WJF River Access

Leased Fishing Access
Colorado River upstream from Smithville

Located on the south bank of the Colorado near Smithville, in Bastrop County. See map.

Lease period: November 1, 2015 to August 31, 2024
Email: carolsholty@aol.com
Phone: 830-265-3490 (Backup: 512-303-2175)
Lat/Long: 30.021317, -97.209647

Check the USGS stream gage at Smithville for current and historical flow conditions.

Area Description

Located at 750 Hwy FM 2571 in Smithville, this site offers approximately 0.03 miles of river frontage. A designated parking area will be available on higher ground: driving to the river is prohibited. The site is about 4 miles upstream of the Highway 95 TPWD boat ramp and 5 miles from the access area at Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park in Smithville. Access is also available under the double State Highway 71 Bridge in Smithville before you get to the park.

Special Conditions on Public Use

Advance reservation required and confirmed via email; contact landowner for gate code. Access is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for bank angling and launching non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, or other floatable devices for the purpose of fishing. No pets, campfires, ATVs, firearms, or alcoholic beverages allowed on the property. Fishing access is only allowed in designated areas, not including the Treehouse rental property. Vehicle and trailer parking shall be confined to designated areas.

Fees

There is a daily per-person access fee of $5; $2.50 for persons 12 and under. A visitor 21 years or older must accompany minors at all times.

Pack It In, Pack It Out

WJF strives to leave our environment cleaner and more natural than when we found it. We encourage and expect all visitors to do the same by taking any trash and recycling and properly disposing of the materials.

Directions

From Dallas/Fort Worth/Austin
Take I-35 South to Texas 71 East. Go about 7 miles and turn right onto TX-304 South. Take a left towards the town of Upton via FM 2571. Turn left at gate after the Treehouse rental cottage.

From Smithville
Head southwest out of town towards FM 2571. Go approximately 3 miles and access will be on the right before the Treehouse rental cottage.

Angling Opportunities

Angling opportunities abound in this segment of the Colorado River for black bass and catfish. The Lower Colorado is known for its large Guadalupe Bass: the world record (3.71 pounds) was caught in 2014 from this river. Channel Catfish are abundant. Flathead Catfish are present, but not abundant. Fishing for Largemouth and Guadalupe Bass is best when turbidity in the river is low, as these species feed primarily by sight. Turbidity is highest when releases from the Highland Lakes are being made, or after significant rain events.

Anglers are urged to practice moderation in harvesting sportfish in this segment of the Colorado River, especially for Largemouth and Guadalupe Bass.

Fishing Regulations

All species are currently managed under statewide regulations.