When it comes to fishing the Colorado River in Texas, anglers are met with a sprawling waterway teeming with opportunity. This isn’t just another river; it’s a diverse ecosystem that carves through the heart of the state, offering everything from urban angling adventures to serene, remote fishing holes. To truly succeed, you need to understand its unique character, including the prized Guadalupe Bass, the best public access points, and the ever-changing seasonal patterns that dictate where the fish are and what they’re biting.
This legendary river offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every type of angler. Before you cast a line, understanding the river’s layout and where you can legally fish is crucial. This often brings up questions about land ownership along the banks. For those who want to delve deeper into this topic, understanding if can a river be private property provides essential context for any Texas angler navigating these vast waters.
Understanding the Mighty Colorado River in Texas
Stretching over 860 miles, the Texas Colorado River (not to be confused with the one carving the Grand Canyon) is the longest river entirely within the state. It flows from the northwest near Lubbock, through the Highland Lakes of Central Texas—Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis, and Lake Austin—before finally meeting the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Bay.
This incredible journey creates a wide range of habitats. You’ll find deep, clear reservoirs, fast-moving currents below dams, and slow, murky stretches in the lower coastal plains. Each section presents a different challenge and a unique opportunity, which is why it’s a favorite for both boat and bank anglers. The river’s health and flow are largely managed, which means conditions can change, but it also supports a thriving and diverse fish population.
What Fish Can You Catch in the Texas Colorado River?
So, what’s biting? The Colorado River is a veritable buffet for anglers, hosting a variety of species that will put your skills to the test. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, there’s a fish with your name on it swimming in these waters.
The Famous Guadalupe Bass
The Guadalupe Bass is the official state fish of Texas, and the Colorado River is one of the best places to find it. This feisty fish is a species of black bass found only in Texas, primarily in the rivers of the Edwards Plateau, including the Colorado. They are known for their aggressive fights, especially in moving water.
These bass prefer flowing currents and are often found near submerged rocks, logs, and vegetation. They aren’t the biggest bass in the river, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in spirit. Catching one is a true Texas rite of passage for any serious angler.
Battling Largemouth and Striped Bass
While the Guadalupe Bass gets the local glory, the Largemouth Bass is the king of the river for many. The slower-moving sections, reservoirs, and backwaters of the Colorado are prime real estate for monster largemouths. They love structure, so look for them around docks, fallen trees, and weed beds.
In some sections, particularly below the Highland Lakes dams, you can also tangle with Striped Bass. These powerful fish are an absolute thrill to catch, known for their strong runs that will test your drag and your nerve. They often chase schools of shad, so finding the baitfish is key to finding the stripers.
Catfish, Sunfish, and More
The river is also a paradise for catfish anglers. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are abundant throughout the system. They can be caught from the bank or a boat using a variety of baits, from traditional stink baits and cut bait to live sunfish for targeting trophy-sized flatheads.
For a more relaxed day on the water or for introducing kids to fishing, the river is full of sunfish, including Redbreast and Longear varieties. They are beautiful, willing biters and can be caught easily with simple gear like a worm under a bobber.
Best Spots for Fishing the Colorado River in Texas
With hundreds of miles to choose from, knowing where to start can be daunting. The key is to pick a spot that matches your target species and preferred style of fishing, whether from a boat, kayak, or the bank.
Below Longhorn Dam in Austin
The stretch of river in Austin, especially just below Longhorn Dam, is a well-known hotspot. The tailrace provides oxygenated water and an abundance of baitfish, attracting a high concentration of bass, catfish, and sunfish. This area is easily accessible for bank fishing via the Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park. It’s a popular spot, so expect some company, but the fishing is often worth it.
Expert Insight from David Chen, a seasoned Texas fishing guide: “People often overlook the Guadalupe Bass right in the heart of Austin. They act like trout in a stream. Look for current breaks behind rocks and cast small crawfish-imitation jigs. The fight you get in that current is something special.”
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Parks
The LCRA manages numerous parks along the Highland Lakes and the lower river, offering fantastic public access. Parks like McKinney Roughs Nature Park and Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop provide excellent bank access, boat ramps, and paddling trails. These areas are great for targeting largemouth bass and catfish in a more natural, scenic setting away from the city hustle.
Bastrop and Smithville Access
Further downstream from Austin, the areas around Bastrop and Smithville offer a different kind of experience. The river here is slower and wider, with sandy banks and plenty of submerged logjams. This is prime catfish territory and a great place to launch a kayak or canoe for a day of exploring and fishing. The river is less crowded here, giving you a sense of solitude and adventure.
