Striped Bass

While the Gulf Coast is known for its saltwater stripers, you can find landlocked Striped Bass in the Brazos River near Richmond, Texas. These fish are stocked in the river and provide a unique freshwater fishing opportunity. The best time to target them is during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they are more active and congregate in deeper pools. Look for them near dams and other areas with current. Large swimbaits, crankbaits, and live shad are effective baits. A local tip: pay attention to water releases from upstream dams, as these can trigger feeding frenzies. You can often find information on water releases on the website for the Brazos River Authority. Be prepared for a fight – these stripers are strong and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Remember to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations for specific size and bag limits for striped bass in the Brazos River.