I know its legal to bank fish in a state park without a license. However if you step foot in the water and if the lake is not entirely in the state park you do need a license. For example if you wade fished at Cedar Hill State Park you would need one. But if you wade fished in Cleburne State Park you wouldn't need one. That being said I was wondering is it legal to wade fish in a river in a state park without a license?

Probably have to contact TPWD on that one. From a black and white perspective you're in the lake and not in the state park. But of all things I in no way can imagine someone getting nailed for walking out into the water to cast... Now if you're talking about going into the water and wading down the bank say fishing for spawning crappie, you're wading down the bank and especially if you go to an area that's in front of land not the park, I could see that more likely. Going waist deep to cast out a catfish line or something like that? I'd have a dropped jaw if I saw a ticket for that.

Eric

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/programs/familyfish/

"Free fishing applies to fishing in rivers and creeks, from bank or pier. You can also wade fish in the surf along the shore of our coastal state parks. You may be able to fish for free from a boat on lakes or ponds that are fully enclosed in a state park."

As stated I would contact TPWD and explain what you're thinking and see what they say. From their web site statement I would say no unless you're at the coast.

I may just have to ask next time I'm there. The TP&W website states "A fishing license is not required if fishing from the bank in a state park or in waters completely enclosed by a state park.". It's the "or in waters completely enclosed by a state park" that makes me wonder about rivers. A river will never be completely enclosed, however sections of a river can be.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses/fishing-licenses-stamps-tags-packages

Wade on out there and step on an alligator.
Always be able to clearly see the bottom.

Just buy a license and you won't have to be worried about it. Consider the license insurance.

I think you can fish without license in State Parks.

That was my thought as well. In addition, the license fee goes toward helping develop the resource. And it doesn't cost that much.

This is true