Fishing Season: Winter

Colorado River - TX

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Alvin Dedeaux's Tip of the Week

As we move into spring, there are a lot of options available to catch fish on the Colorado River. Early mornings will be the best time to fish slow and low with sinking tip lines and weighted flies. As things warm up weighted streamers on floating lines should produce. As the heat of the day warms the water a few fish are starting to eat poppers.

Directions open in app

Map of Colorado River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

All Water Guides

5-Day Outlook as of 3/16/25

Warmer weather this week will make the fish more active. Plan on fishing later in the day as the water reaches it's maximum temperature.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/16/25

Warmer weather this week should turn the fish on. Plan on getting later start and fishing in the warmest part of the day.

Local Species Available Winter

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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:

All day

Best Stretch:

Austin to Smithville

Best Access:

Webberville county parks and Fisherman's Park in Bastrop