The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is accepting nominations for the next class of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, with applications open through Nov. 1, the agency announced Sept. 10.
Nominees may be individuals or organizations that have made important contributions to fishing in Texas, according to the release. The hall of fame is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens and is open to the public.
“The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame honors a growing list of 41 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on freshwater fishing in the state,” said Kelly Jordon, chairman of the hall of fame selection committee. “Whether it’s an outdoor writer, accomplished angler, conservationist, fishing club or industry leader, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize everyone helping to make Texas fishing the best it can be.”
The selection committee is made up of industry professionals including anglers, fisheries biologists and organizations involved in Texas freshwater fishing, TPWD said. Nominations are judged on ethics, leadership and commitment, unselfish contributions to the sport, scope of impact on freshwater fishing, fishing and fisheries management expertise, and overall impact.
Honorees will be announced in spring 2027 and formally inducted at a ceremony and banquet in the fall, according to the agency.
This year’s inductees will be recognized first. Brothers Clayton Pierce and the late Jason Pierce of Alba, along with Michael Scherer of Houston, are to be inducted at the annual banquet in October at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The Pierce brothers own and operate Lake Fork Taxidermy, which produces fish replicas for clients around the world, including replicas awarded to anglers who contribute Legacy Class fish to the Toyota ShareLunker Program, TPWD said. Scherer, program director of Fishing’s Future, has shaped angler education across the state through volunteer work with the department’s angler education program and a range of other organizations.
“We are excited to review all of this year’s nominations and welcome the newest inductee(s) into this prestigious group of individuals and organizations who have contributed so much to the world-class fishing that Texas offers,” Jordon added.
Videos highlighting the 2026 inductees will be posted to TPWD’s YouTube channel on the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame playlist following the ceremony and will also air on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS television show, the agency said. Nomination forms and instructions are available online or by calling 903-676-2277.