How Much is it for a Fishing License in TEXAS? 5 Best Deals on a Year pass.
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How Much is it for a Fishing License in TEXAS? Get the 5 Best Deals!
How much is it for a fishing license in Texas? That’s the first question every aspiring Texas angler should ask! Thinking about casting a line into one of Texas’s beautiful lakes, rivers, or coastal waters? Hold your horses (or your fishing rod!) – before you do, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper license. While the thrill of the catch is priceless, the license itself comes with a modest fee. Let’s break down the costs and options for the 2025-2026 season.
Understanding the Cost: How Much is it for a Fishing License in TEXAS?
For most Texas residents aged 17-64, the most popular and versatile license is the Resident Annual All-Water Fishing Package. This license, which covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, costs approximately $40.00 for the 2025-2026 season.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) licenses for the new season typically go on sale starting August 15th each year and are valid until August 31st of the following year (with the exception of the year-from-purchase license).
Here is a guide to the current license categories and their fees:
1. Resident Annual Licenses (Texas Residents)
| License Package | Eligibility | Approximate Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Water Fishing Package | Resident (Ages 17-64) | $40.00 | Best for fishing anywhere in the state. |
| Freshwater Fishing Package | Resident (Ages 17-64) | $30.00 | Only for inland lakes and rivers. |
| Saltwater Fishing Package | Resident (Ages 17-64) | $35.00 | Only for coastal fishing (includes Red Drum Tag). |
| Year-From-Purchase All-Water | Resident | $47.00 | The ultimate deal: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. |
2. Senior & Youth Options (The Best Deals)
Texas offers several highly discounted or free options:
| License Package | Eligibility | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Youth License | Under 17 years old | FREE! |
| 2. Senior Resident All-Water | Resident, 65 years and older | $22.00 |
| 3. Disabled Veteran Super Combo | Eligible Disabled Veterans | FREE! |
| 4. Senior Resident Freshwater | Resident, 65 years and older | $12.00 |
| 5. Senior Resident Saltwater | Resident, 65 years and older | $17.00 |
3. Short-Term & Non-Resident Licenses
| License Package | Eligibility | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day All-Water Fishing | Resident | $11.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual All-Water | Visitor | $68.00 |
| Non-Resident One-Day All-Water | Visitor | $16.00 |
| Lake Texoma License | Required if you fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of Lake Texoma without a valid license from the other state. | $12.00 |
New for 2025-2026: Going Digital!
TPWD has expanded its digital offerings! For the 2025-2026 season, you now have the option to purchase a fully digital recreational fishing license and tags.
- How it Works: Digital licenses must be purchased online and are accessible via the Texas Hunt & Fish mobile app.
- Tags: If you select the digital option, you must access and use your digital tags within the app for any species requiring tagging (like oversized Red Drum).
- Convenience: This allows you to carry your license on your mobile device without needing a paper copy.
Where and How to Buy Your License
Purchasing your 2025-2026 license is easy:
- Online (Recommended): The quickest way is through the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website. (Note: A $5 administrative fee applies to online and phone purchases).
- In-Person: Visit any of the 1,700 license retailers across the state, including most sporting goods stores, Walmart, and bait/tackle shops.
- By Phone: Call TPWD’s customer service number.
Now that you know how much is it for a fishing license in TEXAS for the new season, make sure you’re legal, grab your gear, and enjoy those Texas waters!
