Fishing in Texas
Texas is a fishing powerhouse with more water surface area than any other state. From trophy largemouth bass on Sam Rayburn and Fork to world-class redfish on the Gulf Coast, Texas has it all. The state offers year-round fishing across its vast and diverse waters.
Tournament Scene
Texas hosts more fishing tournaments than almost any state. Sam Rayburn, Fork, and Falcon host major national events. Star Tournament is one of the largest in the US.
Local Tips
Sam Rayburn is a top-5 bass lake nationally. Fork produces giants. Falcon for trophy largemouth. Gulf Coast for redfish and trout. Galveston for offshore.
Major Trails
Local Circuits
Public Access
Good access on state and Corps of Engineers lakes.
Species in Texas
What you can target and when
Largemouth Bass
excellentBest Waters
Sam Rayburn · Lake Fork · Falcon Lake
Redfish (Red Drum)
excellentBest Waters
Galveston Bay · Port O'Connor · Rockport
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
excellentBest Waters
Baffin Bay · Galveston Bay · Laguna Madre
Blue Catfish
excellentBest Waters
Lake Texoma · Lake Tawakoni · Eagle Mountain Lake
White Bass
excellentBest Waters
Lake Whitney · Lake Buchanan · Lake Texoma
Top Waters in Texas
Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries
Baffin Bay
Produces the biggest speckled trout in Texas.
Top Species
Best: Fall/Winter
Galveston Bay
The most productive bay system in Texas.
Top Species
Best: Fall/Spring
Lake Fork
Has produced more ShareLunker (13+ lb) bass than any other lake in Texas.
Top Species
Best: Winter/Spring
Sam Rayburn
114,000-acre reservoir — the most consistent big bass lake in Texas.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Fall
Patriot Toledo Bend Snook Tournament
Warrior Richland Chambers Crappie Series
Storm Austin Bass Bonanza
Winter Houston Catfish Cup
Lightning Richland Chambers Bass Bonanza
Giant Dallas Bass Challenge
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
Resident License
Annual Resident All-Water: $30. Freshwater: $30. Saltwater: $35.
Non-Resident License
Annual Non-Resident All-Water: $58. 5-Day: $16.
Short-Term License
5-Day non-resident license available.
Youth & Senior
Free for residents under 17. Free for seniors 65+.
Boat Registration
Required for motorized vessels.
Tournament Permit
Permits required for organized events.
Regulations Overview
5 bass daily limit. 14-inch minimum on most waters. 18-inch minimum on some trophy lakes. Complex saltwater regulations.
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