Mary Jo Peckham Park's five-acre stocked lake gives Katy families a no-cost way to mark National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The 32-acre park at 5597 Gardenia Ln. is one of the Houston area's Neighborhood Fishin' sites run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), as My Neighborhood News reported. TPWD stocks the lake with channel catfish during warmer months and rainbow trout in winter. During the 2025-26 season, the park received 3,160 rainbow trout across seven stocking dates, TPWD records show.

Children younger than 17 fish free.

Adults need a Texas fishing license and freshwater endorsement. The agency's Neighborhood Fishin' page describes the program as "family-friendly city fishing from a pier or bank" at "small stocked lakes close to home."

New license ID rules

A rule change that took effect Aug. 3 requires anyone 17 or older buying a recreational hunting or fishing license in person to show valid identification. Online purchasers must have their ID independently validated, and foreign residents cannot buy licenses online, according to My Neighborhood News.

TPWD said in an announcement cited by My Neighborhood News that recreational license sales have topped $36.7 million since licenses went on sale Aug. 15.

Dove and teal seasons underway

National Hunting and Fishing Day lands during dove season and the final weekend of Texas' early teal season, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 27. The daily teal bag limit is six. Waterfowl hunters also need a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification and a Federal Duck Stamp.

TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said license fees, stamps and taxes on outdoor equipment fund wildlife management, fish stocking and habitat work across Texas.

"I invite all Texans to take a hunter education course, attend a neighborhood fishing event and learn how participating in these activities aids in conserving the best of Texas," Yoskowitz said in a statement released Sept. 21.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation supporting the observance, according to TPWD.

Park details

Mary Jo Peckham Park also features a miniature golf course, disc golf course and an aquatic and fitness center, according to Harris County Precinct 4. The park is open daily.

Upcoming community dates

• Saturday, Sept. 26 — National Hunting and Fishing Day; Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia Ln., Katy
• Sunday, Sept. 27 — Final day of Texas' early teal season