Colorado Bend State Park Fishing Guide: Texas Hill Country's Hidden Gem (2025)

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: July 23, 2025

Last March, I pulled into Colorado Bend State Park at 5:30 AM, my fishing kayak loaded with gear and anticipation running high. The pre-dawn darkness couldn't hide what I knew was coming - one of the best days of fishing I'd experience all year. By 10 AM, I'd landed 18 white bass, three chunky largemouth, and a surprise Guadalupe bass that fought like it was twice its size.

That's Colorado Bend for you - consistently delivering the kind of fishing that keeps me making the two-hour drive from Austin at least once a month, sometimes more during the legendary white bass run. This 5,328-acre park along the Colorado River isn't just another state park with decent fishing. It's Central Texas's worst-kept secret among serious anglers, especially those of us who prefer exploring by kayak.

Why Colorado Bend State Park Is a Fishing Paradise?

The Perfect Storm of Fishing Conditions

Colorado Bend sits at a unique geological sweet spot where the Edwards Plateau meets the Llano Uplift. This collision of landscapes creates something special - six miles of the Colorado River flowing through limestone canyons, creating deep pools, shallow riffles, and everything in between.

The river here runs clearer than downstream sections, thanks to spring inputs like Spicewood Springs. During normal flows, visibility often exceeds 3-4 feet, letting you sight-fish for bass cruising the limestone ledges. After heavy rains, the river takes on a green tint but rarely gets chocolate milk muddy like other Hill Country rivers.

What really sets Colorado Bend apart is the diversity of structure. In one morning of paddling, you'll fish:

Deep pools exceeding 15 feet near the boat ramp
Rocky riffles perfect for white bass ambushes
Undercut limestone banks where big largemouth lurk
Gravel bars that attract spawning fish
Log jams creating perfect current breaks
Spring-fed pools staying cool even in August

No License Required (With a Catch)

Here's something that surprises many anglers - you don't need a Texas fishing license within Colorado Bend State Park boundaries. The park entrance fee covers your fishing privileges, making it perfect for out-of-state visitors or those introducing kids to fishing without the extra license expense.

However, this only applies within the park. If you paddle downstream toward Lake Buchanan (when water levels allow), you'll need a valid Texas fishing license once you leave park boundaries. I learned this the hard way when a game warden checked me just past the park boundary marker - thankfully, I had my license.

Target Species: What You'll Catch?

White Bass - The Spring Superstars

White bass put Colorado Bend on the fishing map. From late February through April, these silver missiles migrate upstream from Lake Buchanan to spawn, creating some of the most exciting fishing in Texas. I've experienced days where every cast produced a strike, and 25-fish limits came in under an hour.

The white bass here average 12-14 inches, with plenty of 2-pounders mixed in. My personal best from the park weighed 2 pounds, 11 ounces - just shy of that magical 3-pound mark. During peak run, you'll find them stacked in current breaks below riffles and along inside bends.

Outside the spawning run, resident white bass cruise the deeper pools year-round. They're less concentrated but still catchable, especially early morning and late evening when they push baitfish to the surface.

Largemouth Bass - Quality Over Quantity

While not known as a trophy largemouth destination, Colorado Bend consistently produces solid fish. Most run 1-3 pounds, but every season produces a few 5-pounders. The clear water and abundant forage create healthy, hard-fighting bass with brilliant coloration.

The limestone structure creates perfect ambush points. I've had my best luck targeting:

Shaded undercuts during midday heat
Submerged logs near current edges
Deep pools adjacent to spawning flats
Rocky points where current deflects

Spring offers the best largemouth action when fish move shallow to spawn. Look for beds in 2-4 feet of water near protected coves and slack water areas.

Guadalupe Bass - The Texas Native

Colorado Bend offers some of the best Guadalupe bass fishing in the state. These Texas natives look like smallmouth bass but rarely exceed 12 inches. What they lack in size, they make up in fight - pound-for-pound, they're the scrappiest fish in the river.

Guadalupes prefer moving water over rocky bottoms. Target them in:

Moderate current over limestone shelves
Riffle tailouts
Rocky shorelines with current
Spring upwellings

They're particularly aggressive toward small crankbaits and inline spinners. My go-to is a 1/8-ounce Rooster Tail in white or chartreuse.

Channel Catfish - The Nighttime Giants

The river holds impressive channel cats, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly. Most anglers overlook this fishery, focusing on bass, but dedicated catfish anglers do very well, especially at night.

The deep pool near the boat ramp consistently produces, as do the outside bends throughout the park. Fresh cut shad from Lake Buchanan works best, but I've also had success with punch bait and nightcrawlers.

