Fishing Toledo Bend: You Need the Right State's License

Toledo Bend sits right on the state line between Texas and Louisiana. That makes it a border water lake. Border water lakes have a special license rule. If you have a valid Texas license, you can fish the whole lake — including the Louisiana side. If you have a valid Louisiana license, you can fish the Texas side too. Age-exempt anglers follow the same rule.

But the license is only part of the story. Each state's bag limits and size limits still apply where you are fishing. So it matters which side of the line you are on. Some fish, like alligator gar, may have different rules in each state. Check the TPWD page for current Texas rules. If you plan to fish the Louisiana side, check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their rules too.