I am thinking of heading down to Texas to do some kayak fishing, I am primarily a (bass) river fisherman and am looking for info on any rivers that would put me on fish, I am not looking for monsters (although they would be nice) just looking for a nice paddle and a chance at a pb (around 7) I also would be sleeping in my truck ao I am probably not interested in populated areas.

ColoradoRiverlink

Hope you won't limit yourself just to rivers. Lake Monticello has some great fishing and a place to camp out near the ramp area and nearby restrooms with hot showers ($7 a night to camp out includes electrical hookup or you can camp in area a little more secluded without electric). No homes/docks on the water so its like you're out of the civilized world, only 10 or so miles into town (Mt Pleasant) if you need an all night laundry. Its a power plant lake, though it isn't running much these days. One of my favorites when looking for bigger bass with lots of vegetation. Good crappie fishing as well. I've spoken to lots of folks from out of state that come back here year after year. They think it is just great. Make sure you have your out of state license and safety gear, lots of friendly game wardens in Texas.


View of lake from ramp area. Camping under the trees on right with electric, remote sites further away in another direction.

Map of ramp and camping area below:
https://goo.gl/maps/QvUQXzen6Hv


Very common to catch 18 to 22 inch bass deep or shallow year round. Its a slot lake so you have to let them go if within the slot.


Lots of pad stems on northwest end of lake.

Hope you catch some big ones no matter where you go.

What part of Texas are you heading to? Or are looking for suggestions and then basing your trip around that?

If you are traveling that far, you might as well hit the crown jewel, the Devils River, or the adjacent Pecos in far west TX. Certain amount of permitting and restrictions to get on the Devils but it has all you are looking for. As for other rivers that flow through or near urban areas (and most do), we have state appointed River Authorities that control flow from reservoirs to ensure that those with money have all the water they need or want. If you want to get on these less regulated rivers, picking a time to make a 1500 mile commute when the water is flowing could be a challenge. With regard to accessibility, we don't have near the public land that you enjoy in MN. Step out of the river here and you are most likely on private property. Come on down.

If you do make it down to Amistad/Devils river area let me know and I can help you out.

Texas encompasses such a huge part of the US, that your question is hard to answer. You would probably get better suggestions if you narrowed down the area a little. North Texas? Hill Country? Big Bend area? East piney Texas? The gulf coast?

The good news is that each region offers opportunities for big bass, but the tactics (& logistics) for each can be very different.

It really doesn't matter to me what part of Texas, I would love to do a Devils river trip, but this would be a hastily planned trip and I feel a Devils river trip would take alot more planning and be better done on like May or June as opposed to late March. I was thinking either the Colorado, or Brazos. Basically what I am looking for is a shot at a 7 or 8lber, and being somewhat rural, I was just looking for recommendations for like day float areas, that can be done alone, or the help of an outfitter that provides shuttle services.

http://www.lcra.org/parks/Documents/2013-05-15-River-Users-Guide.pdf

Here's a great link to info for the Colorado. Lots of options and access, gets rural very quickly as it flows out of Austin.

Pm sent