Fishing at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

A group of anglers fish from the pier at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Fishing in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge's public area is limited to saltwater fishing on San Antonio Bay via our fishing pier or wade fishing. Fishing from the bank is not permitted.

Anglers can fish year-round on the refuge's fishing pier overlooking San Antonio Bay. Each angler is limited to 2 fishing rods on the pier. Wade fishing access to San Antonio Bay is permitted from the fishing pier area year-round.

Wade fishing access to San Antonio Bay is permitted from the Big Tree Trail, Boardwalk, and Observation Towers from April 15- October 14 only.

Matagorda Island Unit offers year-round fishing. Access is by private boat only. Visitors can wade fish in the surf or in the bayside marshes. Local bays offer excellent opportunities for bait casting, lure fishing and fly fishing.

Laws, rules, and regulations

General Fishing Laws

You are exiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website

You are being directed to

We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I Understand. Take me there.