Daily limit
25 per day, any combination
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo minimum length; only 10 of the 25 may be 20 inches or longerSpecial regulations apply to certain water bodies; see the exceptions list.
TX · Catfish (channel, blue and flathead)
Texas treats channel and blue catfish (and their hybrids) as one 25-fish daily bag, with no minimum length, but only 10 of those fish may be 20 inches or longer. Flathead catfish have their own rule: five a day and at least 18 inches.
Verified 2026-10-24Limits at a glance
Regulation period: Sept. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027.
Daily limit
5 per day
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
ReleaseMay keep
Size ruleMinimum length 18 inchesSpecial regulations apply to certain water bodies; see the exceptions list.
Watch for
- Possession limit is generally twice the daily bag.
- Check the exceptions list for your lake or river before you go.
Quick answers
What is the daily limit for catfish (channel, blue and flathead) in Texas?
Channel and blue catfish, their hybrids and subspecies, statewide public fresh water: 25 per day, any combination. Size rule: No minimum length; only 10 of the 25 may be 20 inches or longer. Other waters and date windows have different rules; see the table. Verify with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Which regulations do these Texas figures come from?
Sept. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027, as published by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified 2026-10-24.