Why do you need a fishing license when fishing Lake Texoma?

The state of Texas and Oklahoma regulate Lake Texoma fishing. 65% of Lake Texoma falls in Oklahoma and 35% in Texas. A special 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License makes anglers legal on both the Oklahoma and Texas sides. This Lake Texoma Fishing License covers both states and is valid at all times, 365 days a year. The 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License expires every December 31 at midnight on each calendar year. With this license, valid until December 31 following the date of issuance, a person may fish in both the Texas and Oklahoma waters of Lake Texoma without any additional Texas or Oklahoma fishing licenses. Lake Texoma license is valid only on Lake Texoma.

What are the regulations for fishing in Lake Texoma?

The Lake Texoma Fishing License can get very confusing for Oklahoma and Texas residents. If you are a Texas Resident 65+, you can fish without a Lake Texoma Fishing License on the Oklahoma side but need one on the Texas boundary. Simply put, spend the $ 12.00 per year for the Lake Texoma License 208 if you are a Texas resident and 17-89 years old. Oklahoma & Louisiana Residents age 17-65 buy a Lake Texoma License. Most Lake Texoma Fishing Guides will not take clients out that DO NOT have a 208 License.

Texas Resident Exceptions:

• a person under 17 years of age.
• a person born before January 1, 1931.

Non-Texas Residents Exceptions:

• non-residents under 17 years of age;
• Louisiana resident 65 years of age or older who possesses a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License (includes Senior Fish/Hunt License); or
• Oklahoma resident 65 years of age or older.

Red River Fishing Regulations at the Denison Dam

• In Oklahoma waters of the Red River, requirements of that state apply.
• A person may fish in Texas or Oklahoma waters on Lake Texoma only with the appropriate license from Texas or Oklahoma unless the person possesses a Lake Texoma fishing license.
• A person must have a valid Texas fishing license to fish from the Texas bank from Denison Dam to Shawnee Creek (south of the line between border markers 1 and 2 on the map illustration). GPS coordinates are as follows: Marker 1(Lat 33.81892, Long -96.56806), Marker 2 (Lat 33.81986, Long -96.5556). An Oklahoma fishing license is required to wade-fish or fish from a boat in these waters.
• An Oklahoma resident 65 years of age or older is exempt from fishing license requirements in Texas, including on Lake Texoma.
• The upstream boundary of Lake Texoma is at Latitude 33°54.426’; Longitude -96°59.114’.

The Cost of Purchasing a 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License?

The 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License is $ 12.00 and runs from January 1 to December 31 each calendar year. You can buy the 208 License online at Texas License Connection or these big box stores:

Walmart

Academy

Dick’s Sporting Goods

You can buy a 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License at these local tackle shops near the lake:

Dave’s Ski & Tackle

The Tackle Box

Lake Texoma Fishing License Quick Tips

-Keep a copy of your 208 Lake Texoma Fishing License on your smartphone.

-Buy your 208 License online, and save the confirmation email on your smartphone.

-Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your license.

-Lake Texoma Game Wardens will check your license on the water or at the boat ramp. Keep your license on your person.

Knowing which ones apply for Lake Texoma can be challenging, with so many different fishing regulations to learn. Luckily, our blog post has all of this information broken down by state! If you have any questions about how these license requirements apply in your area or what other fees might come into play when fishing at Lake Texoma – give us a call today. We’re always happy to provide free advice that will help make your next trip more enjoyable!  For information on fishing lures follow Texoma Top 20.