Essential Gear and Techniques for Success
Your success when fishing the Colorado River in Texas depends heavily on having the right gear and knowing how to use it. The river’s diversity means a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it.
Choosing the Right Rods and Reels
For targeting Guadalupe and Largemouth Bass, a 6’6″ to 7′ medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod is a versatile choice. Spool it with 10-15 pound test fluorocarbon or monofilament line. If you’re going after big catfish, you’ll want to step up to a heavier-duty rod and reel combo with at least 20-30 pound test line to handle their weight and power.
Lures vs. Live Bait: What Works Best?
Both artificial lures and live bait have their place on the Colorado. For bass, topwater lures like poppers and walking baits can be explosive early in the morning. Soft plastic creature baits, jigs, and small crankbaits that imitate crawfish or minnows are effective year-round.
For catfish, you can’t go wrong with classic choices like cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits. Live sunfish or bluegill are irresistible to large flathead catfish. If you’re fishing with family, a simple tub of earthworms will keep the sunfish biting all day long.
A word from David Chen on adaptability: “The Colorado can change daily. Water releases from the dams affect clarity and current. Don’t be afraid to change your technique. If plastics aren’t working, switch to a crankbait. If the current is fast, add more weight. The anglers who adapt are the ones who consistently catch fish.”
Navigating Seasonal Fishing Patterns
Understanding how fish behave throughout the year is critical. What works in the spring might not work in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
In the spring, as water temperatures rise, fish move into the shallows to spawn. This is arguably the best time of year to target big largemouth bass as they become aggressive and territorial. During the hot Texas summer, fish seek deeper, cooler water or the shade of heavy cover during the day. The best fishing is often at dawn, dusk, or even at night.
As fall arrives and the water cools, fish become more active and feed heavily in preparation for winter. This is another excellent time for bass and catfish. In the winter, the bite slows down, but it doesn’t stop. Fish congregate in deeper, stable water, and a slow, methodical presentation with jigs or live bait can still produce great results.
What are the Fishing Regulations on the Colorado River?
Before you head out, you must have a valid Texas fishing license with a freshwater endorsement if you are 17 years of age or older. It’s also vital to be familiar with the statewide and site-specific regulations for the species you are targeting.
Important Note: Regulations regarding bag limits (how many fish you can keep) and length limits (the minimum or maximum size you can keep) are in place to protect the fishery for future generations. These can change, so always check the latest Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Outdoor Annual before your trip.
For example, there are specific regulations for Guadalupe Bass to protect their populations. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and practicing catch-and-release, especially for larger breeding fish, is always a great way to ensure the river remains a world-class fishery.
The adventure of fishing the Colorado River in Texas is about more than just what you catch; it’s about experiencing the diverse beauty of the Lone Star State from its wild heart. From the urban currents of Austin to the tranquil lower stretches, the river offers a journey for every angler. By understanding the fish, finding the right spots, and respecting the resource, you’re setting yourself up for a memorable day on a truly iconic American waterway.
Reviews from the Community
Maria Gonzalez
★★★★★
I’ve been fishing the stretch below Longhorn Dam for years, and it never disappoints. It’s my go-to spot for a quick after-work fishing session. The bank access is easy, and you can almost always catch a nice mix of sunfish and bass. It feels like a little piece of nature right in the city.
Brian Thompson
★★★★★
Visited Austin from out of state and hired a guide to take me out on the Colorado. It was the highlight of my trip! We targeted Guadalupe Bass and I was not disappointed. They fight so hard for their size. The scenery was beautiful, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend the experience.
Kevin Sato
★★★★☆
Fished near Bastrop State Park from my kayak. The river is beautiful and much quieter out there. Caught several nice channel catfish and a couple of largemouth bass. The only downside was that the water level was a bit low, so I had to drag my kayak over a few shallow spots. Still, a great day out and well worth the effort.
Emily Carter
★★★★★
We took our kids to Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop for the day, and they had a blast. The fishing pier is perfect for little ones, and they caught a bunch of sunfish. The park is clean, has plenty of shade, and a great playground. It’s a perfect spot for a family outing that includes a little bit of fishing.
Mark O’Connell
★★★★☆
Paddling and fishing the Colorado is one of my favorite weekend activities. The access points through the LCRA parks are top-notch. I’ve had some epic days catching largemouth around submerged trees. It can get crowded with recreational boaters on summer weekends, so I recommend going early in the morning to have the best water to yourself.
