Outdoors

For Austin-area families, National Hunting and Fishing Day can be as simple as spending a few hours beside a neighborhood pond, trying a new fishing spot along Lady Bird Lake or learning how Texas' public hunting system works.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging Texans to bring friends and family outdoors for National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The annual observance recognizes hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife and conservation.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation supporting the day, noting that outdoor pursuits can encourage patience, self-reliance and appreciation for nature while promoting physical activity and mental well-being. He also pointed to the billions of dollars in economic activity generated by outdoor recreation across Texas.

Neighborhood Fishing Close to Austin

Austin's two Neighborhood Fishin' sites are Bullfrog Pond and Kingfisher Lake at Travis County East Metropolitan Park.

Bullfrog Pond covers about 1 acre, while Kingfisher Lake is about 2 acres. Both are part of TPWD's regularly stocked Neighborhood Fishin' program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. The program is designed to make fishing approachable for beginners by placing stocked lakes in city and county parks with amenities such as shoreline access, parking, restrooms and lighting.

TPWD also lists several smaller Community Fishing Lakes around Travis County, including Butler Park Pond, Mills Pond in Wells Branch, Northwest Park, Onion Creek, and three ponds at Southeast Metropolitan Park. These are separate from the Neighborhood Fishin' program and offer additional close-to-home options for both new and experienced anglers.

More Places to Fish Around Austin

Austin-area anglers have plenty of choices beyond Neighborhood Fishin' ponds.

Lady Bird Lake, right in downtown Austin, covers 468 acres and supports largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and common carp. TPWD describes its largemouth bass population as excellent, and bank access is available at locations including Auditorium Shores, Festival Beach Park and Red Bud Island. Outboard motors are prohibited, although electric trolling motors are allowed.

East of Austin, Walter E. Long Lake, also known as Decker Lake, is another major fishing destination. The 1,269-acre reservoir supports largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish and sunfish, with TPWD rating its largemouth bass fishing as excellent. Bank fishing is limited but available at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, which also has a public boat ramp.

Closer to south Austin, McKinney Falls State Park offers fishing in Onion Creek and Williamson Creek. Because it is a Texas State Park, anglers can fish from shore without a fishing license, although regular fishing regulations still apply.

That gives Austin residents a useful range of options, from small neighborhood ponds to larger urban reservoirs and a state park where fishing can be combined with hiking and a full day outdoors.

New to Fishing? TPWD Has Resources to Help

TPWD's Fishing for Beginners resources cover how to get started, fishing safety, basic gear assembly, tackle boxes and supplies, bait and lures, casting and other skills. Fishing classes, derbies and other events are also listed on the agency's online calendar.

Children younger than 17 generally fish without a Texas fishing license. Adults fishing Neighborhood Fishin' lakes need a freshwater fishing license, while no license is required when fishing from the shore or dock at a Texas State Park.

Public Hunting Opportunities Near Austin

National Hunting and Fishing Day also falls during an active part of the Texas hunting season, and Central Texas residents have several public hunting programs within driving distance.

Northeast of Austin, Granger Public Hunting Lands in Williamson County is participating in TPWD's E-Postcard hunt program for 2026-27. Its archery deer hunt runs Oct. 10 through Dec. 27. The application deadline has passed, but TPWD indicates standby opportunities may be available if selected hunters do not claim their permits.

West of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park and the separate Pedernales Falls State Park Annex participate in TPWD's drawn-hunt system. The main park has Gun Deer Antlerless/Spike hunts scheduled for Dec. 15-17, 2026, and Jan. 19-21, 2027, while the annex has separate Gun Deer Either Sex hunts on those same dates.

East of Austin, Bastrop State Park has a Gun Deer Antlerless/Spike drawn hunt scheduled for Jan. 3-5, 2027, with feral hogs and certain exotic mammals also legal under that hunt's specific rules.

These are controlled hunts, not general walk-in hunting opportunities, which is why TPWD encourages hunters to review the current hunt-area locator and individual property rules before traveling.

More Than One Million Acres Available Through Public Hunting

Texas' Annual Public Hunting Permit provides qualifying access to more than one million acres of public hunting land for dove, teal and many other species. The system includes wildlife management areas, public lands and other participating properties across the state.

For first-time hunters, TPWD maintains a Hunting for Beginners resource and offers mentored hunting workshopsdesigned to introduce newcomers to hunting in a supervised setting.

Dove and Teal Seasons Are Underway

National Hunting and Fishing Day arrives in the middle of dove season and during the final weekend of Texas' early teal season.

TPWD says Texas continues to lead the nation in dove hunting, accounting for about 32 percent of the mourning dove harvest and 87 percent of the white-winged dove harvest in the United States annually. More than 300,000 hunters participate each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.

The statewide early teal season began Sept. 19 and continues through Sept. 27, putting National Hunting and Fishing Day on its final full weekend.

Hunter Education Remains an Important First Step

Texas hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, subject to the state's age-based accompaniment and deferral provisions.

Courses are available online and in person and cover firearm safety, species identification, zones of fire and other information designed to help hunters stay safe in the field.

Participation Helps Pay for Conservation

One of the central messages behind National Hunting and Fishing Day is that participation helps fund the wildlife and outdoor places Texans enjoy.

Money from hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and endorsements supports fish stocking, habitat improvements, public access and wildlife management. Taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, motorboat fuel, firearms and ammunition also support conservation programs benefiting both game and non-game species.

Since recreational licenses became available for purchase Aug. 15, TPWD says sales have exceeded $36.7 million.

“The significant contribution made by Texas’ outdoors women and men toward research and species management is one of the reasons why the tradition of hunting and fishing in Texas has endured for generations,” TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. “Texas’ hunters, anglers and landowners, make the difference in preserving and maintaining the state’s natural spaces and wildlife population. This year, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, I invite all Texans to take a hunter education course, attend a neighborhood fishing event and learn how participating in these activities aids in conserving the best of Texas.”

Updated License Rules Are Now in Effect

Hunters and anglers planning to purchase a license should also be aware of updated identity-verification requirements now in effect for Texas hunting and fishing licenses.

TPWD implemented the changes to combat residency fraud and support law enforcement. Licenses remain available through the official TPWD website, at participating retailers and at TPWD offices.

Full hunting and fishing regulations, season dates, bag limits and other requirements are available through the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app and online at OutdoorAnnual.com.

A Weekend to Explore More of Austin's Outdoors

For Austin families, National Hunting and Fishing Day does not have to mean a long drive or expensive equipment. It can start at Bullfrog Pond or Kingfisher Lake, continue with a morning on Lady Bird Lake or Walter E. Long Lake, or become a family day at McKinney Falls State Park.

For those interested in hunting, the same weekend offers a reason to learn more about hunter education, mentored hunting and Central Texas public-land opportunities.

However a family chooses to participate, Sept. 26 offers a reminder that Austin's outdoor traditions are not limited to hiking and swimming. Fishing and hunting remain part of the region's connection to the land and water, and participation helps support the conservation work that keeps those opportunities available.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Austin fishing spots, public hunting information, outdoor events and family activities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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