Sunfish Species - Kid-Friendly Action

Bluegill, redear sunfish, and longear sunfish provide constant action, especially important when fishing with kids. They're found throughout the river but concentrate around:

Rocky banks with overhanging vegetation
Slack water behind large rocks
Spring-fed areas
Shallow gravel during spawning season (April-June)

A simple worm under a bobber catches plenty, but small jigs and flies produce bigger specimens.

Seasonal Fishing Patterns

Spring (March-May): White Bass Bonanza

Spring at Colorado Bend means one thing - white bass run. Water temperatures between 55-65°F trigger the migration, typically peaking in mid-March. However, timing varies yearly based on rainfall and temperature.

Early Spring (March): The first waves of male white bass arrive, followed by larger females. Focus on:

Deep pools near the dam
Current breaks below riffles
Inside bends with reduced current

Peak Run (Mid-March to April): Fish stack up in incredible numbers. Prime locations:

The rapids (when accessible)
Deep runs between pools
Eddies behind large rocks
Confluences where creeks enter

Late Spring (May): Post-spawn fish feed aggressively before returning to Lake Buchanan. Target:

Shallow flats early morning
Points with current
Deep pools during midday

Largemouth also spawn during this period, with peak activity when water temperatures reach 62-68°F.

Summer (June-August): Early and Late

Summer fishing requires adjustment. By July, water temperatures often exceed 85°F, pushing fish deep during daylight. I've had best success:

Early Morning (5:30-8:30 AM):

Topwater action over deep pools
Shaded banks still holding cooler water
Spring inputs maintaining lower temperatures

Late Evening (6:30 PM-dark):

Fish moving shallow to feed
Excellent topwater opportunities
White bass schooling on shad

Night Fishing:

Prime time for big catfish
Use lights to attract baitfish and white bass
Fish deep pools and outside bends

Fall (September-November): Transition Time

Fall fishing improves as water temperatures drop. Fish become more active throughout the day, feeding heavily before winter.

September: Still summer patterns, fish deep midday October: Transition month, fish scattered but active November: Excellent all-day fishing as temps stabilize

Shad migrations trigger feeding frenzies. Look for surface activity and match the hatch with shad-pattern lures.

Winter (December-February): Surprisingly Good

Don't overlook winter fishing at Colorado Bend. While the white bass run hasn't started, resident fish still bite. The key is fishing slow and deep.

Warm Days (60°F+): Fish move shallow, especially black bass Cold Fronts: Fish suspend in deepest pools Stable Weather: Consistent action on finesse presentations

I've caught some of my biggest largemouth in January, fishing slowly through deep pools.

Best Fishing Spots Within the Park

1. The Boat Ramp Pool

This deep pool immediately downstream of the boat ramp holds fish year-round. During the white bass run, it's standing room only, but for good reason. The deep water (12-15 feet) creates a natural holding area.

Best For: White bass, channel catfish, largemouth Techniques: Vertical jigging, Carolina rigs, live bait under floats

2. The Riffles (River Mile 2)

About a mile upstream from the boat ramp, a series of limestone riffles creates perfect white bass habitat. During the spawn, fish stack below these rapids in incredible numbers.

Best For: White bass, Guadalupe bass Techniques: Cast upstream, retrieve through current breaks

3. Tie Slide Pool

This massive pool on the big river bend holds trophy potential. The outside bend has carved a deep channel exceeding 20 feet in places. Big largemouth and catfish call this home.

Best For: Trophy largemouth, big catfish Techniques: Deep diving crankbaits, Texas rigs, cut bait on bottom

4. Spring Creek Confluence

Where Spring Creek enters the Colorado creates a temperature break and current seam fish love. I've caught everything from white bass to gar here.

Best For: Mixed bag fishing Techniques: Work the current seam with various presentations

5. The Narrows

Upstream of Tie Slide Pool, the river narrows between limestone walls. Current increases, creating excellent habitat for Guadalupe bass and providing ambush points for largemouth.

Best For: Guadalupe bass, largemouth Techniques: Inline spinners, small crankbaits, ned rigs

Proven Techniques and Tackle

For White Bass

During the Spawn:

1/8 to 1/4-ounce white or chartreuse jigs
Road Runner style underspin jigs
Small silver spoons (1/4 ounce)
White or chartreuse grubs on jigheads

Technique: Cast upstream of fish, let current sweep lure through strike zone. Vary retrieve speeds until you find what they want. Some days they want it burned fast, others barely moving.

