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. Bass in the Colorado River below Austin will 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. Just this year we have seen a handful over 7 pounds. The Colorado River is the best place to catch a large Guadalupe Bass as well. We have seen quite a few over 3 pounds and the current state and world record Guadalupe Bass was caught in the Colorado River just a couple of years ago.
In addition to the bass the Colorado River is home to several other species that will take a fly. Sunfish are great light tackle fun. Catfish in The Colorado River will take a subsurface fly and they can be one of the hardest fighting fish in the river. Gasper goo or freshwater drum have been caught up to 15 pounds on a fly in the Colorado River. Several different species of gar can also be targeted in the Colorado.
Despite the proximity to Austin, the Colorado River gets very little fishing pressure. Limited access and long distances between put ins and take outs make it even harder. I am using a jet powered skiff to open up miles of seldom fished water. We are able to cover many river miles in a days fishing.