Visit www.tpwd.texas.
gov/outdoor-annual
for the most current regulations.
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
Other info: www.texasstateparks.org 21901 F.M. 762 • Needville, TX 77461
(979) 553-5101
Local Emergency: During business hours call Park Headquarters;
AFTER hours call (979) 553-5101, ext 8 or 911.
Where to Fish: The park has three lakes for fishing – Hale, Forty Acre and New Horseshoe. A
fishing pier is located at Hale Lake. New Horseshoe Lake features ample shore-
line access. Bank fishing is available along Big Creek at selected locations.
Licenses and Restrictions: A fishing license is not required to fish within the boundaries of a state park.
Fishing is by pole and line only. Anglers may use no more than two poles while
fishing. NOTE: There is no boating at Brazos Bend State Park.
H AR V E S T R E GU LAT IO N S
Daily bag limit of 5 (all species combined)
with 1 black bass 14 inches or greater in length.
SPECIES POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT
FISH ING Largemouth Bass
OPP OR TUNITIES Catfish
Crappie
White Bass
Sunfish
© 2023 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal
law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format,
contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at [email protected]. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email
PWD LF P4504-110V (9/23) [email protected]. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office
for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528.
HA N DY FISH ING BA S ICS
HOW TO TIE A NATURAL BAIT HOOK PLACEMENT
FISHING KNOT
The palomar knot is very
strong and easy to tie.
HOW TO MEASURE FISH
Pinch the tail together and take the
longest measurement from nose to tail.
TIPS FOR RELEASING FISH SAFELY
Freshwater
fish 1. For safety for you and a quick release of fish, mash
down the barb of the hook with pliers.
2. Quickly play and release fish as soon as possible
(take photos quickly).
3. Remove hook with pliers or cut line if the hook has
been swallowed.
4. Gently place fish back into water.
5. Revive fish by holding upright in water and facing it
into the current, gently forcing water through gills.
6. If you don’t intend to eat the fish, NEVER place it
Saltwater on a stringer.
fish
FISHING ETHICS
SAFETY Before doing anything, ask yourself the following questions:
Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your
Is it legal?
head, eyes and skin.
Would it be good if everyone did it?
Use insect repellent – but keep off hands, as you will
be handling bait and live fish. Would it make you proud?
Look behind you before each cast to avoid hooking Ethical behavior is more than just following the fishing
someone or getting caught in a tree (practice casting regulations. Ethical people go beyond what laws require and
before you go fishing). demonstrate good judgment and behavior for everyone –
Bring plenty of drinking water to prevent dehydration; even if no one sees you do something ethical.
soft drinks encourage dehydration.
Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim or you are uncom- Ethical behavior includes picking up trash around the area you
fortable around the water. Supervise young children: it have been fishing, calmly and politely explaining to others if
only takes a second for them to slip under the surface. they are breaking fishing regulations, and respecting the rights
Kids under 13 must wear life jackets if fishing from a boat. of other anglers and those that use the water in other ways.
