Fishing Rules

El Paso County Has Restrictions on Live Bait for Fishing

Only certain fish species can be used as live or dead bait in El Paso County. TPWD sets these rules to protect local waters from invasive species.

El Paso County The Great Outdoors

You cannot use just any fish as bait in El Paso County. Only certain species are allowed as live or dead bait. The approved list includes common carp, fathead minnows, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, sunfish, goldfish, golden shiners, Mexican tetra, Rio Grande cichlid, and silversides. Using anything outside that list breaks the rules.

Far West Texas has these limits to stop invasive species from spreading into local rivers and lakes. The Rio Grande and other desert water sources are sensitive. Their ecosystems can be hard to restore once damaged. Always check current bait rules with TPWD before you fish. Rules can change between seasons.

Source to confirm: TPWD — General Fishing Regulations

More El Paso County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Appraises Your Home for Taxes in El Paso County

The El Paso Central Appraisal District sets the value on your property, and that value drives what you owe in property taxes.

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Homestead Exemption

How to Lower Your Tax Bill with a Homestead Exemption

If your home is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property.

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Appraisal Cap

Your Appraised Value Can Only Rise 10% Per Year with a Homestead

Texas law limits how fast a homestead property's taxable value can grow each year, which protects owners in fast-rising markets.

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Unincorporated County

Living Outside City Limits in El Paso County Means No Zoning

If your property is in unincorporated El Paso County — outside any city — there are no county zoning rules and the county cannot issue building permits.

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