Triploid Grass Carp Permits — How It Works in Texas

Grass carp are one of the best tools for controlling pond weeds — but in Texas, a state permit is required before they can be stocked. Only certified triploid (sterile) grass carp are legal, and there's a specific process to follow. Here's how it works when you order from Lake Master Pros.

Pond in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas or Mississippi? No state permit is needed there — order the usual way.

1. Apply for your permit (do this first). The permit comes from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). Ask for the Permit to Stock Triploid Grass Carp application through TPWD's Inland Fisheries office, (512) 389-4444. The permit costs about $15 plus $2 per fish, it's good for one pond (an additional form covers each extra pond), and once issued it's valid for 18 months.

2. Plan ahead — allow 4 to 5 weeks. TPWD processing takes time, so apply well before you want fish. Your permit is tied to your pond, and TPWD decides how many carp your pond qualifies for — the usual recommendation is 5 to 10 fish per acre of weeds.

3. Send us a copy of your permit. When you place your order on our order form, upload a copy of your permit right on the form. No permit in hand yet? Check "I'll send it later" and we'll mark your order permit pending and follow up before delivery.

4. We deliver certified fish, with the paperwork. Our grass carp are certified triploid by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Every Texas shipment rides with a TPWD transport invoice and a copy of the triploid certification — keep those with your permit for as long as the fish are in your pond. (Texas rules also let you haul up to 30 fish yourself under your own permit; more than 30, we have to deliver them.)

How many do you need? As a rule of thumb, 5 to 10 triploid grass carp per acre of pond — TPWD's stocking guide on your permit has the final say.

Questions?

Call Lake Master Pros at (855) 550-3474 or (800) 433-2950​ and we'll walk you through it.