department publishes the authoritative 2026 Texasfishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.