What Cypress Bend Park Offers

Cypress Bend Park sits on a wide, slow section of the Colorado River in Matagorda County, about 40 miles southwest of Houston. The park is a public facility with boat ramps, picnic areas, and direct river access—making it one of the few places where you can launch a small boat or fish from shore without paying a private lease. The Colorado here is brackish to freshwater depending on recent rainfall and tidal influence, and it holds catfish, largemouth bass, and occasional saltwater species that move upriver.

The park itself is modest: a few acres with a concrete ramp, parking for trailers, and shade structures. It fills quickly on weekends, especially during catfish season. There is no overnight camping at Cypress Bend itself, though nearby towns have RV parks and motels. The real draw is access—you can be on the water within minutes of arriving, and the river here is wide enough that you are not crowded into a narrow channel.

Key Takeaways

  • Cypress Bend Park has a public boat ramp and shore access on the Colorado River, located in Matagorda County about 40 miles southwest of Houston.
  • The river holds catfish year-round, largemouth bass in spring and fall, and occasional saltwater species when tidal conditions push them upriver.
  • The park has no overnight camping, but parking and day-use facilities are available; arrive early on weekends because the lot fills quickly.
  • A Texas fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older; saltwater endorsement is needed if you target redfish, trout, or other coastal species.

What Fish Are There and When

Catfish are the most reliable target. Channel catfish and flatheads occupy the deeper holes and slower bends year-round. Summer and fall are peak months—water temperatures stay warm, and catfish feed aggressively at dawn and dusk. Use chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait from the bank or from a boat anchored in 8 to 12 feet of water. Night fishing is legal and often more productive.

Largemouth bass move into the shallows and vegetation in spring (March through May) and again in fall (September through November). The Colorado has plenty of cypress trees, submerged logs, and overhanging brush—all bass cover. Throw soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater near structure early and late in the day. Summer bass are deeper and less active, but they are still catchable in the shade of the cypress.

When the Colorado is high and fresh (after heavy rain), saltwater species—redfish, spotted seatrout, and mullet—sometimes move upriver. This is unpredictable and depends on recent weather. If you plan to target these species, carry a saltwater endorsement on your license, even though you are technically in freshwater.

Seasons and Water Conditions

The Colorado River here is tidal and influenced by Matagorda Bay downstream. Water levels rise and fall with rainfall and tidal cycles. Spring (March to May) brings moderate flows and warming water—good for both bass and catfish. Summer (June to August) is hot, water levels often drop, and catfish bite best at night. Fall (September to November) is excellent: water cools, catfish feed heavily, and bass return to shallower structure.

Winter (December to February) is mild by northern standards, but water temperatures drop to the 50s. Catfish slow down but still bite, especially on warm afternoons. Bass are deep and sluggish. This is the slowest season, but it is still fishable if you are patient.

Check the USGS Colorado River gauge near Wharton before you go—it tells you whether the river is rising, falling, or stable. A rising river stirs up the bottom and can shut down fishing for a day or two. A stable or slowly falling river is ideal.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Cypress Bend Park is accessed via County Road 457 off Texas Highway 60, south of the town of Matagorda. GPS coordinates are approximately 28.68°N, 95.95°W. The drive from Houston is about 50 minutes via US 59 south and TX 60 east. Parking is free, and the boat ramp is open during daylight hours. There are no facilities beyond parking and the ramp—no restrooms, no water, no bait shop.

Bring your own water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Mosquitoes are heavy in summer and fall. If you plan to fish at night, bring a headlamp and a battery-powered lantern for your boat. The ramp can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. If you are launching a boat, arrive early—the lot holds maybe 15 to 20 vehicles, and it fills by mid-morning on weekends.

The nearest bait and tackle shop is in Matagorda or Lake Jackson, both about 20 to 30 minutes away. Stock up before you arrive if you need live shrimp, live bait, or specialty tackle.

Licensing and Regulations

All anglers 17 and older must carry a valid Texas fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at most sporting goods stores, or at tackle shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is useful if you are visiting from out of state.

If you plan to target saltwater species (redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder), you need a saltwater endorsement in addition to your base license. The Colorado here is classified as freshwater for licensing purposes, but the endorsement covers you if saltwater species move in.

Catfish and bass have no special restrictions at Cypress Bend. Bass have a 14-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Catfish have no minimum size and no bag limit. Check the current Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

Nearby Lodging and Services

Cypress Bend Park itself has no camping. The nearest towns are Matagorda (about 15 miles north) and Lake Jackson (about 25 miles north). Both have motels, RV parks, and restaurants. Matagorda is smaller and quieter; Lake Jackson is larger and has more chain options. If you want to stay on the water, several private RV parks and fishing camps operate along the Colorado and nearby bays, though most require advance booking and charge nightly fees.

Matagorda also has a public boat ramp and bay access if you want to fish saltwater species in the bay itself—a different experience from the river, but worth exploring if you have time. The bay holds redfish, trout, and flounder, especially in fall and spring.

Why Cypress Bend Stands Out

Cypress Bend is not a destination resort—it is a working public ramp in a rural area. That is its strength. You get direct river access without paying a private lease or joining a club. The fishing is honest: catfish are reliable, bass are seasonal, and you might see saltwater species if conditions align. The river is wide and relatively uncrowded compared to popular lakes closer to Houston.

The downside is the lack of amenities. There is no food, no fuel, no bait shop, and no shade except what you bring. The ramp can be rough in high water. If you are looking for a manicured park with full services, this is not it. If you want to launch a boat cheaply and fish a real river, it works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Cypress Bend Park?

No. You can fish from the bank along the ramp area and from the picnic grounds. Shore fishing is best for catfish at night or early morning. A boat lets you reach deeper holes and more structure, but it is not required.

Is the boat ramp suitable for large boats?

The ramp is concrete and well-maintained, but it is designed for small to medium boats—center console, jon boats, and bass boats up to about 20 feet. Larger boats and sailboats may have difficulty, especially at low water. Call the Matagorda County Parks Department to confirm conditions before launching a large vessel.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Fall (September through November) is the most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, catfish bite heavily, and bass return to shallower water. Spring is also good. Summer is slow except at night, and winter is the slowest season overall.

Can I fish at night?

Yes. Night fishing is legal and often more productive for catfish. Bring a headlamp and a lantern. The park itself has no lights, so you will be fishing in darkness. Make sure your boat has navigation lights if you are running after dark.

What should I do if the ramp is too crowded?

Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends, or fish on weekdays. If Cypress Bend is full, the public ramp in Matagorda (about 15 miles north) is another option, though it can also be busy. Call ahead if you are unsure.