License for fishing Toledo Bend in Texas

[Matt G]

This is what I am reading from the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Texas-Louisiana: Residents of either state, who are properly licensed in their state (or are exempt because of age), or persons who hold valid non-resident fishing licenses issued by either state may fish in any portion of the lakes and rivers forming a common boundary between Louisiana and Texas inland from a line across Sabine Pass between Texas Point and Louisiana Point. Fish landed in Texas must adhere to the Texas bag and length limits

If I am reading this correctly, does this mean that if I am fishing Toledo Bend on the Texas side and have my Louisiana fishing license, that I do not need a Texas license? Trying to make sure I am within the confines of the law.

[Smalls]

Correct. When on waters shared by both states, as long as you have a license for one of the states, you can fish the entire lake. So, you can fish the Texas side of Toledo with a Louisiana license, but you must comply by their laws as far as bag and length limits. If I remember right though, I think the limits on Toledo Bend have been mutually agreed upon by both states.

[Matt G]

Thanks for the clarification........ Now, does it make any difference if I am soley bank fishing from the Texas side? I may be able to bring my FIL's boat, which is way smaller than mine, but if not I'll be ghetto fishing!

[Smalls]

Hmmm, now that I'm not sure, but I mean it does state that "Residents of either state, who are properly licensed in their state..........may fish in any portion of the lakes and rivers forming a common boundary between Louisiana and Texas". I would assume that means you can fish from the TX bank with a LA License. I mean, the water you are fishing is a portion of the lake.

[Matt G]

That's what I thought, but you know people interpret things differently!

[moe1967]

I'd double check that.

I always thought you can fish anywhere in the lake with either license as long as you are in a boat. If bank fishing, you may need the appropriate license.

[papap]

I know we camp on Texas side with la lic. Never bank fished thou.

[fishnla]

I fish the TX side primarily and I've always been told not to fish from the bank without a TX license, and that it was a gray area to fish from dock because they are over the water and permitted by SRA. Not facts but its what I've always been told, and it supposedly came from a game warden. Take it for what its worth.

[Hydro]

I would call the TX fish cops on this one... Post up the results

Hydro