Fishing

Q: What is the cost of a Texas fishing license?

Resident Freshwater Package: $30. Senior Freshwater Package: $12. Non-resident Freshwater Package: $58. Resident Saltwater Package: $35. Senior Saltwater Package: $17. Non-resident Saltwater Package: $63. Resident All-Water Package: $40. Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package: $47. Senior All-Water Package: $22. Non-resident All-Water Package: $68. One-Day All-Water License: $11 or $16. Special Resident All-Water Fishing License: $7.

Q: What's the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses in Texas?

A freshwater fishing license lets anglers legally fish in freshwater, while a saltwater license covers saltwater fishing. The two are separate because of the different ecosystems and management systems for each type of waterway.

Q: Do kids need a fishing license in Texas?

Children under 17 do not need a fishing license in Texas. Anyone 17 or older is required to have one.

Q: What are Dallas's fishing license requirements?

You'll need payment, a valid form of identification (based on resident or non-resident status), and a freshwater or saltwater fishing endorsement. Exceptions apply to children under 17, individuals born before January 1, 1931, people fishing as part of medically approved therapy, and individuals with an intellectual disability fishing under the supervision of a licensed fisher.

Cast a line and reel in your next big catch in Dallas.

Best Fishing Spots

Fishing Licenses & Packages

Fishing Guides & Rentals

Last Updated August 2026

Dreaming of dropping a line into calm waters or casting toward the city skyline? Dallas is full of fishing spots where you can spend a peaceful morning or an exciting afternoon fishing. From urban lakes to winding riverbanks, you’ll find plenty of places to test your luck and your skills.

Best Fishing Spots in Dallas

You don’t have to travel far to cast a line in Dallas. Here are the top spots for fishing within city limits:

Bachman Lake

2530 Webb Chapel Extension

Spanning 205 acres in northwest Dallas, this scenic lake features a hiking and biking trail, picnic areas, an accessible playground, Bachman Recreation Center, and an outdoor family aquatic center.

Fish Population:

Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
White Crappie
Sunfish

White Rock Lake

8100 Doran Circle

Just five miles northeast of downtown, this urban lake has kayak rentals, piers, and boat ramps. Cast a line, or spend the day exploring picnic spots, more than nine miles of trails, and the White Rock Lake Museum.

Fish Population:

Catfish
Largemouth Bass
White Crappie

William Blair Jr. Park

3000 Rochester

Perfect for a relaxing afternoon, the park offers fishing on the pier or along the banks of the lake. With picnic tables, playgrounds, sculptures, and trails, it’s a peaceful setting for catching fish.

Fish Population:

Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Bluegill Sunfish

Bridge in White Rock Lake Park with trees at sunset in Dallas, Texas

Pictured White Rock Lake

An island of trees has a wooden dock stretching from it and over the water of the Trinity River in Dallas, TX

Pictured Trinity River

Lake Cliff Park

300 E Colorado Boulevard

Blending nature and neighborhood charm, this community park has walking trails, a playground, picnic tables, a pavilion, and restrooms. Try your luck with largemouth bass and sunfish while enjoying the shoreline.

Fish Population:

Largemouth bass
Sunfish
Bluegill

Trinity River at Dallas Floodway

This popular riverbank destination rewards exploration, with different stretches of water providing anglers the opportunity to catch different freshwater species.

Fish Population:

Largemouth Bass
Black Bullhead
Alligator Gar

You’ll also find many more community lakes and river fishing spots throughout the city. Each one offers its own scenery, amenities, and potential for your next great catch.

Fishing Licenses & Packages

Both residents and visitors 17 years of age and older must obtain a fishing license to fish public waters in the state of Texas. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. For more information, including license exemptions, packages, and rates, visit the Fishing Licenses and Packages page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a Texas fishing license?

Below are the costs for fishing licenses in Texas:

Resident Freshwater Package | $30
Senior Freshwater Package | $12
Non-resident Freshwater Package | $58
Resident Saltwater Package | $35
Senior Saltwater Package | $17
Non-resident Saltwater Package | $63
Resident All-Water Package | $40
Year-from-Purchase All-Water Package | $47
Senior All-Water Package | $22
Non-resident All-Water Package | $68
One-Day All-Water License | $11
Special Resident All-Water Fishing License | $7
One-Day All-Water License | $16

What's the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses in Texas?

As indicated by their names, a freshwater fishing license is a designated document for anglers to legally fish in freshwater, while a saltwater license is for saltwater fishing. There are separate licenses due to the various ecosystems and management systems of the different types of waterways.

Do kids need a fishing license in Texas?

Any child under the age of 17 does not need a fishing license in the state of Texas. However, if your child is 17 years of age or older, they do require a license to fish.

What are Dallas's fishing license requirements?

Find the fishing license requirements below:

Payment
A form of identification, depending on resident or non-resident status and temporary ID status (Review the Texas Parks and Wildlife requirements FAQ page for more information)
Freshwater or Saltwater Fishing Endorsements

Exceptions to the fishing license:

A child under the age of 17
An individual born before January 1, 1931
A person fishing as part of medically approved therapy
An individual with an intellectual disability fishing under the supervision of a licensed fisher

Fishing Guides & Rentals

Whether you’re planning your own trip with local gear rentals or booking an outing with a professional guide, Dallas has plenty of ways to get you on the water: