My family and I are looking to come down to Toledo Bend next year and I was wondering if I need an out of state fishing license for both Texas and Louisiana. Anyone know?

Either Texas or Louisiana should work. Check for exceptions to LA licensing requirements to see if you qualify.

They're reciprocal. If you have a LA or TX fishing license, you'll be legal. And this doesn't matter which side of the lake you launch from like I've heard others say.

As long as you are in a boat. If you fish from the bank in LA and you are from Texas ( or anywhere else ) you need a LA license. If you are floating in a boat you are legal with either.

Yeah, this one! Stay in your boat... My note about exemptions only apply to the reciprocity agreement for LA and TX residents. So get a temp LA or TX depending on where you plan to stay or what is convenient!

You can fish anywhere on the lake with either states license. But I do believe the statement about bank fishing is correct.

I live in Alexandria La. and need a texas fishing licenses for Sam Rayburn where is the nearest place near to the Dam can i purchase one.

^^ There are 3 tackle stores in a half mile stretch of road that spans the dam- Tackle Addict, Tackle Monkey and Need More Tackle that all should have licenses for sale.

Just order online and they will email you a conformation number. Usually within a week they send the paper copy.

I also agree that either license works when fishing from a boat on Toledo Bend. A suggestion would be to get the Texas license to give yourself the option of running over to fish Rayburn for a day if you like. It is very close to Toledo Bend, so you can stay wherever you plan to at Toledo Bend, but trailer over to Rayburn to fish - no need to change your camp base if you don't want to.

If you launch from the Texas side, you need a Texas license. If you launch from the La. side, you need a La. license. On the water, either one is fine. Its where your boat ramp is governs the state license you need. If you pull out on a Texas ramp and get checked with a LA. license, you can have a problem etc.

I cannot order online, i am applying for free lifetime license, i am 72 and 100% disabled Army Vet., i was directed by Texas wildlife to go to the local outlets that sell license and they will process it their with proof of 100% disability. I was looking for the closes store to toledo bend. I was not aware that i could get one free.

Thanks Guys for the help.

I don't believe it matters where you launch on Toledo Bend. A TX or LA license, even a non resident license, should be good regardless of where on the lake you launch.

A Texas-issued non-resident license IS a Texas license, btw.

A lot depends on if you put a knife to them. If you're staying in LA w/ a TX licence & cut you some fish. You best have a LA tag. Same for the TX side.