Go Fishing Day Spots in the Brazos Valley
On June 18, Here are a few places around Bryan- College Station to cast a line out for Go Fishing Day!
Post-Covid just looks different and we are all still trying to adjust to how things will be now. Finding different ways to spend time while staying safe.
One relaxing pastime has survived in the age of social distancing: FISHING in the ponds, various lakes, and rivers around the Brazos Valley area.
For those pondering about picking up a fishing rod, here's a quick run down for everything from fishing permits to fishing spots, with tips from the Parks and Wildlife.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, residents who fish in the public waters of Texas need a license. There are a few exceptions, like being under the age of 17 or fishing on private property.
Licenses can be purchased online at txfgsales.com, and prices vary depending on which one is purchased. * 13 years old and younger, please login from the 13 and Younger Customer Login and Creation page.
In addition to obtaining a license, people need to have a few things before hitting the water:
- A rod and reel
- Hooks
- Bobbers or weights
- Bait or lures.
- Tackle Box to carry everything
With the Tackle Loaner Program, you can borrow fishing equipment as easily as you borrow books at a library! Please check with the fishing site to determine availability.
If you are still an amateur at fishing you might not know what type of bait to use. In a recent article by Insite Brazos Valley Magazine, Stephanie Patranella, co-owner and operator of the Bait Barn Fisheries in Bryan gave some great advice.
“In the rivers, the bait which people use is called Hybrid Bluegill, or as we call it, a perch.” Patranella says. “In local ponds and stuff, it’s good to use minnows and lures. Minnows in most of our ponds do great, but worms are always easy to use and stay alive a lot longer than a minnow or perch will.” (Devenzio)
So perch=rivers and minnows and lures=ponds and lakes!
The Urban Fishing Program, the program that stocks the Lake at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, was created to introduce fishing as a lifelong hobby to non-anglers and to provide a different fishing experience to active anglers. The program also provides citizens in the community with a fun, family-oriented activity and provides physically challenged children with a sporting activity.
Good thing the Lake at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park is right across the highway from Academy Sports +Outdoors!
While you are at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park make sure to also check out the splash pad and Fun For All Playground.
City ponds have a daily bag limit of five fish per day for each species of catfish, bass, and trout. C
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stocks the smaller pond at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park with catfish every two weeks from late April thru early November, except during August. It is also stocked with trout every two weeks from December thru early March.
Bryan- College Station has various freshwater fishing spots in the form of lakes, rivers, and creeks. One of the things my kids love is checking out the Where To Fish to find new and often hidden places to fish and hang out.
One of Bryan- College Station’s best-kept little treasures is the lake in front of the College Station Police Department. It is kept well-stocked with fish and it doesn’t close until 1 AM. You can contact them at 979-764-3486.
Below are a few standard licenses and their prices:
- Freshwater Package: $30
- All-Water Package: $40
- Senior Freshwater Package: $12
- Senior All-Water Package: $22
- One-Day All-Water License: $11
Buy online now - no waiting! Kids under 17 fish-free
Find a retailer to buy a starter fishing kit or buy your license in person.
"Catch and Take" ONLY if you have your fishing license.
Fishing Locations in the Brazos Valley Area including Bryan, College Station, and surrounding areas.
The Bryan- College Station (B/CS) area offers various public fishing locations. Anyone fishing in a public location should have their fishing license with them.
Neighborhood Fishin' is fun and easy.
- Kids Fish Free – Kids 16 and under fish for free (adults must buy their licenses)
- Stocked Lakes – with fish big enough to catch and eat!
- Close to home – 18 clean, well-lit sites in city and county parks near picnic tables, parking, and restrooms
Text TPWD NF to 468-311 to get updates by text.
Some local favorites include:
- Lake Bryan
- Lake at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park
- Central Church ponds
- John Crompton Park
- Fin Feather Lake
- Gabbard Park
A little further out, but a local #aggiebound favorite pastime is Lake Somerville.
Are you looking for things to do in the Brazos Valley? 
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