About Horseshoe Marsh, TX

Horseshoe Marsh is a 650-acre swamp or wetland located in Galveston County, Texas and has an elevation of one meter or three feet. It is situated north of High Island and southeast of Horseshoe Bend. The wetland is central to the Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary on the Bolivar Peninsula, which contains a salt marsh, coastal prairie, and tidal lagoon. 

Horseshoe Marsh took two years for its purchase to be completed with the acquisition made with a grant from the USFWS North American Wetlands Council as well as donations. Since the early 1980s, the Houston Audubon, a regional nonprofit conservation organization, has been working to protect wetland habitat on the Bolivar Peninsula. Public access has been very restricted to a short trail in the complex historically, but it then was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. In 2017, a new one-mile trail was constructed to allow public access to Horseshoe Marsh. The area is very popular among bird watchers with thousands visiting the sanctuary every year.  

All About Fishing in Horseshoe Marsh, TX

Despite being known as a bird-watching sanctuary, Horseshoe Marsh’s productive wetlands make it an ideal habitat for fish species like redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, and blue crabs. These species are best caught with live shrimp. There are also records of southern stingrays being caught nearby. Due to the wetland being a combination of salt marsh, mud flats and beachfront, it’s very likely a variety of other species can be found. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds can be spotted in the area, feeding on the shrimp, small fish and crabs abundant in the shallow parts of the marsh. 

Anglers commonly opt for fly fishing, spinning and baitcasting at Horseshoe Marsh. Most prefer to fish within the peninsula, nearby jetties, bayous and bays as well as at the nearby Bolivar Flats sanctuary and Rollover Pass. Wade fishing is also commonly done here. Offshore fishing is the preferred way to go about it as the area is mostly utilized for casual and recreational use and is very family friendly. Other activities that can be done around the wetlands’ area apart from birding include golfing, nature trail walking as well as being able to attend live events and going to the nearby beach. The Bolivar Peninsula also offers deep sea excursions where one might have a chance to catch trophy fish. The Great Texas Birding Classic is an annual popular event held in the area as well. 

Fishing Seasonality

Redfish is best caught from March through May and from September through to December. Speckled trout are prolific during the months of February to December. Black drum can be best caught from February to early May and from September to November. From March to May and from October to November is when it’s best to fish for flounder. According to veteran anglers, fly fishing is best done during the period of July through September. It is advisable to refer to the website of Texas Parks and Wildlife to check for fishing regulations and daily catch and bag limits for certain fish species.  

Fishing Seasonality

Redfish is best caught from March through May and from September through to December. Speckled trout are prolific during the months of February to December. Black drum can be best caught from February to early May and from September to November. From March to May and from October to November is when it’s best to fish for flounder. According to veteran anglers, fly fishing is best done during the period of July through September. It is advisable to refer to the website of Texas Parks and Wildlife to check for fishing regulations and daily catch and bag limits for certain fish species.  

All About Fishing in Horseshoe Marsh, TX

Despite being known as a bird-watching sanctuary, Horseshoe Marsh’s productive wetlands make it an ideal habitat for fish species like redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, and blue crabs. These species are best caught with live shrimp. There are also records of southern stingrays being caught nearby. Due to the wetland being a combination of salt marsh, mud flats and beachfront, it’s very likely a variety of other species can be found. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds can be spotted in the area, feeding on the shrimp, small fish and crabs abundant in the shallow parts of the marsh. 

Anglers commonly opt for fly fishing, spinning and baitcasting at Horseshoe Marsh. Most prefer to fish within the peninsula, nearby jetties, bayous and bays as well as at the nearby Bolivar Flats sanctuary and Rollover Pass. Wade fishing is also commonly done here. Offshore fishing is the preferred way to go about it as the area is mostly utilized for casual and recreational use and is very family friendly. Other activities that can be done around the wetlands’ area apart from birding include golfing, nature trail walking as well as being able to attend live events and going to the nearby beach. The Bolivar Peninsula also offers deep sea excursions where one might have a chance to catch trophy fish. The Great Texas Birding Classic is an annual popular event held in the area as well.