If you’re an out-of-state angler planning to wet a line in the Lone Star State, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Texas’s non-resident fishing license requirements. In Texas, a non-resident fishing license is mandatory for anyone who is not a Texas resident and wants to fish in the state’s public waters.
What Qualifies as a Texas Resident?
To be considered a Texas resident for the purpose of obtaining a fishing license, you must have lived continuously in the state for at least six months immediately before purchasing your license.
Non-Resident Fishing License Options
Texas offers several non-resident fishing license packages to choose from, depending on your preferences and fishing plans:
Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License Package – $58
Non-Resident Saltwater Fishing License Package – $63
Non-Resident All-Water Fishing License Package – Includes a fishing license, freshwater endorsement, and saltwater endorsement with a red drum tag. Valid from date of purchase to August 31 of the same year.
Non-resident anglers also have the option to purchase a one-day fishing license, which costs $16 for a one-day all-water license.
Exceptions to Non-Resident Fishing License Requirements
There are a few exceptions to the non-resident fishing license requirement in Texas:
Non-residents under 17 years of age do not need a fishing license to fish in Texas.
Louisiana residents 65 years of age or older who possess a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License (includes Senior Fish/Hunt License) do not need a Texas fishing license.
Oklahoma residents 65 years of age or older do not need a Texas fishing license.
Additionally, no one needs a fishing license when fishing from banks or piers in Texas State Parks, or on Texas’s annual Free Fishing Day (the first Saturday in June).
Fishing Interstate Waters
Texas has reciprocal agreements with some of its neighboring states, allowing anglers to fish shared waters without purchasing a second license:
Louisiana: Texas residents over 65 can fish anywhere in Louisiana if they have a senior’s fishing license. Residents under 65 can also fish in Louisiana, but only in waters spanning the state border, such as Sabine River, Sabine Pass, Sabine Lake, Caddo Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Oklahoma: Only Texas state residents who are 65 and older can fish in Oklahoma without buying an OK license (bring ID) – and vice versa! Everyone else needs to buy a license as soon as they step over the border. The exception to this is fishing Lake Texoma with a Lake Texoma Fishing License.
It’s important to note that these reciprocal agreements usually don’t apply to the entire state, so be mindful of where you cast your line once you’re over the state line.
Where to Purchase a Non-Resident Texas Fishing License
Non-resident anglers have several options when it comes to purchasing a Texas fishing license:
Online: You can buy your fishing license online via the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
By Phone: Call (800) 895-4248 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to purchase your fishing license over the phone.
In-Person: You can visit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement office or a retailer that sells hunting and fishing licenses to purchase your license in person.
Once you have your Texas fishing license, you’ll need to have it in your possession when fishing, be able to display an image of it on your phone, or show proof of purchase from inside the “Outdoor Annual” mobile app.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
By purchasing a Texas fishing license, you’re not only ensuring that you’re fishing legally, but you’re also supporting the conservation efforts that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to fish. The fees collected from license sales go towards maintaining and improving the state’s fisheries, ensuring that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same incredible fishing opportunities.
So, whether you’re planning a fishing trip to the Gulf of Mexico or one of Texas’s many freshwater lakes and rivers, make sure you have the appropriate non-resident fishing license before you hit the water. With a little preparation and the right license, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying some of the best fishing that Texas has to offer in 2024.