Texas regulations
Flathead Catfish Regulations in Texas 2026
Texas flathead catfish regulations in 2026: 18″ min size, 5 fish/day bag limit. Zone-specific exceptions may apply — see the rule table below. Sourced from TPWD.
Rules (19)
Bellwood Lake In Smith CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Bellwood Lake in Smith County
Boerne City Lake In Kendall CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Boerne City Lake in Kendall County
Brushy Creek Lake And Brushy Creek Downstream From The Lake To The Williamson/Milam County LineClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Brushy Creek Lake and Brushy Creek downstream from the lake to the Williamson/Milam County line
Canyon Lake Project #6 In Lubbock CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Canyon Lake Project #6 in Lubbock County
Community Fishing LakesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Community Fishing Lakes
Dixieland Reservoir In Cameron CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Dixieland Reservoir in Cameron County
Fresh WaterOpen
- Status
- Permitted
May be used to take channel, blue, and flathead catfish in fresh water only.
Lake Bastrop In Bastrop CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Lake Bastrop in Bastrop County
Lake Bryan In Brazos CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Lake Bryan in Brazos County
Lake Livingston
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
For flathead catfish, no MLL; daily bag = 5.
Lakes Coffee Mill And Davy Crockett In Fannin CountyClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Lakes Coffee Mill and Davy Crockett in Fannin County
Reservoirs Or Sections Of Rivers Lying Totally Within The Boundaries Of State ParkClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: Reservoirs or sections of rivers lying totally within the boundaries of state park
Sabine River (From Toledo Bend Dam To Sabine Pass)
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
South Concho River From Lone Wolf Dam To Bell Street DamClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Juglines may not be used in the following: South Concho River from Lone Wolf dam to Bell Street dam
Other Texas fish regulations
Other regulated species in Texas with current rule pages — same TPWD source, same verification cadence.
- Channel Catfish24 rules
- Blue Catfish23 rules
- Red Snapper17 rules
- Largemouth Bass15 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)12 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)7 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)6 rules
- Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)6 rules
- Black Drum3 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)3 rules
- Tarpon2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
- Flounder2 rules
Frequently asked questions
When is Flathead Catfish season in Texas?
Flathead Catfish season in Texas is set by TPWD. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Flathead Catfish in Texas?
Minimum size for Flathead Catfish in Texas is 18 inches, per TPWD. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Flathead Catfish in Texas?
Daily bag limit for Flathead Catfish in Texas is 5 fish in Lake Livingston, per TPWD.
Official sources cited
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_l2000_1170b.pdf
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/printable
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with TPWD before keeping a catch.