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Colorado River

Boat Ramps
51
Access Points
70
Species
40

The Colorado River in Texas offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience throughout its 800+ mile journey. Beginning in the southern part of Lubbock and flowing southeast through the Texas Hill Country, the river passes through several reservoirs before eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Bay. The river supports a rich ecosystem with abundant wildlife and vegetation, including pecans, pines, sycamores, and black willows along its banks. Despite its proximity to urban areas like Austin, the Colorado River remains relatively underpressured by anglers, making it an excellent destination for those seeking both quality catches and scenic beauty.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Colorado River. 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.

Riverfront City Park

Riverfront City Park

Access Point
Colorado River Bridge

Colorado River Bridge

Access Point
Bolm District Park

Bolm District Park

Access Point
Wharton Access

Wharton Access

Access Point
Bay City LCRA Access

Bay City LCRA Access

Access Point
Hornsby Bend Ecological Research Area Access

Hornsby Bend Ecological Research Area Access

Access Point
Ferry Park Access

Ferry Park Access

Access Point
Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary Access Trail

Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary Access Trail

Access Point
FM 521 River Park

FM 521 River Park

Access Point
Longhorn Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park Access

Longhorn Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Colorado River

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Take Colorado River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Colorado River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Colorado River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Colorado River and check the forecast before you go.

Colorado Rv at Bastrop, TX

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