The License Rules Are Statewide, With a Lake Arrowhead Exception

Texas Parks and Wildlife handles the licenses, so crossing a county line does not change the basic rule. Most anglers 17 and older need a fishing license with the right freshwater or saltwater endorsement. Hunting has its own license, usually required at any age, plus an endorsement when the hunt calls for one. TPWD sells licenses online, by phone, and through local retailers.

Lake Arrowhead State Park is the useful local exception: no fishing license is needed from the shore or lighted pier while you stay inside the park boundary. Fish from a boat on Lake Arrowhead and the normal license rule returns. Bag and length limits still apply either way, so check the current Outdoor Annual before the trip.