Mud Bayou is a River located in Harris County, TX. Starting in High Island, TX the Mud Bayou flows 7 miles through High Island, TX before ending in High Island, TX. The Mud Bayou rises to an elevation of 7 feet. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Mud Bayou, TX

Mud Bayou in Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, is a stream 30 miles southwest of Beaumont in Southwestern Jefferson County. It flows westward for 12 miles towards its mouth on East Bay Bayou, and two miles northwest of High Island. The bayou cuts through the low-lying marshes near the Texas Gulf Coast and has a dominant vegetation of croplands in the surrounding area. It forms a part of the boundary between Chambers County and Galveston County as it enters the former. The bayou is also nearby the Horseshoe Bend and Port Arthur. 

The water body is near the High Island Bridge, where the passage of military, civilian, and commercial vessels took place for over 30 years. Mud Bayou is also a popular hunting spot for waterfowl. However, recreational activities have created a disturbance to the wildlife in the area, depriving coots and ducks of breeding in the area. Hunting and fishing within the vicinity have also affected the distribution of waterfowl, wigeon, and mallards. 

All About Fishing in Mud Bayou, TX

Mud Bayou is included in McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge’s designated areas for fishing opportunities as part of their system mission. They have five boat ramps accessible to anglers. McFaddin NWR is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Angling and crabbing are permitted in the McFaddin NWR all year-round under the regulations of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The most popular catch here is alligator gar, along with flounder, red drum, black drum, and blue catfish. Residential and non-residential anglers would need to secure a fishing license first before angling here, except for those below 16 years of age or born before January 1, 1931. 

Sportfishing in Mud Bayou can be done by using airboats, non-motorized boats, and motorized vehicles. However, the boats can only have up to 25 horsepower and a 9-inch propeller at maximum to minimize vegetation damage. Personal watercraft are prohibited from entering the Refuge. Popular fishing techniques used here are baitcasting, drift fishing, spinning, fly fishing, and handline fishing. Note that the Refuge only allows pole and line, rod and reel, or handheld line for fishing in the bayou so bowfishing, gigging, and spearfishing are prohibited. It is also highly suggested that anglers should establish an area around them to prevent the birds from venturing nearby. 

Fishing Seasonality

The average best fishing times in Mud Bayou and the Bolivar Peninsula, in general, would be around 6 AM to 10 AM, and around 2 PM. There is an abundant population of redfish around August to November, although it is also decently available all year round. Black drums are also available throughout the whole year and can be easily spotted in areas with nearby vegetation, especially around March to July. Alligator gar, on the other hand, generally spawns around the months of April and May. Angling for flounder would be excellent from April to June, and especially around October to December. Blue catfish can also be found all year round, but the best times for targeting them would be during February and early March when the water temperature is cooler. 

Fishing Seasonality

The average best fishing times in Mud Bayou and the Bolivar Peninsula, in general, would be around 6 AM to 10 AM, and around 2 PM. There is an abundant population of redfish around August to November, although it is also decently available all year round. Black drums are also available throughout the whole year and can be easily spotted in areas with nearby vegetation, especially around March to July. Alligator gar, on the other hand, generally spawns around the months of April and May. Angling for flounder would be excellent from April to June, and especially around October to December. Blue catfish can also be found all year round, but the best times for targeting them would be during February and early March when the water temperature is cooler. 

All About Fishing in Mud Bayou, TX

Mud Bayou is included in McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge’s designated areas for fishing opportunities as part of their system mission. They have five boat ramps accessible to anglers. McFaddin NWR is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and photography. Angling and crabbing are permitted in the McFaddin NWR all year-round under the regulations of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The most popular catch here is alligator gar, along with flounder, red drum, black drum, and blue catfish. Residential and non-residential anglers would need to secure a fishing license first before angling here, except for those below 16 years of age or born before January 1, 1931. 

Sportfishing in Mud Bayou can be done by using airboats, non-motorized boats, and motorized vehicles. However, the boats can only have up to 25 horsepower and a 9-inch propeller at maximum to minimize vegetation damage. Personal watercraft are prohibited from entering the Refuge. Popular fishing techniques used here are baitcasting, drift fishing, spinning, fly fishing, and handline fishing. Note that the Refuge only allows pole and line, rod and reel, or handheld line for fishing in the bayou so bowfishing, gigging, and spearfishing are prohibited. It is also highly suggested that anglers should establish an area around them to prevent the birds from venturing nearby.