Texas Freshwater Fish Stamp Helps Conservation & Anglers For 20 Years

Over the past 20 years, the Texas Freshwater Fish Stamp has been crucial in preserving and enhancing the state’s freshwater fisheries. Introduced in 2004, the stamp has generated over $130 million, primarily used for building, renovating, and maintaining Texas freshwater fish hatcheries.

The stamp costs $5 is included with all freshwater fishing licenses and has funded a wide range of conservation efforts.

Originally replacing the Freshwater Trout Stamp, the Freshwater Fish Stamp continues to support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in maintaining and improving the state’s fish hatchery system. This system, including five major hatcheries, has benefited from numerous upgrades including new water treatment systems and improved fish breeding facilities. Because of these upgrades, the hatcheries have produced and stocked over half a billion fish in Texas waters over the past 20 years.

One of those projects funded by the stamp is the John D. Parker East Texas Fish Hatchery, which has raised and released 37.5 million fish since its opening in 2012. Programs like ShareLunker and Neighborhood Fishin’ also rely on the stamp for continued operation.

In 2011 and 2017, legislative actions extended the life of the stamp and expanded its scope. Now the funds are used for other projects, such as improving fish habitats and enhancing shoreline angler access. This led to the launch of the Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) in 2021, which has already supported 32 projects aimed at improving fishing access across Texas.

Thanks to the Texas anglers who buy licenses and the Freshwater Fish Stamp, fishing in Texas is thriving and big part of the state’s culture and economy.

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