Fishing Regulations
Alligator Gar in the Trinity River Have Strict Bag Limits
On the Trinity River from Dallas downstream, anglers may keep only one alligator gar per day, and it must be under 48 inches.
Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) regulates alligator gar on the Trinity River. From the I-30 bridge in Dallas downstream to the I-10 bridge in Chambers County, you may keep only 1 alligator gar per day. It must be less than 48 inches long. These are strict rules meant to protect the species.
TPWD also runs a separate Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing each fall. That drawing gives selected anglers a permit to take one alligator gar over 48 inches from the Trinity River section covered by these rules. You do not need that authorization to fish for alligator gar under 48 inches — the standard 1-fish daily bag limit still applies to any licensed angler. Apply through the Texas Hunt & Fish app or at tpwd.texas.gov during the September application window. Regulations can change, so always confirm current rules before you fish.
Source to confirm: TPWD – Fishing Regulations for Trinity River