Walleye Fishing in Texas
Where to catch walleye, the limits and the Texas records.
- 11.88 lbstate record
- 5lakes rated
Photo: Virginia State Parks staff, CC BY 2.0
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Fishing for walleye in Texas
The freshwater species walleye (Sander vitreus) is found in Texas waters. Texas recognizes a 11.88 pound rod and reel record from Meredith, set in 1990. Of the 5 Texas lakes TPWD rates for this fish, 1 are excellent.
Timing and cover for Texas walleye
When
Early spring spawner at 45-50F
Where they hold
Stocked in several Texas reservoirs; does best in north Texas lakes such as Lake Meredith; High summer temperatures limit growth in much of Texas
Walleye facts from the TPWD species profile.
Lakes to target for walleye in Texas
Texas lakes rated for walleye, best rating first, then by size.
Lake Meredith
Rated Excellent for walleye; 16,411 acres in Hutchinson County.
See detailsWheeler Branch Reservoir
Rated Good for walleye; 180 acres in Somervell County.
See detailsGreenbelt Reservoir
Rated Fair for walleye; 1,990 acres in Donley County.
See detailsWhite River Reservoir
Rated Fair for walleye; 1,418 acres in Crosby County.
See detailsPalo Duro Reservoir
Rated Poor for walleye; 2,413 acres in Hansford County.
See detailsKeeping walleye in Texas
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 5 | Only 2 may be under 16 in. |
Lake specific limits for this fish cover Kirby Lake, Lake Meredith, Lake Texoma and Wheeler Branch Reservoir.
Walleye limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Record book: Texas walleye
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rod and reel all tackle | 11.88 | 31.75 | Meredith | 1990 |
Walleye records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Hatchery releases of walleye
- White River Reservoir4,697,820 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Meredith2,446,180 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Wheeler Branch Reservoir1,013,400 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Mackenzie400,960 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Fryer270,240 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Walleye stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about walleye in Texas
Which walleye holds the Texas record?
11.88 pounds, caught at Meredith in 1990, in the all tackle rod and reel category.
How many walleye can I keep in Texas?
The statewide limit is 5 a day.
Which lakes rate excellent for walleye in Texas?
TPWD lists Lake Meredith among its excellent lakes.
When do walleye spawn or bite best in Texas?
Early spring spawner at 45-50F.
What habitat do walleye use?
Stocked in several Texas reservoirs; does best in north Texas lakes such as Lake Meredith; High summer temperatures limit growth in much of Texas.
Where do special walleye rules apply in Texas?
For example, Kirby Lake, Lake Meredith, Lake Texoma and Wheeler Branch Reservoir.
Has TPWD stocked walleye recently?
From 2024 to 2026, White River Reservoir got the most stocked fish.
What license covers walleye in Texas?
Anglers 17 and older targeting walleye need a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What do biologists call walleye?
Sander vitreus.
Are state park walleye subject to limits?
You can keep them under the usual walleye limits, and the park waives the license.
More species pages
Every Texas sport fish has a page like this one for walleye.