Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Fishing Access Regulations

Fishing Access is permitted from April 15 - October 15, daylight hours only. Refuge gates are opened at sunrise and locked at sunset. All visitors must be off the Refuge 30 minutes after sunset.

Registration - Visitors wishing to fish must register and pay fee at the Visitor Center or at the after-hours registration box if the Visitor Center is closed.

License - A valid Texas fishing license and saltwater stamp are rquired as specified by state law.

Bag Limits - All state regulations governing species bag limits and size limits apply.

Access Hours - Refuge access hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, as posted at the Visitor Center. Visitors may not enter before sunrise and must exit the Refuge by 30 minutes after sunset.

Vehicle traffic - Vehicles must observe the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour and are allowed on the paved tour road from the Refuge Entrance gate to the observation tower.

Designated Fishing Areas -
Fishing is not permitted in any Refuge freshwater lake, pond or impoundment.

Only the five following areas are open for fishing access:
Access is permitted along the shoreline of the San Antonio Bay from entry points at 1) the Picnic Area, 2) Bay Overlook parking lot, 3) Dagger Point Trail parking lot, 4) Birding Trail #2 parking lot, and 5) the Observation Tower parking lot. Vehicles must be parked so as not to obstruct traffic. Secure your valuables.

Boat Launching -
Boat Launching from Refuge land is prohibited.

Bay and surf fishing are permitted year-round at Matagorda Island NWR. Contact Matagorda Island State Park at 361-983-2215 for more information.

Other Regulations -
All other regulations contained in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges remain in effect.

For Additional Information, Contact:
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex
P.O. Box 100
Austwell, Texas 77950
ph: (361)286-3559