Everything’s bigger in Texas — including the fishing. From bass on Lake Fork to redfish on the Gulf Coast and catfish in the Rio Grande, here’s your complete 2026 Texas fishing license guide.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), updated for 2025–2026 license year.
Who Needs a Texas Fishing License?
Anyone aged 17 and older must have a valid fishing license with the appropriate endorsements to fish in Texas public waters.
Exemptions — Who Fishes for Free
- All persons under 17 — No license required (residents and non-residents)
- TX residents born before January 1, 1931 — Completely exempt
- TX residents 70+ — New exemption effective September 1, 2025
- Active-duty military (TX residents) — Free Super Combo license with military ID
- Disabled veterans (50%+ VA disability) — Disabled Veteran Super Combo package
- Fishing in Texas State Parks — No license required (park entry fees apply)
- Fishing in private waters — No license required
- Free Fishing Day — First Saturday in June (see below)
2026 Texas Fishing License Fees
Texas licenses are valid from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026.
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing Package | $30.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing Package | $35.00 |
| All-Water Package (fresh + salt) | $47.00 |
| Senior Freshwater (65+, born after Jan 1, 1931) | $12.00 |
| Senior Saltwater (65+, born after Jan 1, 1931) | $17.00 |
| Super Combo (hunting + all-water fishing + stamps) | $68.00 |
| One-Day All-Water License | $11.00 |
| Legally Blind All-Water License | $7.00 |
| Active-Duty Military Super Combo | FREE |
| Disabled Veteran Super Combo (50%+ VA) | Discounted |
| Lifetime Resident Fishing Package | $1,000.00 |
Source: TPWD (texas.gov), current as of March 2026.
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing Package | $58.00 |
| Saltwater Fishing Package | $63.00 |
| One-Day All-Water License | $16.00 |
Source: TPWD (texas.gov), current as of March 2026.
Special License: Lake Texoma
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lake Texoma License (TX & OK waters) | $12.00 |
Valid for fishing in both Texas and Oklahoma waters of Lake Texoma without separate state licenses. Expires December 31.
2026 Free Fishing Day in Texas
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Texas Free Fishing Day
- ✅ Fish any public water without a license or endorsements
- ✅ Open to residents and non-residents
- ✅ All fishing regulations (bag limits, size limits) still apply
- ✅ Traditionally held the first Saturday in June
How to Buy Your Texas Fishing License
1. Online
Visit TPWD License Sales or use the Texas Hunt & Fish app for digital licenses.
2. By Phone
Call (800) 895-4248 ($5 administrative fee applies).
3. In-Person
Available at over 1,700 retail locations, including:
- Walmart stores
- Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- TPWD offices
Important: Texas fishing licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 (not calendar year). Plan purchases accordingly — if buying in July, your license expires August 31.
Texas vs. Other States: Key Differences
- 🎂 Under 17 free — Most states set the threshold at 16; Texas gives an extra year
- 📅 September–August license year — Unlike most states that use January–December
- 🏕️ State Parks exempt — Fish in any Texas State Park without a license
- 🎖️ Military Super Combo — Active-duty TX residents get full hunting + fishing for free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basic Texas fishing license?
A resident freshwater license costs $30.00. Saltwater is $35.00. For both, get the All-Water Package at $47.00. Non-residents pay $58.00 (freshwater) or $63.00 (saltwater).
Do kids need a fishing license in Texas?
No. All persons under 17 are exempt from fishing license requirements in Texas, regardless of residency.
Do seniors get a discount?
Texas residents 65+ (born after Jan 1, 1931) get reduced rates: $12 freshwater, $17 saltwater. Those born before 1931 are completely exempt, and a new 70+ exemption took effect September 2025.
Can I fish in State Parks without a license?
Yes. No fishing license is required to fish within Texas State Park boundaries, though regular park entry fees apply.
Do active-duty military fish for free in Texas?
Yes. TX resident active-duty military receive a free Super Combo package with valid military ID and proof of Texas residency or six months stationed in Texas.
When does my Texas fishing license expire?
Texas fishing licenses expire August 31 of each year, not December 31 like most states. New licenses go on sale in August.
Related Articles
How Much is a Fishing License in Florida? — Neighboring state comparison
Do You Need a Fishing License in Texas? — Full exemption breakdown
Texas Saltwater Fishing License — Saltwater-specific guide
Best Fishing Spots in Texas — Top destinations
Fishing License for Saltwater vs. Freshwater — License type comparison
Senior Fishing License Fees and Discounts Across the US — Senior discount comparison
Military Fishing License Discounts: State-by-State — Compare all 50 states
Lifetime Fishing License ROI: When Does It Make Financial Sense? — Cost analysis
