The Brazos River was called the “Rio de Los Brazos de Dios” by early Spanish explorers to the area. The English translation is “The River of the Arms of God”, and it’s the 11th-longest river in America running 1,280 miles from its headwaters to its mouth, often used to mark a boundary between East and West Texas. Along its course, there are some interesting places to see, things to do, and nature to love. It offers plenty of great fishing opportunities, and it hasn’t lost any significance in the history department either.
Things to Do
The Brazos River: Texas History, Nature, and Fishing That Can’t Be Beat
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Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site
Photo: Facebook/Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site
The Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is a fairly large park that sits along the Brazos River in Washington, Texas. This massive park offers a beautiful setting for picnicking, birdwatching, and sightseeing, but it also features The Star of the Republic Museum, Barrington Living History Farm, and Independence Hall – where the early leaders of Texas declared their independence from Mexico in 1836. The location offers visitors insight into the lives and times of those who fought for and won Texas’ independence.
Brazos Bend State Park
Photo: Facebook/Brazos Bend State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife
Brazos Bend State Park is described as a “nature lover’s paradise.” It’s located under an hour’s drive from downtown Houston and can feel like a whole different world from there altogether. With 5 thousand acres, the park is home to many wildlife creatures, including deer, several bird species, and alligators that roam free in parts of the park. It also has several old growth, large Oaks and beautiful Spanish Moss. You can explore by foot, bike, or horseback, and there are wheelchair accessible paths as well.
Amazing Fishing Opportunities
Photo: Wikipedia
The Brazos River also lends itself nicely to fishing – both fly, and rod-and-reel. Its generally mild temperatures make this possible year-round, and there are many public access points that make getting to the river an easy task. A range of fish species can be found in and along its banks, including bass, catfish, drum, gar, and trout. Brazos River Fishing near Waco specializes in largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fishing on the Brazos, and one of their guides holds records for largest striper and smallmouth bass caught on the river. As well, North Texas Catfish Guide Services, just south of Fort Worth, specializes in blue, channel and flathead catfish. Both services offer premium guided trips and a great time out on the Brazos River!
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