Year-Round:

Small crankbaits (Rat-L-Trap in chrome/blue)
Inline spinners (Rooster Tail, Mepps)
Live minnows under slip floats

For Largemouth Bass

Spring:

Texas-rigged plastics (green pumpkin, watermelon)
Spinnerbaits along banks
Square-bill crankbaits over rocks
Weightless Senkos near beds

Summer:

Deep-diving crankbaits
Carolina-rigged plastics
Jigs worked slowly through cover
Topwater at dawn/dusk (Pop-R, buzzbaits)

Fall/Winter:

Suspending jerkbaits
Finesse worms on shaky heads
Blade baits in deep pools
Ned rigs on light jigheads

For Catfish

Bait:

Fresh cut shad (best overall)
Punch bait (Danny King's works great)
Nightcrawlers
Live perch for flatheads

Rigs:

Carolina rig with 2-3 oz weight
Three-way rig for current
Slip float rig for suspending bait

Fly Fishing Setup

Colorado Bend offers excellent fly fishing, especially during the white bass run. The park's relatively open banks allow backcasting room rare on Texas rivers.

Rod: 5-6 weight, 9 feet Line: Weight-forward floating, sink-tip for deep pools Leaders: 7.5-9 feet, 8-10 pound tippet

Flies:

Clouser Minnows (white, chartreuse)
Woolly Buggers (white, olive)
Small poppers for surface action
Bead-head nymphs for sunfish

Kayak Fishing Colorado Bend

As a dedicated kayak angler, I believe Colorado Bend offers the best river kayak fishing in Central Texas. The combination of easy access, diverse water, and excellent fishing creates the perfect paddling destination.

Choosing the Right Kayak

The Colorado's moderate current and occasional rapids require a stable, maneuverable kayak. My recommendations:

Sit-on-Top: Best overall choice

Jackson Coosa or Cuda
Wilderness Systems Tarpon series
Old Town Predator

Sit-Inside: Better for cold weather

Perception Pescador Pro
Wilderness Systems Pungo

Look for kayaks with good tracking for the longer pools but enough rocker to handle the occasional rapid. Kayak fishing modifications like anchor systems and rod holders are essential for success here.

River Navigation Tips

Current: Generally mild (2-3 mph) but increases after rain Hazards: Occasional logs, shallow riffles, limestone ledges Access: Launch at boat ramp, paddle upstream first, drift back

Always paddle upstream first while you're fresh, then drift back fishing productive spots. The current helps position you perfectly for presentations.

Essential Kayak Fishing Gear

Beyond standard fishing tackle, river kayaking requires:

Anchor system (crucial for holding position)
Paddle leash (lost paddles float away fast)
Dry bag for electronics
Wading gear for shallow sections
Mesh bag for stringer (keeps fish in current)

I've found a small drift sock works better than a traditional anchor in moderate current, allowing slow downstream drifts while maintaining boat control.

Safety Considerations

River kayaking requires extra caution:

Always wear PFD (park rangers check)
Tell someone your float plan
Bring backup paddle
Check water levels before launching
Avoid high water conditions
Watch for sudden releases from upstream

Cell service is spotty throughout the park, so don't rely on calling for help.

Park Regulations and Limits

Current Bag and Size Limits (Inside Park Boundaries)

Black Bass (all species combined): 5 per day, 14-inch minimum for largemouth/smallmouth White Bass: 25 per day, 10-inch minimum Catfish: 5 combined blue/channel, no minimum; 5 flathead, 18-inch minimum Sunfish: No limit Gar: 1 alligator gar any size, no limit other species

Special Regulations

No fishing license required within park boundaries
Pole and line only - no trotlines, juglines, or limb lines
No minnow traps or cast nets
Catch and release encouraged for Guadalupe bass
No wading in Gorman Falls area

Best Times to Visit

For White Bass Run

Peak: Mid-March (varies yearly) Check: Park Facebook page for current reports Arrive: Before sunrise on weekends Avoid: Spring Break week (too crowded)

For Solitude

Best: Weekdays year-round Summer: Early mornings Winter: Mid-week days Avoid: Holiday weekends

For Families

Ideal: April-May (comfortable weather, active fish) Good: October-November Challenging: July-August (extreme heat)

Where to Stay

Camping in the Park

Developed Sites: Water and electric hookups Primitive Sites: Backcountry options for solitude Group Sites: Perfect for fishing buddies Reserve Early: Especially March-April

Nearby Accommodations

Bend General Store: 5 minutes away, basic supplies Lampasas: 30 minutes, full services Burnet: 45 minutes, more lodging options

Local Services

Bait and Tackle

Bend General Store: Basic tackle, some bait
Striper Express (Burnet): Full tackle shop, live bait

Guides

Several local guides specialize in Colorado River fishing. Rates typically run $300-400 for half-day trips.

