Colorado River is a River located in Matagorda County, TX. Starting in Ackerly, TX the Colorado River flows 713 miles through Llano, TX before ending in Matagorda, TX. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

Colorado River, TX

The Colorado River measures approximately 1,387 kilometers long, flowing its entirety in one state – Texas. Its extensive range has placed it to the most extended river identification in the state, making it to the Top 20 of the United States. From the southern part of Lubbock, the Colorado River travels through the Texas Hill and several reservoirs such as Lake J.B. Thomas, E.V. Spence Reservoir, and O.H. Ivie Lake. It then flows to Austin until it drains into Matagorda Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. Tributaries to this river are Piney Creek, Cedar Creek, Onion Creek, Walnut Creek, Concho River, Pecan Bayou, Llano River, San Saba River, Bull Creek, Pedernales River, and many more. 

The Colorado River has been of great significance in the economy, agriculture, industry, and livelihood of the people in Texas. It supports a broad span of metropolitan areas, towns, and communities of over 2 million residents through electrical power production, flood control, irrigation, and recreational activities.

All About Fishing in Colorado River, TX

Anglers usually target fish species like largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, catfish, white bass, gar, carp, and freshwater drum in the Colorado River. The portion of the river right below Austin offers the most exquisite bass fishing experience in Texas. The Colorado River is rich in flora and other fauna, aside from being home to various fish. Along the riverbanks is a habitat for birds, including vultures, herons, woodpeckers, kingfishers, wigeons, hawks, owls, and eagles. Some animals predominantly living in the Colorado River are turtles, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, bobcats, tail deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys. The river’s riparian habitat houses trees of pecans, pines, sycamores, and black willows. Fern, poison ivy, grapevine, mulberry, and dogwood are also part of the plant species thriving in the Colorado River.

Fly fishing is the typical method of choice of fisherfolks in the Colorado River. As advised by experienced anglers, you want to confidently throw a surface fly on a short and stout leader using a sinking tip line. Surface flies are effective in trapping fishes, wherein you can see fishes arising from the water going after the flies. To maximize productivity, you may use jet-powered skiffs to cover extra miles of river as possible in a day of fishing. A skiff setup can help address some fishing issues like the little fishing pressure and difficulty accessing the best spots in the Colorado River. 

Fishing in the Colorado River might get tricky because of the broad span of its coverage. However, the most recommended spots are already known to fisherfolks’ eyes and will help you refine your search on the best locations for fishing in the Colorado River. The Upper Colorado headwaters is top of the list, including the other surrounding water bodies such as the Lake City, Blue Mesa Lake, Roaring Fork River, Vallecito Lake, and Taylor Reservoir.

Fishing Seasonality

Although Colorado is open for fishing all year round, the prime seasons for fly fishing in the Colorado River would be spring, early summer, and autumn. Warm days during the winter can also give you a tolerable yield. March to November are the best months to fly fish and catch those three to seven pounds of Guadalupe bass.

In addition to seasonal considerations, it is also important to note the specific flies that are excellent to use for every season – midges for winter, caddies for spring, and stoneflies for summer. 

You can always find a great fishing location in the Colorado River to fish from sunrise to sunset. Several fly fishers have reported several consecutive fishing days in the river and can still catch enormous largemouth bass. Just remember to check with authorities on the necessary licenses and regulations before heading to the river.

Fishing Seasonality

Although Colorado is open for fishing all year round, the prime seasons for fly fishing in the Colorado River would be spring, early summer, and autumn. Warm days during the winter can also give you a tolerable yield. March to November are the best months to fly fish and catch those three to seven pounds of Guadalupe bass.

In addition to seasonal considerations, it is also important to note the specific flies that are excellent to use for every season – midges for winter, caddies for spring, and stoneflies for summer. 

You can always find a great fishing location in the Colorado River to fish from sunrise to sunset. Several fly fishers have reported several consecutive fishing days in the river and can still catch enormous largemouth bass. Just remember to check with authorities on the necessary licenses and regulations before heading to the river.

All About Fishing in Colorado River, TX

Anglers usually target fish species like largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, catfish, white bass, gar, carp, and freshwater drum in the Colorado River. The portion of the river right below Austin offers the most exquisite bass fishing experience in Texas. The Colorado River is rich in flora and other fauna, aside from being home to various fish. Along the riverbanks is a habitat for birds, including vultures, herons, woodpeckers, kingfishers, wigeons, hawks, owls, and eagles. Some animals predominantly living in the Colorado River are turtles, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, bobcats, tail deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys. The river’s riparian habitat houses trees of pecans, pines, sycamores, and black willows. Fern, poison ivy, grapevine, mulberry, and dogwood are also part of the plant species thriving in the Colorado River.

Fly fishing is the typical method of choice of fisherfolks in the Colorado River. As advised by experienced anglers, you want to confidently throw a surface fly on a short and stout leader using a sinking tip line. Surface flies are effective in trapping fishes, wherein you can see fishes arising from the water going after the flies. To maximize productivity, you may use jet-powered skiffs to cover extra miles of river as possible in a day of fishing. A skiff setup can help address some fishing issues like the little fishing pressure and difficulty accessing the best spots in the Colorado River. 

Fishing in the Colorado River might get tricky because of the broad span of its coverage. However, the most recommended spots are already known to fisherfolks’ eyes and will help you refine your search on the best locations for fishing in the Colorado River. The Upper Colorado headwaters is top of the list, including the other surrounding water bodies such as the Lake City, Blue Mesa Lake, Roaring Fork River, Vallecito Lake, and Taylor Reservoir.