The Colorado River has wonderful fishing — bring your poles and you could catch dinner every night! Plus, the sunsets across the water are pretty magical, just sayin’.

Outdoor Access

Fishing is primary in Matagorda, offering varied experiences to cater to diverse angling preferences. Fly fishing enthusiasts venture into bayous and coastal waters, targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Inshore fishing thrives in productive bay systems, marshes, and flats, presenting opportunities for redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and flounder. For those seeking offshore adventures, Sargent provides access to the Gulf of Mexico, featuring opportunities to target kingfish, cobia, snapper, grouper, and other pelagic species. Charter services elevate the offshore fishing experience, providing access to larger game fish. Matagorda is a versatile haven for anglers, whether they prefer the artistry of fly fishing inshore or the thrill of venturing offshore.

Duck hunters exploring Matagorda, TX, are greeted by a wealth of opportunities in diverse habitats. The marshes and bayous stand out as prime grounds, hosting species like mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and northern shovelers. Coastal waters add a dynamic element to the experience, featuring redheads, canvasbacks, scaup, and various teal species. Inland wetlands contribute to the diversity, providing habitats for mallards, gadwalls, ring-necked ducks, and scaup. St. Mary’s Bayou becomes a magnet for mallards, pintails, teal, and wigeons, while Oyster Lake offers suitable conditions for mallards, pintails, gadwalls, and redheads. A combination of local knowledge and adherence to regulations enhances the waterfowl hunting experience, ensuring both a fruitful and ethical pursuit.

Birdwatching enthusiasts discover a haven in Matagorda’s coastal environment. St. Mary’s Bayou, marsh areas, and Oyster Lake Park emerge as excellent spots, attracting a diverse array of shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. The inclusion in The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail enhances the birdwatching experience, designating specific sites for observing the region’s rich birdlife. Matagorda, TX, becomes a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse adventures amidst the captivating landscape of coastal Texas.

The kayaking trails around Matagorda offer paddlers diverse destinations for exploration. Allen’s Landing provides convenient access to East Matagorda Bay, while Rudasill’s Cut offers quick entry to the bay and adjacent marsh areas. Jetty Park becomes a popular choice for beach access and stand-up paddleboarding, with caution advised due to boat traffic. Little Boggy Bayou becomes an ideal spot for fishing, but paddlers should be mindful of the abundant alligator habitat. Oyster Lake, Parker’s Cut, Rawling’s Cut, and River Bend Boat Ramp provide additional opportunities for fishing and birding, showcasing the natural beauty surrounding Matagorda. Riverside Park serves as a picturesque starting point for paddles downstream, and St. Mary’s Bayou offers a vast marsh area for exploration. 3 Mile Lake, accessible with a 4×4 vehicle, becomes a marsh area on the backside of Matagorda Beach. FM521 Park serves as a small park with a boat ramp on the Colorado River north of Matagorda, providing an ideal starting point for an all-day paddle down the river or as a camping site for those paddling from Riverside Park to Matagorda Beach. The diverse kayaking destinations in Matagorda present options for both day paddles and extended excursions, allowing paddlers to immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders.