Texas · Fishing license

Texas fishing license

Do I need one?

Yes — anyone 17 or older needs one.

A year costs $30 if you live here and $58 if you don't. Just passing through? One-day all-water costs $16.

What it costs

If you live in Texas

license	Price
Freshwater package	$30
Freshwater package, senior (65+)	$12
Saltwater package	$35
Saltwater package, senior (65+)	$17
All-water package	$40
All-water package, senior (65+)	$22
All-water, year from purchaseThe only package that runs 12 months from purchase instead of ending August 31.	$47
One-day all-water	$11

If you're visiting

license	Price
Freshwater package	$58
Saltwater package	$63
All-water package	$68
One-day all-water	$16

The packages already bundle the freshwater or saltwater endorsement. Prices are TPWD's published package prices; check the total at checkout.

The full price breakdown →

How long it lasts

Season licenses go on sale August 15 and are valid through August 31 of the following year, whenever you buy them. The one exception is the Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package, which runs 12 months from the day you buy it.

Who doesn't need one

Anyone under 17 years of age, resident or not
Texans born before January 1, 1931
Fishing on state park property, or in waters completely enclosed by a state park (pole-and-line only on park structures, two poles per person)
Fishing in waters completely enclosed within private property
Everyone on Free Fishing Day, the first Saturday in June
Persons with intellectual disabilities fishing as part of medically approved therapy under supervision, or with a licensed family member and medical documentation

TPWD words the age rule this way: TPWD: "Resident and non-resident youth under the age of 17 do not need a fishing license." Only Texans born before January 1, 1931 are exempt by age beyond that — anyone 65 or older born later buys the senior packages at reduced prices instead of fishing free.

Where to buy it

Online at txfgsales.com, TPWD's official sales site
At roughly 1,700 license agents across the state — sporting goods stores, tackle shops, many grocery stores
At TPWD offices
By phone via TPWD's license line (the number is on TPWD's ordering page)

Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.

Days you can fish without one

all

Free Fishing Day is the first Saturday in June each year — everyone can fish recreationally without licenses or endorsements, in public water statewide. Bag and length limits still apply. State parks are license-free all year round.

TPWD publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.

Where to use it today

Waters we read every morning in Texas.