Don’t forget to get a fishing license In Houston to avoid fines! [2025]

I still remember my first time going fishing. I just got interested in outdoor activities and so when a friend invited me, the idea was very enticing, despite having zero knowledge.

Armed with zero knowledge but a boatload of passion, I spent countless hours preparing my gear. But when the big day finally arrived, my friend asked: “Do you have your fishing license ready?”

I shook my head. I didn’t. Little did I know, I’d have been at risk for a steep fine! So if you plan to fish in Houston or anywhere in Texas, make sure to get a fishing license first!

That’s why today, I’m sharing with you a guide on fishing licenses so you won’t find yourself sweating when you meet a game warden on your trip.

Do you need a license to fish in Houston?

A fishing license is required to fish in the public waters of Houston. All residents must get a resident fishing license, while visitors must get a non-resident fishing license.

Fishing License Exceptions

While most people need a license to fish in Texas, there are a few ways you can fish without one. These are some instances where you don’t need a fishing license:

On the first Saturday of June each year, everyone can enjoy fishing for free, making it a perfect opportunity to try fishing for the first time or to introduce a friend or family to the sport.

Additionally, over 70 state parks offer free fishing all year round. Take note that park entry fees still apply, and all other fishing rules (like size and bag limits) are still in effect. Just make sure to fish only within park boundaries.

You also don’t need a license to fish on private property, as long as the water is completely enclosed within the property.

If you live in Texas, you also don’t need a fishing license if you’re:

Under 17 years old
Born before January 1, 1931
Diagnosed with a intellectual disability and:
- You’re fishing as part of a medically approved therapy program and you’re supervised by staff from a hospital, residence, or school.
- You’re fishing with a family member (or someone approved by your family) who has a valid fishing license.

And if you are visiting Texas, you don’t need a fishing license if you’re:

Under 17 years old
From Louisiana, aged 65 and above with a valid Louisiana fishing license
From Oklahoma, aged 65 and above

Types and Cost of Fishing Licenses and Packages

To fish legally in the public waters of Houston or any part of Texas, you may need to purchase a “package” that includes the fishing license, an endorsement, and occasionally, a tag.

The fishing license is your permit to fish, while an endorsement tells everyone where you’re allowed to fish – in freshwater (like lakes and rivers) or saltwater (like the ocean). A tag is a special permit that regulates fishing activities (e.g. a tag regulating the size of the fish you can catch).

Here are the most common packages available when you get a fishing license:

Freshwater Package

Resident: $30
Senior Resident (aged 65 and above): $12
Visitors: $58

For those who enjoy fishing in calm spots on lakes, rivers, and ponds, then the Freshwater Package is a great option. This package will allow fishing access to popular freshwater spots near Houston such as Lake Conroe and Lake Anahuac.

With freshwater fishing, one can look forward to catching fish such as the Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Freshwater Drum, which are all commonly caught in Texas waters.

Saltwater Package

Resident: $35
Senior resident (aged 65 and above): $17
Visitor: $63

For fishing enthusiasts who prefer to fish in the ocean, the Saltwater Package is a good choice. It offers the chance to fish along the Texas coast, either with a charter or on a private boat. Near Houston, the most popular saltwater fishing spots can be found in Freeport and Galveston Bay.

With this package, one can expect to reel in fish species such as the Southern Flounder, Black Drum, Red Drum, Sheepshead, Spotted Seatrout, Sand Seatrout, and Atlantic Croaker, which are typically found in Texas seas.

This package also includes a red drum tag, a special pass that lets you keep one big redfish per year.

All-Water Package

Resident: $40
Senior resident (aged 65 and above): $22
Visitor: $68

The All-Water Package is ideal for those who enjoy fishing in both freshwater and saltwater spots. Aside from allowing fishing access to all public waters in Texas, it also offers the opportunity to catch more diverse species of fish.

Like the Saltwater Package, this package also includes a red drum tag.

Aside from the packages above, there are also certain types of fishing licenses and packages that cater to specific needs.

Lake Texoma License

Resident and visitor: $12

If you are fishing only on Lake Texoma and want to fish on any side of the lake (Texas or Oklahoma), you will need a special Lake Texoma license. With it, you can fish anywhere on Lake Texoma without the need for additional licenses.

Lifetime Fishing License

Resident: $1,000

If you live in Texas and you know you’ll be fishing for the rest of your life, a lifetime fishing license might be a great option. It saves you the hassle of renewing your license every year and can save you money in the long run.

One-Day All-Water License

Resident: $11
Visitor: $16

This license is a convenient option for residents and visitors who want to fish in Texas for only a short period. It’s only valid for the specific day or consecutive days you purchase and it doesn’t need any additional endorsements. This license comes with a free red drum tag if you choose to fish in saltwater.

Special Resident All-Water License

Resident (Legally Blind): $7

This special license is for legally blind Texas residents. It allows fishing in all public waters without additional endorsements. The license also includes a red drum tag for keeping one oversized redfish per year.

Super Combo & Combo Packages

Resident: $50-68
Senior Resident (aged 65 and above): $16-32

Texas offers “Super Combo” and “Combo” fishing and hunting packages for residents, which are a great way to save money if you enjoy both activities. Seniors can also take advantage of discounted prices on these packages.

Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting & Fishing Packages

FREE for all disabled veterans with proof of disability

Texas offers a “Super Combo” package for disabled veterans, whether you live in Texas or not. This package includes everything needed for both hunting and fishing.

To get this free package, you’ll need to show proof of your disability or a Texas driver’s license with the “Disabled Veteran” designation when you apply in person at a license retailer.

Texas Resident Active Duty Military License Packages

FREE for all active military personnel living in Texas

Active-duty military personnel living in Texas can also enjoy free hunting and fishing packages. These include everything needed to enjoy hunting and fishing.

To qualify, proof of residency (like your military records) is needed when you apply in person at a license retailer.

How To Buy A Texas Fishing License

Buy Online

You can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and get your license in minutes following these steps:

Visit https://www.txfgsales.com/.
Select Purchase Items.
Enter the required personal details. (You may be required to provide your SSN, Driver’s License Number, or Passport Number).
Select your license and/or package.
Settle the payment.
Receive your license.

You can choose to print it out or store it on your phone with the Outdoor Annual app. Take note that not all online purchases are fully digital licenses. There are certain licenses that are only available in a printed format.

Buy In-Person (Houston Area)

You can buy your license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife office or check out these popular retailers in the Houston area:

Academy Sports
ALS Handy Hardware
Bass Pro Outwood World
Carter’s Country
Carters Shooting Center, Inc.
Cut Rate Fishing Tackle UNLMTD
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Duck Calm LLC
Full Armor Firearms, LLC
Gordy & Sons Outfitters
HEB
Houston-North Leo
P.I.E. Credit Union
Wal-Mart

Call The Hotline

You may also call the Texas Parks and Wildlife at 1-800-895-4248. They are open 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Monday to Friday) and they can assist you with the process of getting a license and mail you a license if needed.

Validity Of A Texas Fishing License

Now that you know how to get a fishing license in Houston, you have to take note of when your chosen license will stay valid.

Sales of fishing licenses typically begin from August 15 of that year. If you purchase a license anytime after that date, it will remain valid until August 31 of the following year.