Brazos River is a River located in Brazoria County, TX. Starting in Rule, TX the Brazos River flows 658 miles through Nolanville, TX before ending in Freeport, TX. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

Brazos River, TX

The Brazos River is one of the longest rivers in the United States of America at more than a thousand miles in length from its headwaters to its mouth located entirely in one state – Texas. Its name originated from the Spanish words, Rio de Los Brazos de Dios, which means “The River of the Arms of God.” From the head of the Blackwater Draw in New Mexico, the Brazos River converges at the upper forks of Salt and Double Mountain in Stonewall County. The Clear Fork combines with the river somewhere in Young County, making it another major tributary of the Brazos River until it empties into the Gulf of Mexico at South Freeport City in Brazoria County. Other tributaries include the Bosque, San Gabriel, Nolan, Leon, Navasota, and the Lampasas Rivers. 

As the largest river in Texas, the Brazos River seems to outline the boundary between the eastern and western portions of Texas. It passes through most of the physiographic terrains in Texas, such as the Blackland Prairie, Coastal Sand Plains, and the Edwards Plateau.

All About Fishing in Brazos River, TX

Fishing and hunting in the Brazos River are permitted yet highly regulated by the authorities. Anglers can enjoy the river’s scenery while fishing species of minnows and shiners, and many more. Some of the fish caught in the Brazos River are ghost shiners, red shiners, mosquitofish, bullhead minnows, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, drum, channel catfish, carp, and crappie. And because of the transitioning conditions from temperate to tropical in its expanse, the Brazos River provides habitat to a wide range of biodiversity. Its wildlife population consists of deer, rabbits, rodents, possums, elks, waterfowls, blue herons, bald eagles, cranes, sparrows, falcons, woodpeckers, snapping turtles, and even snakes like timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake, ribbon snake, and mud snake.

Fly fishing suits the Brazos the most in terms of fishing techniques because of the wide variety of fishes available and the sufficient space for casting. Sections of the river from the dam on Possum Kingdom Lake down to the Gulf of Mexico is the best spot to try fly fishing. When fishing the stretch of Brazos, it is crucial to be alert to water level and speed. You may want to pay attention to the fast-changing currents and have an exit strategy when the going gets tough. Make sure you have your preferred exit point in mind and not end up far away from there. Baitcasting is another suggested method in fishing the Brazos. Look for baitcasting reels in the middle ground range that efficiently throw some crankbaits and soft plastic lures.

The great span of the river provides an ideal space for wade, canoe, and boat fishing, too. Canoeing is performed downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Granbury. After fishing, you can explore other recreational activities such as camping and picnicking at different destinations in Brazos, including Stephen F. Austin State Park, Fort Griffin State Historic Park, and Lake Whitney.

Fishing Seasonality

Brazos River is outstanding for fishing during the spring season. Although all year-round is pretty good for anglers to try fishing, spring gives the water level and temperature optimal for catching largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie. Bass fishing is at its prime availability from March to April in areas protected against strong winds. And to catch crappie better from late February to April, look for shallow flats portions of the river nearby submerged and aquatic vegetations. Channel catfishes are easier to trap using shrimp and stink baits during early summer, and the same goes for bluefish in winter.

Fishing Seasonality

Brazos River is outstanding for fishing during the spring season. Although all year-round is pretty good for anglers to try fishing, spring gives the water level and temperature optimal for catching largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie. Bass fishing is at its prime availability from March to April in areas protected against strong winds. And to catch crappie better from late February to April, look for shallow flats portions of the river nearby submerged and aquatic vegetations. Channel catfishes are easier to trap using shrimp and stink baits during early summer, and the same goes for bluefish in winter.

All About Fishing in Brazos River, TX

Fishing and hunting in the Brazos River are permitted yet highly regulated by the authorities. Anglers can enjoy the river’s scenery while fishing species of minnows and shiners, and many more. Some of the fish caught in the Brazos River are ghost shiners, red shiners, mosquitofish, bullhead minnows, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, drum, channel catfish, carp, and crappie. And because of the transitioning conditions from temperate to tropical in its expanse, the Brazos River provides habitat to a wide range of biodiversity. Its wildlife population consists of deer, rabbits, rodents, possums, elks, waterfowls, blue herons, bald eagles, cranes, sparrows, falcons, woodpeckers, snapping turtles, and even snakes like timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, coral snake, ribbon snake, and mud snake.

Fly fishing suits the Brazos the most in terms of fishing techniques because of the wide variety of fishes available and the sufficient space for casting. Sections of the river from the dam on Possum Kingdom Lake down to the Gulf of Mexico is the best spot to try fly fishing. When fishing the stretch of Brazos, it is crucial to be alert to water level and speed. You may want to pay attention to the fast-changing currents and have an exit strategy when the going gets tough. Make sure you have your preferred exit point in mind and not end up far away from there. Baitcasting is another suggested method in fishing the Brazos. Look for baitcasting reels in the middle ground range that efficiently throw some crankbaits and soft plastic lures.

The great span of the river provides an ideal space for wade, canoe, and boat fishing, too. Canoeing is performed downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Granbury. After fishing, you can explore other recreational activities such as camping and picnicking at different destinations in Brazos, including Stephen F. Austin State Park, Fort Griffin State Historic Park, and Lake Whitney.