Fishing in Matagorda County: A Complete Guide to Bay City Area Waters

If you're staying in Bay City and you fish, you're in the right place. Matagorda County sits at the intersection of the Colorado River and the Texas Gulf Coast, giving anglers access to some of the most productive inshore and freshwater fishing in the state. Whether you're after redfish in the bay, speckled trout along the grass flats, or catfish in the river, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Matagorda County's geography is uniquely suited to fishing:

• Matagorda Bay — A large, shallow estuary with extensive grass flats, oyster reefs, and tidal creeks
• East Matagorda Bay — Separated from Matagorda Bay by the Colorado River delta, offering more secluded fishing
• Colorado River — Flows through Bay City and empties into the Gulf, providing excellent freshwater and brackish fishing
• Gulf of Mexico access — The Matagorda jetties provide direct access to nearshore and offshore fishing
• Intracoastal Waterway — Runs through the county, connecting multiple bays and providing year-round fishing opportunities

Matagorda Bay is the crown jewel of local fishing. At roughly 55 square miles, it's one of the larger bays on the Texas coast and is known for its healthy populations of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.

Best areas within Matagorda Bay:

• Grass flats near the Intracoastal — Prime speckled trout territory, especially in spring and fall
• Oyster reefs — Redfish love to feed along oyster structure; wade fishing is productive here
• Tidal creeks and drains — Flounder stack up in these areas during fall migration

Access points:

• Matagorda Harbor and boat ramp (Matagorda, TX)
• Sargent Beach area
• FM 2031 boat ramp

East Matagorda Bay is smaller and shallower than Matagorda Bay, which makes it ideal for wade fishing and kayak fishing. It receives less pressure than the main bay and often produces excellent catches.

What to target: Speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead along the shorelines and around structure.

Access: The best access is via the Colorado River mouth or from the Matagorda Peninsula.

The Colorado River runs directly through Bay City and offers excellent freshwater and brackish fishing depending on how far downstream you go.

Upper reaches (Bay City area):

• Channel catfish and blue catfish are abundant
• Largemouth bass in backwater areas and oxbow lakes
• Carp and drum in deeper holes

Lower reaches (toward the Gulf):

• Redfish and flounder move into the river during fall
• Sheepshead around bridge pilings and structure
• Flounder in the river mouth during migration

Bay City access points:

• Riverside Park boat ramp (Bay City)
• FM 521 bridge area
• Various county road crossings

For anglers who want nearshore action, the Matagorda jetties extend into the Gulf of Mexico and offer some of the best jetty fishing on the Texas coast.

Target species:

• Sheepshead (year-round, especially winter)
• Redfish (fall and spring)
• Speckled trout
• Flounder (fall migration)
• Tarpon (summer, for the adventurous)

Access: Launch from Matagorda Harbor and run to the jetties, or fish from the jetty rocks on foot.

Best season: Year-round, with peak action in fall (September–November)

Redfish are the most sought-after inshore species in Matagorda County. They're found on grass flats, oyster reefs, and in tidal creeks. Look for tailing reds in shallow water during low tides. Gold spoons, soft plastics, and live shrimp are top baits.

Slot limit: 20–28 inches (one fish over 28 inches per day as a trophy)

Best season: Spring (March–May) and fall (October–December)

Speckled trout are the most popular bay species in Texas. They're found over grass flats and near structure. Topwater lures in the early morning produce explosive strikes. Soft plastics on a jig head are the most versatile option.

Minimum size: 15 inches

Best season: Fall migration (October–November) is exceptional

Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom near structure. The fall migration, when flounder move from the bays to the Gulf to spawn, produces some of the best flounder fishing of the year. Finger mullet, live shrimp, and soft plastics dragged slowly along the bottom are effective.

Minimum size: 12 inches

Best season: Year-round in the Colorado River

The Colorado River holds excellent populations of channel and blue catfish. Cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits work well. Night fishing from the bank is a popular and productive approach.

Best season: Winter (December–February)

Sheepshead are underrated but excellent table fare. They congregate around structure — jetties, bridge pilings, and oyster reefs — and feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Fiddler crabs are the top bait.

All anglers 17 and older must have a valid Texas fishing license. Licenses can be purchased:

• Online at tpwd.texas.gov
• At local retailers including Walmart in Bay City
• At bait shops in the area

Saltwater anglers also need a saltwater fishing endorsement (included in the all-water license).

Always check current regulations for size limits, bag limits, and any temporary closures before you fish. Texas Parks and Wildlife updates regulations annually.

Several local shops and retailers carry fishing supplies:

• Walmart Supercenter, Bay City — Live bait, tackle, licenses
• Local bait shops along Highway 35 — Fresh shrimp, croaker, and local knowledge
• Matagorda area bait camps — Live bait and boat rentals near the bay

Staying at Bay City Holiday RV Park puts you within easy reach of all the fishing spots described above. The Colorado River is just minutes away, and Matagorda Bay is a short drive down Highway 60.

We're happy to point guests toward the best current fishing spots — just ask at the office. Local conditions change with the seasons, and we always know what's biting.

Book your stay at RoverPass or call 979-245-1803. Tight lines!