With just a few exceptions, anyone wanting to fish in Texas waters must purchase a Texas Fishing Permit. The permit program is administered by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
Texas fishing and hunting permits are available at many retail locations, including most sporting goods stores and some grocery or convenience stores.
Persons under age 17, or those born before January 1, 1931, do not need to purchase a fishing permit. They must, however, carry appropriate ID to prove their age. Reduced cost permits are available to those over age 65, but born after January 1, 1931.
There are also special license exemptions for people who are mentally disabled and on supervised therapeutic fishing trips. Check with the TPWD for details on these special programs.
A wide variety of permits and endorsements are available. The following information is provided as a general guide, and believed to be accurate as of the date: April 17, 2014. Contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for more detailed information on the latest rules & fees.
As Ft. Bend County has only inland waters, saltwater license information has been omitted.
Texas Fishing License Fees
TEXAS RESIDENT:
- Freshwater Package: $30
- Saltwater Package: $35
- All-Water Package: $40
- Senior Freshwater Package: $12
- Senior Saltwater Package: $17
- Senior All-Water Package: $22
- Special Resident All-Water License (for legally blind): $7
- Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package: $47
- One-Day All-Water License: $11
NON-RESIDENT
- Freshwater Package: $58
- Saltwater Package: $63
- All-Water Package: $68
- One-Day All-Water License: $16
Please note that if you own any valid freshwater fishing package, you will be able to purchase a saltwater stamp endorsement. Conversely, if you own any valid saltwater fishing package you will be able to purchase a freshwater stamp endorsement.
Fishing Stamp Endorsements
Freshwater Fishing Stamp Endorsement
- Type 256: $5
This stamp endorsement is required in addition to a valid fishing license if you take or attempt to take fish in the public fresh waters of Texas. If you are not required to hold a fishing license, or if you hold a lifetime combination or lifetime fishing license, this stamp endorsement is not required. A freshwater fishing stamp is included in freshwater and all-water fishing packages.
Fishing Guide License
Required for any person who for compensation, accompanies, assists or transports any person engaged in fishing in the waters of the state. For fees and details, see Commercial Licenses or download the Commercial Fishing Guide.