Fish Texas – November 2024

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Time to Give Thanks for Trout

Young girl with big smile holding a rainbow trout, video link

'Tis the season to begin stocking rainbow trout around Texas. These trout are easy to catch, making them a fun way to engage children in the confidence-building sport of fishing – the young lady in the photo won a First Fish Award with her rainbow catch.

We'll begin stocking Nov. 26. Check the stocking schedule for dates and locations where trout are headed this winter, including Neighborhood Fishin' ponds and lakes. The schedule will be updated throughout the season.

For insider tips, watch our short video Catching Rainbow Trout: Tips From a Fisheries Biologist. Find out more about our trout stocking program in the press release Rainbow Trout Arriving Soon at a Waterbody Near You. We'll see you out there!


How to Properly Freeze Your Catch

3 rainbow trout on ice

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the flavor of any freshly-caught fish you plan to eat at a later date. To do it properly takes only 6 easy steps.

Begin by putting your fish on ice as soon as you catch it, and end by wrapping cleaned fish in both plastic and butcher paper before storing in the freezer. 

Find the step-by-step instructions in the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story Six Steps for Perfectly Frozen Fish. Want to brush up on your fish-cleaning skills? Watch our short video How to Clean Rainbow Trout.


Try Fall Fishing From a Kayak

Angler in kayak near fall foliage, video link


Now that autumn has arrived, take advantage of your freedom from the searing summer sun and get on the water for some kayak fishing. If you're looking for new places to paddle, we've created accessible kayaking areas, including more than 80 marked Texas Paddling Trails, plus river access locations we lease from private owners. For more about kayak fishing, read our magazine story Let's Go Fishing!

Keep these kayak fishing safety tips in mind before you head out:

  • Always wear your life jacket.
  • Let someone know where you're going.
  • Expect to get wet and dress appropriately.

For more tips, including why you should carry a knife, watch the short video How to Stay Safe While Fishing From a Kayak.


Flounder Season Closed Through Dec. 14

Southern flounder on white background

Flounder season is temporarily closed from 11/1 through 12/14 to allow the species to spawn. You may not harvest flounder by any means during this time.

See the Outdoor Annual for more of what's new for fishing in 2024-25, as well as all your fishing regulation information, including length and bag limits for saltwater and freshwater species. Download the Outdoor Annual app to have it all at your fingertips.

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Don't Dump Your Bait

Hanging yellow bait holder

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasives protects your lakes. If you dump live bait into a waterbody where it did not originate, you may be spreading aquatic invasive species.

How you can help stop the spread:

1. Never dump leftover bait into the water.

2. Don't take live-caught bait to another lake.

3. Do take your leftover bait home for future use, give it to another angler at the same lake, or dispose of it in the trash.

For more safe ways to handle your bait, read the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story Don't Dump That Bait!.


Legacy-class ShareLunker Season Begins Jan. 1

Angler holding Legacy-class Lunker, video link

The 2024 Toyota ShareLunker Legacy-class season was a big winner. Anglers reeled in a whopping 19 Legacy-class Lunkers from 7 different lakes.

Will 2025 be even better? Legacy-class season opens Jan. 1, and we're about to find out! Here are 3 things to to prepare:


Join the shooting sports community, with link

Your Input Requested: State Wildlife Action Plan

School of fish, video link

We are currently reviewing the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) and would like your input. SWAP identifies Texas’ at-risk wildlife species, threats they face, and what conservation actions are needed.

We've created a public survey for you to provide your feedback. Find out more about SWAP and the survey and watch our video State Wildlife Action Plan for Texas. With your input, we can continue to conserve Texas' natural heritage for generations to come.


Take the Survey


A message from our sponsor:

Toyota Tundra ad with link


Messages from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertisers:

EarthX ad with link

Return 'Em Right ad with link

Marine Max ad with link


Fish Texas is made possible in part
by the generous support of Toyota. 

Toyota

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