Do you need a fishing license to fish in Brackenridge Park? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

johnpreston · 05-17-2006, 07:49 AM

To: Shannon Moore or anyone.......If I were to go fishing in Brackenridge Park, would I have to have a freshwater fishing license? Thank You for answering..John Preston Wood

Shannon · 05-17-2006, 10:39 AM

This is from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website, which at first glance you wouldn't think applies since Brackenridge is a City Park. However, TPWD's website has lots of information on city parks, so when I couldn't find any fishing regulations on the San Antonio Parks & Recreation website, I checked TPWD's.

First off, Brackenridge Park's waters are considered a Community Fishing Lake. The following rules apply at Community Fishing Lakes, like Brackenridge Park in San Antonio:

Quote:

A Community Fishing Lake (CFL) is a public impoundment 75 acres or smaller located totally within an incorporated city limits or a public park, or any impoundment lying totally within the boundaries of a state park. Many CFL's are stocked annually with channel catfish and/or rainbow trout.
Special Regulations:

The following special regulations are in effect on Community Fishing Lakes:

* For channel and blue catfish, there is no minimum length limit. The daily bag limit is 5 catfish in any combination.
* Fishing is by pole and line only.

Otherwise, statewide regulations apply.

If I read this exactly as written, which it seems you have to do with all government-created writings, it sounds like you still need a freshwater fishing license. The only things it's saying are different from normal freshwater fishing activities (such as at Braunig & Calaveras Lakes, which while in San Antonio aren't apparently classified as Community Fishing Lakes) are the bag limits, length limits and type of fishing... nothing about waiver of the license requirement.

If someone who has fished Brackenridge Park or another Community Fishing Lake can chime in, maybe they can provide some real world experience.

Turn Key · 05-17-2006, 10:56 AM

Had this clarified while I was at Inks Lake SP last month. A license is not needed as long as you are fish on a body of water entirely encompassed by a Texas State Park. Also, a license is not needed if fishing from the bank in any Texas State Park. I understand that this does not apply to saltwater fishing in any way and as far as I know it does not apply any where else. Also, this has been in effect for 2-3 years now but may be revoked at any time.

Hope this helps and happy camping!

Cube · 05-17-2006, 11:49 AM

Support TPWD! How much is a fishing license? $28 bucks.. fuggitaboutit..

campermom · 05-17-2006, 07:42 PM

I fish Brack park in the winter when it is stocked with trout. We have a blast and I usually go several times, rendezvous with my fishin pals for lunch dates and such. You are required to have a license. Wether a warden would stop you to check is another story. They are undercover, and usually stake out the place during the trout stocking events. Some folks just don't know when enough is enough and don't comprehend how to balance recreational enjoyment with environmental conservation. I take my son there since little kids don't had enough pateince to fish for long. He can catch his daily limit with an hour after stocking. Just enough time to have a happy meal and call it a night.

I do have a license and the format for renewal changed last year. It had been that all licenses expired august 31. Now, it expires a year from the date you buy it, as I remember, is was a little cheaper if you bought it in august. A summer only permit is available, as is a one day, two day, or week long. Any time you decide to go later in the year, buy an extra day at a discount price.

You know, having a fishing license is like having a gym membership. If you are paying for it, you are gonna use it.

Hope this answers your question. Take a kid fishing.

campermom · 05-17-2006, 07:44 PM

Oh, daily bag on rainbow trout is 5, cats, any combination, 5. Go for the big ones, try Calveras or Braunig lake.

CyberCelt · 05-17-2006, 10:29 PM

As far as I know, you must have a license if you are over 12 and are not fishing in a SP.

Just wanted to make sure everyone knows about Family Fish:
Texas State Parks are proud to host “Family Fishing Celebration”, a special year long event to spend time enjoying one of America’s greatest past-times with their kids.

free Fishing at Texas State Parks

At more than 70 state parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fishing license requirements for families as part of the Family Fishing Celebration. There will also be events throughout the year to add to the excitement -- from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait: just call ahead to ask. The event will continue through August 31, 2006.

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