Kayak Rentals

The park store rents kayaks ($10/hour), but they're basic models without fishing features. For serious fishing, bring your own or rent from Austin-area shops.

Conservation and Ethics

Colorado Bend's fishing quality depends on responsible angling:

Practice selective harvest - keep smaller fish for eating
Release breeding-size bass - those big females produce thousands of eggs
Handle fish properly - wet hands, quick photos, gentle release
Pack out trash - including fishing line
Respect other anglers - plenty of river for everyone

Seasonal Fishing Calendar

January: Slow fishing, target deep pools with finesse tactics February: Pre-spawn staging begins late month March: WHITE BASS RUN PEAKS - best fishing of the year April: Excellent all-species fishing, largemouth on beds May: Post-spawn feeding, great topwater action June: Early summer patterns, fish early and late July: Hot water, night fishing productive August: Toughest month, focus on shaded areas September: Fishing improves as temperatures drop October: Fall feeding begins, excellent all-around November: Great month before winter, fish aggressive December: Winter patterns set in, fish deep and slow

Planning Your Trip

What to Bring

Fishing License: Not needed in park, required if leaving boundaries
Park Pass: $5 per person or use State Parks Pass
Sun Protection: Limited shade on river
Plenty of Water: No potable water at primitive sites
First Aid Kit: Long drive to medical care
Backup Tackle: Nearest shop is 30 minutes away

Getting There

From Austin: Highway 29 west to Burnet, then 2 hours northwest From San Antonio: Highway 281 north to Burnet, then west GPS Coordinates: 30.984°N, 98.426°W

Note: Last 6 miles are rough park road, take it slow

Troubleshooting Common Problems

"I'm Not Catching Fish"

Problem: Wrong location Solution: Move frequently until you find active fish

Problem: Wrong depth Solution: Count down lures to find fish level

Problem: Wrong speed Solution: Vary retrieves from dead-slow to burning

"Too Many People"

Solution: Paddle upstream past first mile Alternative: Fish weekdays Best Option: Arrive before sunrise

"Water Too High/Muddy"

Adjustment: Fish slower with larger, noisier lures Target: Eddies and slack water out of main current Opportunity: Big fish often bite better in stained water

Advanced Strategies

Trophy Hunting

For the biggest fish, focus efforts on:

Night fishing with live bait for catfish
Pre-spawn period (February) for giant largemouth
Full moon nights in summer for feeding activity
Deep bends others can't reach without kayak

Tournament Tactics

Local clubs hold occasional tournaments. Winning strategies:

Milk runs hitting multiple productive spots
Live bait for tough conditions
Deep water during summer events
Current breaks hold concentrations

Fly Fishing Mastery

Beyond basic patterns, advanced fly tactics include:

Czech nymphing deep runs
Streamer swinging through tailouts
Dry-dropper rigs for mixed species
Mouse patterns at night for big bass

The Complete Colorado Bend Experience

While fishing is the main draw, don't miss:

Gorman Falls: 60-foot waterfall (3-mile hike)
Cave Tours: Wild cave adventures (reservation required)
Swimming: Spicewood Springs for cooling off
Hiking: 35 miles of trails
Wildlife: Incredible bird watching at dawn

Final Thoughts

After dozens of trips to Colorado Bend State Park, it remains my favorite Texas fishing destination. The combination of consistent fishing, beautiful scenery, and diverse opportunities creates experiences worth the drive from anywhere in Texas.

Whether you're chasing white bass during the spring run, targeting summer largemouth at dawn, or introducing kids to fishing from the bank, Colorado Bend delivers. The lack of fishing license requirement inside park boundaries makes it perfect for casual anglers, while the quality fishing keeps serious anglers coming back.

My advice? Plan your first trip during the white bass run to experience the park at its finest. Arrive early, bring plenty of tackle, and prepare for some of the best river fishing Texas offers. Once you've experienced Colorado Bend's magic, you'll understand why that parking lot fills up before sunrise and why anglers drive hours for a chance at these waters.

The Colorado River at Colorado Bend State Park isn't just another fishing spot - it's a Texas treasure that reminds us why we fell in love with fishing in the first place. Every cast offers possibility, every bend reveals new water, and every trip creates memories worth sharing.

See you on the water - I'll be the guy in the fishing kayak with the huge smile, probably releasing another Guadalupe bass and already planning my next trip back.