When is white bass season in Texas?

Texas keeps white bass open to fishing year-round for the 2026 regulation year — there is no closed season, though the daily bag and size limits below still apply every day.

What is the Texas bag limit for white bass?

The Texas daily bag limit for white bass is 25 / day. The possession limit is 50 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.

What size white bass can you keep in Texas?

The Texas size rule for white bass is 10 in minimum.

Do you need a license to fish for white bass in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires a valid fishing license to fish for white bass, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Texas license — compare resident and non-resident Texas fees on the state regulations page below.

Are there gear restrictions for white bass in Texas?

Yes. In Texas, white bass fishing carries these gear rules: Pole-and-line on public waters; No commercial-style gear for sport take.

Do specific Texas waters have different white bass rules?

Yes. 3 named Texas waters carry rules that override the statewide white bass regulation, including Lake Texoma, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Buchanan. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

2026 regulation year

Texas White bass 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules

Morone chrysops

Last updated May 20, 2026

White bass are a high-volume schooling fish across Texas reservoirs and tributary creeks, peaking on the spring spawning run. The statewide rule is simple: 25 / day, 10 in minimum, open year-round.

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Season

Open year-round Open year-round; spring spawning run is the peak.

Bag & possession

Daily bag: 25 / day
Possession: 50 in possession

Size, slot, trophy rules

Size: 10 in minimum

Gear restrictions

Pole-and-line on public waters
No commercial-style gear for sport take

Named water-body overrides

Where statewide rules differ on specific Texas waters:

Lake Texoma
Striper and white-bass combined limit applies on TX/OK reciprocity zone
Lake Tawakoni
Statewide 25 / day, 10 in applies; striper rules tracked separately
Lake Buchanan
Statewide rule; Colorado River tributary spring run popular

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.

Visit official Texas fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

White bass closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's emergency-order feed — check it before any Texas trip during the active season.

Frequently asked questions

When is white bass season in Texas?: Texas keeps white bass open to fishing year-round for the 2026 regulation year — there is no closed season, though the daily bag and size limits below still apply every day.
What is the Texas bag limit for white bass?: The Texas daily bag limit for white bass is 25 / day. The possession limit is 50 in possession. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
What size white bass can you keep in Texas?: The Texas size rule for white bass is 10 in minimum.
Do you need a license to fish for white bass in Texas?: Yes. Texas requires a valid fishing license to fish for white bass, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Texas license — compare resident and non-resident Texas fees on the state regulations page below.
Are there gear restrictions for white bass in Texas?: Yes. In Texas, white bass fishing carries these gear rules: Pole-and-line on public waters; No commercial-style gear for sport take.
Do specific Texas waters have different white bass rules?: Yes. 3 named Texas waters carry rules that override the statewide white bass regulation, including Lake Texoma, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Buchanan. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

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