The only problem is, unless you know someone with land, you have to make the trip from Bakers to the Natural Area (14 miles)in one day not much fishing. Anyone that says they stay on an island is full of it, there are none and they tresspass!

I disagree with you RACKnFIN.

The riverbed is property to the State of Texas and thus public. Just because there's an island or the river bed is exposed due to drought doesn't mean it's private property.

There is a definite line (riparian boundary) that separates the private property from state property. Unfortunately, it's very hard to distinguish what is private or public, and that's when conflicts arise.

Neumie,
The reason it is not ok is because I was told by a game warden out there. I have a buddy who new a land owners daughter and was told it was ok to camp on there place on the river. The next morning we broke camp and were met by the game warden just down stream who was waiting on us. We were detained for two hours until we could prove that we did have permission. This river and a few others still have the old Spanish laws of the river bed itself is private property. Once you step out of the watercraft you are tresspassing. I found it hard to believe but that was the case. It is hard to believe that you are in the middle of nowhere and see not a soul, yet someone is always watching. No one has to believe it but I experienced it first hand.

Read these:
TPWD Article 1
TPWD Article 2

Basically, when you setup camp, stay off the grass and you'll be alright.