Do you have to have a license to fish in neighborhood ponds like in Cinco Ranch or The Woodlands?

If they are considered public water, yes.

dont you still have to have a liscense to fish on private ponds/water?

I always have mine on me...so I've never thought about it...

From my understanding if you are on your own property and the pond is too then no. But, if the lake on your property recieves any water from a river or public tributary then yes you do have to have a liscense. I would not understand why you have to have one to fish at cinco ranch. Those lakes were were built for just for the neighborhood. I believe cinco ranch actually stocked some of those ponds. I went fishing with my 6 yr old cousin who lives in the neighborhood and we tore em up in the evening. Lots of nice fish and good size perch and bluegills too...even a few crappie.

[This message has been edited by chasep2820 (edited 6/29/2006 12:30p).]

I looked it up on Texas Parks and Wildlife's page:

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A fishing license and either a freshwater or saltwater stamp endorsement is required of any Texas resident who takes or attempts to take any aquatic life in the public waters of Texas. (See below for information on combination hunting/fishing licenses and lifetime licenses.)

You do not need a fishing license or stamp endorsements if you are:

* a resident or non-resident under 17 years of age.
* a Texas resident and were born before Sept. 1, 1930.
* a mentally disabled Texas resident who is fishing as part of medically approved therapy.
* a Texas resident diagnosed as mentally retarded.
* fishing from the bank in a state park or in waters completely enclosed by a state park.

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quote:

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* a Texas resident diagnosed as mentally retarded.

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So in other words most people on the Outdoors board don't need a license!

quote:

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any Texas resident who takes or attempts to take any aquatic life in the public waters of Texas.

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Private ponds that are not connected to public streams, rivers, or lakes, and that do not receive overflow when said waters flood are not "public waters of the state of Texas". Therefore, you don't need a license to fish there...unless they are considered a community lake or pond as listed on the website. "Less than 75 acres and located completely within the city limits of a city or completely surrounded by a public park" is the general definition of a community pond. Unless Cinco Ranch is within the corporate boundaries of a city or the lakes there are surrounded entirely by parks, I would assume they are considered private waters since they aren't listed on the TPWD list of community lakes.