The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expanded public fishing and paddling opportunities on the Brazos and Colorado rivers with four new leased river access sites through the River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) Program.
The new RACA sites on the Brazos River are upstream of Lake Granbury in Parker County and feature three access points. The new Colorado River RACA site is located near the city of Bastrop just off FM 969.
“Historically in Texas, recreation on rivers has been limited by a lack of quality public access,” says John Botros, TPWD river access coordinator. “These new RACA sites are an important step in expanding the public’s options for safe, legal and high-quality fishing and paddling access on rivers. Conveniently located near major urban centers of Fort Worth and Austin, these new sites should aid in fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for individuals seeking outdoor adventures in Texas.”
In 2023, TPWD also opened access sites on the Brazos River near Calvert and on the San Marcos River near Martindale.
River Access and Conservation Areas are currently funded by a combination of sources, including donations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, grant awards from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture – Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, as well as sales of the Texas Rivers Conservation License Plate.
