What Texas Fishing Licenses Cost

A Texas resident fishing license costs $32 for a year, or $13.97 for a 14-day license. Non-residents pay $64 for a year, or $24 for a 14-day license. These prices cover freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams across the state. If you plan to fish in saltwater (bays, estuaries, and the Gulf), you need a separate saltwater stamp that costs $15 for residents and $30 for non-residents, added to your base license cost.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets these prices and updates them periodically. The most recent change was in September 2023. You can buy a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or in person at any authorized retailer — including most sporting goods stores, bait shops, and Walmart locations.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident freshwater license costs $32 per year; non-residents pay $64 per year.
  • Short-term options exist: 14-day licenses cost $13.97 for residents and $24 for non-residents.
  • Saltwater fishing requires an additional stamp ($15 for residents, $30 for non-residents) on top of your base license.
  • You can purchase a license online, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Some people are exempt from needing a license, including Texas residents over 65 and children under 17 fishing with a licensed adult.

Who Needs a License and Who Doesn't

You must have a fishing license if you are 17 or older and fish in Texas public waters. The main exemptions are Texas residents age 65 and older (who fish for free with proof of age), children under 17 (who can fish without a license), and Texas residents fishing on their own private property that is not connected to public water.

Military members on active duty stationed in Texas can fish without a license. Residents with certain disabilities may also may have access to for exemptions or discounts — contact Texas Parks and Wildlife directly to learn what documentation they require. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call 1-800-895-4248 before buying a license.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater License Costs

Freshwater and saltwater fishing require different stamps in Texas. A freshwater license alone lets you fish in lakes, rivers, creeks, and reservoirs statewide. If you want to fish in saltwater — the bays and Gulf waters along the Texas coast — you must add a saltwater stamp to your license.

The saltwater stamp costs $15 for residents and $30 for non-residents. You cannot buy a saltwater stamp alone; it must be added to an active freshwater license. If you plan to fish both freshwater and saltwater during the year, buying a combined license with the saltwater stamp is simpler than managing two separate purchases.

Short-Term and Discounted License Options

If you do not plan to fish year-round, Texas offers 14-day licenses at a lower price. A resident 14-day license costs $13.97 and a non-resident 14-day license costs $24. These are useful for visitors or residents who fish occasionally. The 14-day period runs from the date you purchase the license, not from a calendar date.

Texas also offers one-day licenses for $11 (residents) and $16 (non-residents) if you want to fish just once. Senior residents (65 and older) do not need to buy any license. Disabled Texas residents may may have access to for reduced-cost licenses; contact Texas Parks and Wildlife to confirm what proof you need to provide.

How to Buy Your License Online or In Person

The fastest way to buy a license is online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license number, and a credit or debit card. The license is issued when ready as a digital file that you can print or display on your phone. Texas does not require you to carry a physical license — a printed copy or a photo of your digital license on your phone is acceptable.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any authorized retailer. These include sporting goods stores (Academy, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops), bait and tackle shops, Walmart, and some HEB locations. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store sells licenses. You can also call 1-800-895-4248 to purchase by phone using a credit card; the license will be mailed to you or issued when ready depending on the license type.

What Your License Covers and What It Does Not

Your Texas fishing license covers the right to fish in public waters and on public land open to fishing. It does not cover access to private property — you still need the landowner's permission to fish on private land, even with a valid license. The license also does not cover special permits for certain fish species or methods. For example, if you want to fish for certain types of catfish using specific gear, you may need additional documentation.

Your license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, or for 14 days if you bought a short-term license. It does not expire at the end of a calendar year. If you fish in multiple states, each state requires its own license — a Texas license is not valid in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or New Mexico.

Renewal and License Expiration

Your license expires one year from the purchase date. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at any authorized retailer using the same methods you used to buy your original license. Texas Parks and Wildlife does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to avoid fishing without a valid license.

If your license expires while you are fishing, you are fishing illegally and can be cited. The penalty for fishing without a valid license ranges from a warning to a fine of up to $500, depending on the circumstances and whether it is a repeat offense. If you are unsure of your license expiration date, check your digital license file or call 1-800-895-4248.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. A parent or guardian with a license cannot cover a child 17 or older. Children under 17 can fish without a license but must be supervised by a licensed adult.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my own property?

No, if the pond is on your private property and is not connected to public water. If your property borders a public river or lake, or if the pond is fed by public water, you need a license. Contact Texas Parks and Wildlife if you are unsure whether your water is considered public.

What happens if I get caught fishing without a license?

You can receive a citation with a fine up to $500. A second offense within five years carries a higher penalty. You may also lose your fishing privileges for a period of time. It is cheaper and simpler to buy a license upfront.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or in person using someone else's information, and they can print or display it on their phone. The person fishing must have the license with them (printed or digital) when they fish.

Is there a license for catch-and-release fishing only?

No. All fishing in public Texas waters requires the same license, regardless of whether you keep the fish or release them. The license cost is the same whether you fish for food or sport.