Free fishing in Texas State Parks

The program of Free Fishing in State Parks was designed to encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great sport of fishing, long one of the most popular activities in the U.S.

To accomplish this, Texas Parks & Wildlife has waived the normal fishing license and stamp requirements for anyone fishing inside the property boundary of a Texas state park. Once you've paid the park entrance fees, no one needs a fishing license or stamp, whether freshwater or saltwater, adult or child, as long as they're inside the state park. Bag limits, length limits, and other regulations will still apply--and be enforced.

This applies to fishing from the bank, a pier, river or creek fishing, and fishing from a boat, if the water body is fully contained within the state park boundary. You can even wadefish in the coastal state parks along park property.

You can enjoy the Free Fishing in State Parks program at more than 50 state parks, and at numerous Wildlife Management Areas across Texas. There will also be fishing events throughout the year—from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait. Go here for a list of parks where you can fish as well as a list of fishing events.