Brazos River Nature Center
Leased Fishing Access
Brazos River downstream from Lake Whitney
Located on the east bank of the Brazos River in Gholson, TX in northern McLennan County. See map.
Lease period: March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2024
Preferred contact: brazosrivernc@cs.com
Lat/Long: 31.69956, -97.26898
Area Description
Brazos River Nature Center (BRNC) provides a parking area for TPWD leased access users and approximately 1,800 linear feet of river frontage on the Brazos River for bank or wade fishing. This property serves as a take-out for anglers paddling from upstream river access areas. This site is located approximately 19 miles from Riverside Park at the base of Lake Whitney dam, and 11 miles downstream of our leased access areas at Dick’s Canoes and Spivey Crossing RV Park. The property is also approximately 16 river miles upstream of the public access area associated with the Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges Paddling Trails in Waco.
This river access site is a primitive site. Currently, there are no restrooms and no potable water available.
Special Conditions on Public Use
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. Angler access is restricted to designated access trails and parking areas only. Minors must be always accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. .
Please contact BRNC at brazosrivernc@cs.com (or at 254-290-0029 as a backup) at least 24 hours in advance of arriving at the property. BRNC requests that each person fill out a liability waiver form before accessing the property. A daily maintenance fee of $8 per person will be charged. Advance reservation and fee payments must be made through BRNC.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
TPWD strives to leave our environment cleaner and more natural than how we found it. We encourage and expect all visitors to do the same by taking any trash and recycling out of the access area and properly disposing of it.
Directions
From Dallas/Fort Worth
Take I-35 to the town of West. Turn west onto FM 1858 and travel approximately 10 miles toward the town of Gholson. When FM 1858 intersects FM 933, turn left onto FM 933 and then (immediately) turn right onto westbound FM 1858. Directions continued below - see "In Gholson."
From Waco
Take FM 933 north approximately 12 miles to the town of Gholson. Continue north approximately 1 mile past the Gholson Country Store, then turn left onto westbound FM 1858. Directions continued below - see "In Gholson."
In Gholson
From intersection of FM 933 & West FM 1858, go west on FM 1858 approximately 0.4 miles to a "T" intersection of West FM 1858 and Wesley Chapel Road (Gholson Volunteer Fire Dept. on right). Turn right onto Wesley Chapel Road, go 0.1 mile then turn left onto Hamilton Drive (Gholson School on left). Continue on Hamilton Drive approximately 2.5 miles to the entrance of the Brazos River Nature Center, located on the right side of Hamilton Drive (31.69956, -97.26898).
Angling Opportunities
Fishing opportunities abound in this segment of the Brazos River for largemouth, spotted, and white bass. Channel catfish, freshwater drum, and sunfish are also good species to target. Fishing for largemouth and spotted bass is best when turbidity in the river is low, as these species feed primarily by sight.
Anglers are urged to practice moderation in harvesting sportfish in this segment of the Brazos River, especially largemouth and spotted bass.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations. A current freshwater or combo fishing license is required for each angler to fish.