River Fishing in Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is conducting a survey about Fishing Rivers and Streams of the Texas Hill Country. If you've fished a Hill Country stream in the past 12 months, we want to hear from you! Anglers who complete the survey will be entered in a drawing for a rod and reel prize package.

Texas contains approximately 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, comprising forty-one major waterways. These waters range from clear, fast-flowing hill country streams to turbid, slow-moving bayous. Fishing success often slows on Texas reservoirs during the summer, but may remain excellent on Texas rivers.

Getting to the River

Finding public access can be a challenge, as many riverbank areas are privately owned. Listed below are some of our best river fishing opportunities.

Leased Fishing Access Areas 2012-2013

With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, TPWD has signed temporary agreements with property owners to improve fishing access to rivers and streams. Visit the links below for directions, details and any limitations on the use of individual sites.

Guadalupe River - River Road area downstream from Canyon Lake

Brazos River - downstream from Lake Whitney (coming soon)

Colorado River - downstream from Lady Bird Lake (coming soon)

Neches River - upstream from Lake Palestine (coming soon)

River Fishing in Dallas-Fort Worth

Map and list of public bank fishing areas on the Trinity River and its tributaries

State Parks with River Fishing Access

Texas Paddling Trails

More than two dozen public paddling trails offer well-mapped day trips in a variety of settings.