Texas contains approximately 80,000 miles of rivers and streams which includes forty-one major waterways. Waterways range from clear, fast flowing hill country streams to turbid, slow moving rivers. River and stream fishing offer anglers an alternative experience to that encountered on public reservoirs. Fishing success often slows on Texas reservoirs during the summer, but often remains excellent on Texas rivers.
Unfortunately, Texas rivers and streams are generally underutilized by anglers. Uncertainty about access points, hazards and the present status of river sport fisheries create roadblocks that keep many of us away from the natural beauty and great fishing found on these waterways. For most, our only view of rivers comes as we momentarily glance out the window of our vehicle at highway bridge crossings.
In 1999 the Inland Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department set forth on a new initiative to identify and promote rivers and streams with sportfishing potential. Although the Division's primary interest is to highlight areas that would appeal to sportfish anglers, non-anglers will also benefit from this new initiative. Knowledge gained by Inland Fisheries staff in 1999 on three diverse river segments are presented here to help remove the roadblocks to river/stream angling and adventure. Use this information to plan a river/stream fishing trip, and see for yourself the beauty and great fishing Texas rivers and streams offer.
