Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 0
- Species
- 22
The Arroyo Colorado system near Arroyo City, Texas, represents one of the most underappreciated fishing destinations along the Texas Gulf Coast. This ancient distributary of the Rio Grande flows approximately 89 miles eastward from Lake Llano Grande through Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties before emptying into the lower Laguna Madre ecosystem. Known locally as "Red Creek Bed" in Spanish, this waterway serves as one of only two freshwater inputs into the lower Laguna Madre, making it a critical nursery habitat and feeding ground for numerous marine species. The Arroyo Colorado's brackish waters create a unique estuarine environment that supports both freshwater and saltwater species, offering anglers exceptional fishing opportunities in a peaceful, less crowded setting compared to more popular coastal destinations.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Arroyo Grande and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Alligator Gar
Atractosteus spatula
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Crevalle Jack
Caranx hippos
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Freshwater Drum
Aplodinotus grunniens
Grass Carp
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Ladyfish
Elops saurus
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
Red Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Smallmouth Buffalo
Ictiobus bubalus
Southern Flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma
Spotted Gar
Lepisosteus oculatus
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Arroyo Grande. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Several key locations within the Arroyo Colorado system offer exceptional fishing opportunities. The Saucer, located between Port Mansfield and Arroyo City east of the Intracoastal Waterway, represents a legendary "secret" hotspot for trout and redfish. This area features deep holes in the bottom created by former military bomber practice, which keeps waters cooler than surrounding flats during summer months. Three Islands provides excellent access to the Texas Big 3 species, though shallow waters (as little as three feet) require careful navigation and preferably an experienced guide. Rattlesnake Bay offers productive drift fishing opportunities in its center, which represents the deepest part of this section. The lower 10-kilometer segment of the Arroyo Colorado consistently produces the highest species diversity and fish concentrations. Tourist home rentals throughout Arroyo City often feature convenient private docks for direct fishing access.
Know where you can legally fish on Arroyo Grande
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Texas licenses and regulations
Texas Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Texas Fishing License
All residents and visitors over the age of 17 require a Texas fishing license to reel in fish, mussels, clams, and crayfish across the state. In addition, you’ll need specific tags or endorsements based on the size of the catch and its location.
Texas Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Texas Stream Access Laws
Access must usually be obtained through the use of public property. The typical access may be from the right of way of a public road that crosses the stream, through a publicly owned boat launch area, or from some other public land (a park, for example) adjacent to the stream. There is no general right to cross private property to get to a navigable stream. There are a number of privately owned parks or campgrounds where members of the public may have access to a navigable stream by paying a small fee to the landowner. If the private landowner forbids access, an attempt to use the private land would be a trespass. Texas courts have recognized that a member of the public may engage in a variety of lawful activities along a navigable stream. Besides boating, persons may swim, float, walk, wade, picnic, camp, and (with a license) fish. Public use must be confined to the stream bed and, to a limited extent, the banks. State law prohibits parking on a highway bridge and generally forbids (with certain exceptions) parking in the main traveled part of a highway. Within a public road’s right of way, private fencing that restricts public passage to the stream is illegal.
Take Arroyo Grande with you
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Use the map without signal
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
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Arroyo Grande fishing guides
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