⭐ Texas Fishing Regulations
Texas Fishing Regulations 2026: Size & Bag Limits
Current size limits, slot limits, bag limits, and license fees for the most-targeted fish in Texas — verified against the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Outdoor Annual.
✓ Verified against Texas Parks & Wildlife · Last checked June 2026
Texas Saltwater Limits (Gulf Coast)
These statewide saltwater limits are valid Sept. 1, 2025 – Aug. 31, 2026. A Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement is required to fish coastal waters.
| Species | Size Limit | Daily Bag | Type |
|---|
| Red Drum (Redfish) | 20"–28" | 3 / day | Slot |
| Black Drum | 14"–30" | 5 / day | Slot |
| Spotted Seatrout | 15"–20" | 3 / day | Slot |
🏷️Oversized fish tags: One red drum over 28" may be kept per license year with a Red Drum Tag, and one more with a Bonus Red Drum Tag. The same tag system applies to spotted seatrout over 28".
Source: TPWD Saltwater Bag & Length Limits. Verified June 2026.
Texas Freshwater Limits (Statewide)
These are the statewide freshwater limits. Many individual reservoirs and rivers carry special length limits — always confirm your specific lake with TPWD before keeping fish.
| Species | Size Limit | Daily Bag | Type |
|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 14" minimum | 5 / day | Min |
| White & Black Crappie | 10" minimum | 25 / day | Min |
| Channel & Blue Catfish | No statewide min* | 25 / day (combined) | Bag |
📍Lake-specific rules are common in Texas. Famous bass lakes (Fork, Falcon, O.H. Ivie) and many catfish waters have their own slot or length limits. Use the lookup tool or the TPWD link below for your exact water body.
*Some waters set a 12" minimum or special blue-catfish length rules. Source: TPWD Freshwater Bag & Length Limits. Verified June 2026.
Texas Fishing License Fees (Resident)
Anyone 17 or older generally needs a valid Texas fishing license. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1931 are exempt; youth under 17 fish free.
~$30
Resident Freshwater Package
~$35
Resident Saltwater Package
~$40
Resident All-Water Package
Non-resident, one-day, and senior pricing varies. Confirm current fees: TPWD Fishing Licenses. Verified June 2026.
Texas Fishing Regulation FAQs
What is the redfish slot limit in Texas?
Red drum (redfish) must be between 20 and 28 inches to keep, with a daily bag limit of 3. Fish under 20" or over 28" must be released — though one oversized red drum per year can be kept using a Red Drum Tag, plus one more with a Bonus Tag.
What is the spotted seatrout limit in Texas?
Texas spotted seatrout have a 15–20 inch slot and a daily bag of 3 fish. (This was reduced from prior years — older guides listing 10 per day are out of date.) One trout over 28" may be kept per year with the proper tag.
What is the largemouth bass limit in Texas?
The statewide rule is a 14-inch minimum with a 5-fish daily bag. Many specific reservoirs run their own slot limits, so check your lake.
Do you need a fishing license in Texas?
Yes — anyone 17 or older needs a Texas fishing license. Add a saltwater endorsement for the coast or a freshwater endorsement for inland waters. Resident packages run roughly $30–$40.
When do Texas fishing regulations change?
The TPWD license year runs September 1 through August 31. Most rule changes take effect September 1, though emergency closures can happen mid-season. Always verify before a trip.
Fishing Regulations for Other States
Looking up limits in another state? Jump to a state guide: