Fishing Season: Fall

Colorado River - TX

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

72

Alvin Dedeaux's Tip of the Week

As temps start to drop in the next few weeks plan on spending more time fishing topwater. Frog patterns can be deadly in the early mornings this time of year.

Directions open in app

Map of Colorado River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

All Water Guides

5-Day Outlook as of 10/5/26

Check the flows befor heading out this week. Upstream rains may lead to water releases on the lower river.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/5/26

Floating lines and topwater flies will be the best option early in the day. As things warm up streamers and possibly sinking lines will continue to produce during the heat of the day.

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