Rainbow trout Fishing in Texas
TPWD ratings, records and statewide rules for rainbow trout.
- 12.38 lbstate record
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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The Texas story on rainbow trout
Scientific name Oncorhynchus mykiss, rainbow trout is a freshwater fish in Texas. Profile page states an older 8.24 lb record; the current record list shows a 2023 fish, use state_records.json. On rod and reel, the Texas record weighs 12.38 pounds from Guadalupe River, set in 2023.
Finding rainbow trout in Texas through the year
When
Winter put-and-take fishery; TPWD stocks from late November/early December through March
Where they hold
Does not survive summer in most of Texas; some survive in tailraces such as below Canyon Reservoir; Only self-sustaining population: McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains
Rainbow trout facts from the TPWD species profile.
The rainbow trout rules in Texas
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow trout | 5 | 5 combined rainbow and brown trout |
Rainbow trout limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
The biggest rainbow trout on record in Texas
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 7.83 | 25.5 | Nueces River | 2010 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 12.38 | 25 | Guadalupe River | 2023 |
Rainbow trout records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Where rainbow trout get stocked in Texas
- Canyon Tailrace76,641 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Possum Kingdom Tailrace26,515 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Waterloo Park Pond18,833 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Ascarate17,296 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Warren Park Lake15,608 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Lewisville Tailrace (Elm Fork Trinity River)14,734 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Towne Lake14,143 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Southside Lions Park12,159 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- John Ward Memorial Park South Lake (AKA Medical Center South)12,021 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Mary Jo Peckham Park11,834 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- LNVA Barrier Pond11,833 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- River Park Clear Fork of the Trinity River (Fort Worth)11,086 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Spring Lake Park10,434 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Comanche Trail (Big Springs)10,046 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Miller's Pond9,705 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Murphy City Hall Pond9,156 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Onion Creek9,114 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Teague Park (Gregg County)9,078 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Rainbow trout stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Texas rainbow trout: what anglers ask
What is the heaviest rainbow trout caught in Texas?
The rod and reel mark is 12.38 pounds, caught at Guadalupe River in 2023.
What is the Texas limit on rainbow trout?
Texas allows 5 a day.
What time of year is best for rainbow trout in Texas?
Winter put-and-take fishery; TPWD stocks from late November/early December through March.
Where do rainbow trout live in a lake?
Does not survive summer in most of Texas; some survive in tailraces such as below Canyon Reservoir; Only self-sustaining population: McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains.
Does Texas stock rainbow trout in lakes?
Canyon Tailrace topped the 2024 to 2026 stocking list.
Is a license required to target rainbow trout in Texas?
Fishing for rainbow trout takes a Texas license with the freshwater endorsement from age 17.
What Latin name do rainbow trout have?
Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Can I fish for rainbow trout in a state park without a license?
Statewide rainbow trout limits apply, but no license is needed inside a state park.