Fishing Season: Fall

Colorado River - TX

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

72

Alvin Dedeaux's Tip of the Week

The water temperatures have started to come down on the Colorado, but hot midday temperatures are still slowing the bite. Plan on fishing early or late in the day.

Directions open in app

Map of Colorado River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

All Water Guides

5-Day Outlook as of 10/13/25

Visibility has gotten better after the recent rains. Plan on fishing earlier in the day to avoid the heat. Higher flows will help keep the water temperatures down but it may necessary to fish deeper during the hotter parts of the day.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/13/25

As we transition into more fall like conditions expect the fishing on the Colorado River to heat up. Poppers, diving and slow sinking flies will all do well this time of year.

Local Species Available Fall

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    Black Bass

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    White Bass

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    Catfish

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    Freshwater drum

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    buffalo

Alvin Dedeaux's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Gulley Fish N/A 2
Gulley Ultra Craw N/A 2
Rattlin' Baitfish olive 4
Gulley Fish pearl 3/0
Clouser Minnow yellow and white 2
Clouser Minnows chartreuse and white 2

Gulley Fish

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Item #17PC

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Alvin Dedeaux's Recommended Gear

Description: About Colorado River

The Colorado River is the 18th longest river in the United States and the longest river with both its source and mouth within Texas; however its drainage basin and some of its usually dry tributaries do extend into New Mexico. The 862 mile long river flows generally southeast from Dawson County through Marble Falls, Austin, Bastrop, Smithville, La Grange, Columbus, Wharton, and Bay City before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Bay. The Colorado River below Austin offers some of the best bass fishing in the central Texas area. Despite the proximity to Austin, most days we have the river to ourselves. Bass in the Colorado River between Austin and Webberville will typically be larger on average than most other hill country rivers. There is always a possibility to catch a 5 plus pound bass on the Colorado. The catfish in the Colorado can be very aggressive and we catch quite a few of them on flies. Lady Bird Lake and the Lower Colorado River below Austin provide some of the best urban fishing in the nation. Largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, catfish and several different species of sunfish can all be caught on the same trip. Both of these trips make great half day quick get away fishing options. We float the Colorado River in a custom made wooden drift boat or a whitewater raft designed for fishing.Both boats are very comfortable and stable.

Nearest Airport:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Hatches:

Shad Crawfish

Best Time to Fish:

Early mornings

Best Stretch:

Austin to Smithville

Best Access:

Webberville county parks and Fisherman's Park in Bastrop