Toledo Bend - Patroon Bayou Paddling Trail
Enjoy a great loop paddling trail on the Patroon Bayou arm of Toledo Bend Reservoir - no shuttle needed! With up to 8 miles of paddling possible, this trail is a great way to explore the upper reaches of the lake.
- Getting There
- Trail Description
- Map
- Fishing & Wildlife
- Private Property
- Area Attractions
- Partnership
- Rentals & Shuttles
Getting There
Access Site:
Holly Park Marina
3000 E. Carters Ferry Rd., Milam, TX 77959; www.HollyParkMarina.com
$5 launch fee for kayaks
DD 31.5223, -93.8012
From the junction of Texas Highways 87 and 21 in Milam, Texas, drive on SH 87 north 5.1 miles to the junction of SH 87 and FM 276 (E. Carters Ferry Road). Turn right (east) on FM 276; go 2.7 miles to Holly Park Marina (on right immediately before the bridge).
Distance from nearest major cities:
- Austin – 275 miles
- Dallas – 225 miles
- San Antonio – 360 miles
- Tyler – 130 miles
- Beaumont – 100 miles
- Shreveport, LA – 95 miles
Map
Trail Description and Landmarks
Trail Length: 2-8 miles (depending on route taken)
Float Time: 2-6 hours (depending on water level, route taken, wind speed, and time spent doing other activities like fishing)
Please note: Paddlers crossing the open water portion of the trail may experience exposure to high wind and waves. Please be sure to paddle at your skill level.
Explore Patroon Bayou to experience a taste of the Toledo Bend Reservoir by canoe or kayak. Paddlers can paddle for as little or as much as their time allows since this is a loop trail that heads back into the bayou, using the same access site for put-in and take-out. Since this bayou is attached to the larger reservoir, be sure to stay aware of high winds, waves, the weather, and motorized boats that may be in the area.
Fishing and Wildlife
Birdwatching is good all year long. Summertime species include wood ducks, egrets, herons, buntings and storks. Sparrows, mallards, pintails and teals are wintertime inhabitants. Other wildlife present includes squirrel, raccoon, deer, coyote, opossum and feral hog. Remember to keep a safe distance between you and wildlife.
Largemouth bass are the most popular game fish at Toledo Bend. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light-line are generally recommended. Plenty of bluegill and sunfish are present and provide excellent fishing, especially for youth or inexperienced anglers. White bass, crappie and catfish can also be caught. Check Weekly Fishing Reports for timely updates.
Private Property
Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. Any use of private river banks or lake shore without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.
Area Attractions
For more information please see the TPWD Paddling Events calendar.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Location: On the Sabine River in Shelby, Sabine and Newton counties, straddling the Texas-Louisiana state line. The dam is in Newton County approximately 24 miles northeast of Jasper.
Visit Sabine County
Learn more about the historical attractions, shopping opportunities, lodging, and more in the county around Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum
Sabine National Forest
Trail Between the Lakes
Indian Mounds Wilderness Area
Partnership
This trail was made possible through a partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sabine County, and Sabine River Authority.
Shuttles & Rentals
Toledo Bend Kayak Rental LLC
(936) 201-6495