Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center - Texas Parks and Wildlife

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! Rainbow Trout are now stocked in the fishing ponds at TFFC. We are open tomorrow, come fish with us!

11/26/2025

On this day 40 years ago, Lake Fork fishing guide Mark Stevenson caught the first Largemouth Bass to enter the Toyota Sharelunker Program. He is arguably the most famous angler in Texas due to his catch of Ethel, a 17.67-pound bass that broke the previous state record.

In addition to guiding paying clients, Mark donated trips to many worthy causes benefiting youth, veterans and TPWD projects such as construction of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and honor those who have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas and to foster awareness and appreciation of and participation in the sport of fishing.

11/22/2025

Friendly reminder that Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center will be closed 11/24-11/27. We will be open on black Friday and back to regular scheduled hours. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

There will be some days in the winter months that we will be closed to the public. Check the calendar below before planning your winter visit!

11/20/2025

It was a pleasure to partner with Murchison ISD to provide this educational opportunity!

11/19/2025

Attention teachers. Headed to the annual TAEA conference this year? Stop by booth 217 to say hi!

Headed to Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas for the 2025 Annual TAEA Conference. November 20th-22nd. Come see us at booth 217!

11/07/2025

How old do you think our giant Alligator Gar in the Reservoirs and Fishing Exhibit are?

What do atomic bombs and alligator gar have in common? 🤔

As the longest-living freshwater fish in Texas, an alligator gar’s age can be determined through traces left by nuclear testing, which spiked in the mid-1900s.

These river giants play a key role in keeping ecosystems in balance. Knowing their age helps biologists manage and conserve them for the future.

👉 Get the full story from Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine at https://bit.ly/AtomicGar

11/06/2025

There will be some days in the winter months that we will be closed to the public. Check the calendar below before planning your winter visit!

11/05/2025

If you have ridden the Ethel Express Tram Tour at TFFC, you have probably heard us talk about what happens to broodstock bass when they are retired. Check it out in action below from Inland Fisheries Marshall District - Texas Parks and Wildlife!

11/04/2025

Happy Gar Week from Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, in Athens, TX. Come check out our Gar on display.

Meet 4 fascinating gar species found in Texas 👀

Gar may look scary, but these ancient fish pose no threat to humans.

Gar play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by keeping other aquatic species in check.

🔥 Texas’ Trinity River is famous for its alligator gar - massive “river monsters” that lure anglers from around the world.

11/01/2025

Another round of Channel Catfish were stocked in Lake Zebco and Lake Centex yesterday. Come fishing with us this weekend!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from TFFC. We celebrated by carving a "cat-fish" pumpkin underwater!

10/30/2025

Don't miss our spooktacular Halloween underwater pumpkin carving tomorrow! 1:30pm at the Community Fishing Lake Exhibit on the Outdoor Exhibit Walkway.