Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center - Texas Parks and Wildlife

01/17/2026

Congratulations to Jennifer Fisher!

Thanks to everyone who entered their ShareLunker bass and DNA last year!
The 2025 Toyota ShareLunker season has officially wrapped up, and we’re thrilled to announce the winner of our year-end Grand Prize Drawing!
🏆 Congratulations to Jennifer Fisher! Her incredible catch was randomly selected from all eligible entries, earning her a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree!

Jennifer traveled from Phoenix, Arizona to fish and attend the Bassmaster Classic. In the last 5 minutes of her fishing day, she landed her personal best—a 9.85 lb Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class ShareLunker from Joe Pool Reservoir.

Want your shot at next year’s prize? Submit your ShareLunker bass through the ShareLunker app or website during the 2026 season. Every entry helps us make Bigger, Better Bass in Texas!


Lew's
Strike King Lure Company
Bass Pro Shops
Bass University
BassForecast
AFTCO

GTB Outdoors LLC

01/16/2026

Explore our indoor gallery tanks to get an up-close look at Texas natives like this American Eel!

01/13/2026

🐟 Fresh catch at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens
This beauty was spotted at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center where fishing education conservation and family fun come together. From free fishing ponds to impressive indoor and outdoor aquariums TFFC is a must visit for anglers and nature lovers of all ages.

Located right here in Athens it is the perfect place to learn about Texas freshwater fish and enjoy a hands on outdoor experience.

01/06/2026

It's season!

’Tis the season for BIG BASS 🎣 👀

From now through March 31, Anglers who reel in a 13+ lb largemouth bass can loan it to our Toyota ShareLunker Program to grow for stocking in lakes around Texas.

🎣 Reel in an 8+ pounder? Enter your catch details to win a Catch Kit and chance at a $5000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree! 🛍️

👉 Track recent big bass catches at TexasShareLunker.com 👈

01/02/2026

Big fun. Big Memories. It's a gorgeous weekend to come fishing at TFFC!

01/01/2026

Swimming into the new year with a splash of sparkle. Happy New Year!

01/01/2026

We are a few short hours from the 40th season of the Toyota ShareLunker Program - Texas Parks and Wildlife. Happy New Years and good luck to all anglers attempting to get that this season!

New Year’s Day 2026 will launch the 40th season of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, another major milestone for Texas’ highly acclaimed and storied largemouth bass selective breeding and stocking program. Check out the details! https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20251230b

12/28/2025

A physician, angler and conservationist, Dr. William B Shelton was recognized for his lifelong efforts to promote fishing, protect the environment, and get young people hooked on the outdoors. Among other accomplishments, he co-founded the His and Hers Couples Bass Club of Lufkin, served as president of the Friends of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, helped revitalize the Texas State Bass Tournament in the 1990s, and created the Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure to raise money to benefit cancer patients.

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame seeks to recognize and honor those who have made a lasting contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas and to foster awareness and appreciation of and participation in the sport of fishing.

12/27/2025

Need to get out of the house? Come fish with us!

12/25/2025

From all of us here at TFFC, Merry Fishmas!

12/22/2025

Holiday hours reminder! We are closed December 22-25th, but we WILL be open December 26-28th. That is the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Christmas for reference. Happy Holidays!

There will be some days in the winter months that we will be closed to the public. Check the calendar below before planning your winter visit!

12/22/2025

We're excited to announce that we're again hosting our great partner Bass University January 10-11, 2026 here at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center with some of the TOP professionals in fishing!

Each day of the Bass University in-class training event will feature 3 current or former bass fishing top-level tournament anglers. Each instructor will present 2 unique classes for a total of 6 seminars each day in a classroom setting. Each seminar is scheduled to be approximately 45+ minutes and covers cutting-edge bass fishing tactics, techniques, and tackle.

Grab your tickets here: www.bassu.tv/ticket