Austin Metro Area Water Body Added to Neighborhood Fishing Program

Media Contact: Marcos J. De Jesus, (512) 353-0072, icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Marcos J. De Jesus, (512) 353-0072, marcos.dejesus@tpwd.texas.gov, or Robert Davis, East Metro Park Manager, (512) 844-8321

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AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries Division Neighborhood Fishing Program (NFP) is expanding to the Austin metropolitan area with the introduction of Bullfrog Pond in Travis County’s newly opened East Metro Park. The park is located approximately 13 miles east of downtown Austin.

The general goal of the NFP is to provide fishing opportunities in Texas urban areas, with an emphasis on youth participation. TPWD has partnered with Travis County Parks to provide a quality fishing experience at this pond. The pond has excellent bank access and a state-of-the-art fishing pier. The TPWD Inland Fisheries Division provides fisheries management expertise and fish for regular stockings. Travis County Parks pays a nominal fee for the stocked fish, and provides and maintains the facilities to ensure a quality fishing experience.

The fish stocking plan consists of bi-weekly stockings of channel catfish or rainbow trout. Channel catfish (12 inches) are stocked from April through November, with the exception of August, and rainbow trout (9-12 inches) December through March. Stockings began April 24, 2008.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to provide this wholesome, family-oriented recreational opportunity to the residents of Travis County," said Travis County Precinct One Commissioner Ron Davis.

A valid freshwater fishing license is required to fish Bullfrog Pond unless the angler is exempt. Fishing is by pole and line only. There is no minimum length limit and a 5 fish daily bag limit per angler for both channel catfish and rainbow trout.

In addition to fishing, the 273-acre county park offers other great amenities including: two multi-use ball fields, basketball courts, three youth baseball fields, one adult baseball field, two soccer fields, age-appropriate playscapes, concessions facilities, restrooms, swimming pool and hiking trails.

Directions to East Metro Park from Austin: Going east on US 290 from IH-35 take the FM 973 exit proceeding through Manor. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on to Blake-Manor Road. Stay on Blake-Manor Road and the park entrance will be located on the right. The park entrance is about 3.5 miles on the right.

Park Hours of Operation

East Metro Park is open seven-days-a-week. Operating hours are:

  • May 1–Sept. 15, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Sept. 16–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 1–Feb. 28, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • March 1–Aprril 30, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

To learn more about East Metro Park, visit the Travis County Parks and Recreation website or call: (512) 854-7275

To learn more about the TPWD Neighborhood Fishing Program visit the Neighborhood Fishing Program web page.

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