Texas Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
How much is a fishing license in Texas?
A resident annual Texas fishing license costs $30.00, and a non-resident annual license is $58.00. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp ($10.00). Texas also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
🎫 Buy a Texas Fishing License →Fishing in Texas
Texas fishes big and in every direction. The reservoirs grow trophy largemouth through the ShareLunker program on lakes like Fork and Falcon, and they hold white and striped bass and trophy blue and flathead catfish. The Gulf Coast delivers the "Texas Slam" of redfish, speckled trout and flounder, with snapper and tuna offshore. A saltwater stamp covers the coast, and the mild climate keeps something biting year-round.
Texas Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$30.00
Freshwater package; saltwater $35, all-water $40
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$58.00
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$16.00
One-Day All-Water
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$12.00
TX resident only; those born before Jan 1, 1931 are exempt
Youth (under 17)
Free🌊 Saltwater stamp: Texas requires a separate saltwater stamp ($10.00) for saltwater fishing. Saltwater Fishing Endorsement required for any saltwater fishing in TX
Super Combo license available at $68 covering freshwater, saltwater, and all stamps.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Texas fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Texas. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 17 do not need a license. Resident and non-resident youth under age 17 do not need a fishing license — one of the most generous youth exemptions in the country, matched only by Oklahoma's under-18.
- Seniors (65+)
- Residents born BEFORE January 1, 1931 are completely exempt. Residents 65 or older born on/after that date buy discounted senior packages: freshwater $12, saltwater $17, all-water $22, or a Senior Resident Super Combo at $32.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Texas does not broadly waive the license for disability. Exemptions are narrow: a person with an intellectual disability fishing as part of medically approved therapy under a supervising professional, or under the direct supervision of a licensed angler who is (or is authorized by) a family member, with medical documentation.
- Veterans & military
- The Disabled Veteran Super Combo hunting and all-water fishing package is FREE to residents and non-residents qualifying as a disabled veteran per the VA (loss of use of a foot/leg, or a 50%+ rating while receiving compensation). Proof must be presented annually.
- Free fishing days (2027)
- The first Saturday in June each year — everyone can fish recreationally in Texas without a license or endorsements; TPWD lists June 5, 2027 as the next one. Texas also waives the license year-round when fishing on state-park property/waters (park entry fees still apply) and in waters completely enclosed within private property.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Texas Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Texas species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassMany trophy bass lakes have special slot limits — check TPWD | 5 | 14" | Year-round |
| Channel CatfishBlue catfish: 25 fish aggregate on many waters | 25 | 12" | Year-round |
| CrappieCombined bag of black and white crappie | 25 | 10" | Year-round |
| Redfish (Red Drum)Slot 20–28 inches. No harvest outside slot | 3 | 20" | Year-round |
| Striped BassCheck specific impoundment limits | 5 | 18" | Year-round |
| WalleyeSome reservoirs have different limits | 5 | 16" | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Texas Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Texas?
A resident annual fishing license in Texas costs $30.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $58.00. Texas also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Do you need a fishing license in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 17 are exempt. Residents born BEFORE January 1, 1931 are completely exempt. Residents 65 or older born on/after that date buy discounted senior packages: freshwater $12, saltwater $17, all-water $22, or a Senior Resident Super Combo at $32. Always confirm current rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you fish.
Do you need a saltwater stamp to fish in Texas?
Yes — Texas requires a separate saltwater stamp or endorsement for saltwater fishing, which costs $10.00 on top of the regular license. Saltwater Fishing Endorsement required for any saltwater fishing in TX
Where do you buy a Texas fishing license?
Buy directly from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Texas.
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