I was fishing Brazoria NWR the other day. Followed a channel deep into marsh system. At some point stumbled into two signs sitting on each side of the channel -- "public access is prohibited". Until this day I assumed that any navigable water in Texas is open to public (with exception of military installations, etc).

So, two questions:
- is it legal to limit access this way? Signs clearly belong to that NWR
- what is behind these signs? what are they hiding from us?

I think they meant you can't get out of the boat.
You're correct, *IF* your boat can float into a spot you can fish it. They have to construct a physical barrier to keep you out.

i like to live on the edge, go check it out, or call a game warden and ask them whats the deal

I don't believe you can portage water craft in the areas marked "public access prohibited" part of the refuge, but if you can float it then you are good with the exception of weir off Salt Lake. That area beyond is supposed to be off limits and the weir used to block access without a portage. Last time I was out there , the weir was so damaged it didn't block the area but I stay out anyway.

Yeah, I think the refuges can do it. Otherwise, you can fish out of your boat if you can get into an area by boat outside of refuge posted areas like that.

> I don't believe you can portage water craft in the areas marked "public access prohibited" part of the refuge, but if you can float it then you are good

I am pretty sure these signs were placed to prevent you from moving upstream (judging by their placement and direction they are facing), as opposed to preventing you from getting out of the boat.

correct. The refuges can enforce that. In other areas, where a tidal tributaries goes into narrow areas that are technically private land, as long as you stay in the boat, you're ok. But in the refuge, they can enforce the 'no access'.

Try that at the No Boats sign in Cedar Bayou and let us know how it works out.