Fishing Texans have a reputation for telling tall tales, but when it comes to fishing they have lots to boast about. The state has more than 5,175 square miles of inland freshwater, including lakes, rivers and creeks, plus 624 miles of shoreline. There is a wide variety of fish available for the taking, provided the fish are biting. Native fish include black bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Freshwater fishing areas also have been stocked with nonnative species including Florida bass, walleye and rainbow trout and saltwater species including redfish and striped bass.
Fishing licenses vary in cost and can be purchased on an annual or two-week basis by residents.
There are additional charges for stamps for certain fish. Lake Austin record catches include a 43-pound striped bass. Bass fishing is popular in the quieter areas of Lake Austin and Lake Buchanan. Fishing is permitted on Town Lake in Central Austin, but because of urban runoff it is not recommended that you consume your catch. Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Texas Hwy.