park for family fishing?? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

jrshutter · 04-27-2007, 02:07 PM

Anyone know of a SP with good fishing for the kids either on the shore or in a rented jon boat? We live near Tyler. We have been to these state parks: Cooper Lake, Possum Kingdom and Tyler State Park. I liked the size of Tyler and the fact that they offered rental canoes and jon boats at their marina... but I prefer less trees and more open lakeviews than the tent site we had up in the woods. (Lakeview was all booked up) At Possum Kingdom our campsite was near the water with great lake views. We were on a grassy clearing with just enough trees for some shade. That is probably more what we are looking for. We would really like to visit a new place. I would also be interested to know the clearest lakes for swimming and snorkeling. I seem to remember as kid that either Lake Limestone or Lake Belton were really clear.
Thanks for your help!

CyberCelt · 04-27-2007, 10:01 PM

How far are you from Athens? There is a Freshwater Fisheries Center there. I wrote a blog post about FlyFish Texas and we had planned to go, but our RV broke down in Trinity. We had reservations at Athens Marina and, although we never met, they were nice people. Also, do you know about Family Fish at state parks? It has been extended through end of August.

For snorkeling, I do not think you can beat the clarity of the San Marcos River or the Comal River in New Braunfels. Of course, I could be prejudiced.

Hope this helps.

jrshutter · 04-27-2007, 10:47 PM

We are only about 30 minutes or so from Athens. I had no idea they had a place to camp and fish down there. I'm gonna look it up.

Yes I knew about the family fishing celebration.. however we had to purchase fishing licenses anyway when we went to Possum Kingdom earlier this year. (much of the lake is outside the park) so.. we are set to go anywhere I guess.. but that is a really cool program.

I recently also learned about and got a Texas State Park pass. We look forward to getting discounts with that as we visit more parks.

I really would like to try snorkeling in a clear lake or river. I would need to feel safe though.. making sure there were no known sitings of gators or snakes.

One question.. about new braunfuls.. is it a singles party atmosphere.. or is it suitable for families with young kids?

srds · 04-28-2007, 03:23 PM

At Athens theres a scuba park thats preety cool .
good trip
srds

CyberCelt · 04-28-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrshutter

We are only about 30 minutes or so from Athens. I had no idea they had a place to camp and fish down there. I'm gonna look it up.

Yes I knew about the family fishing celebration.. however we had to purchase fishing licenses anyway when we went to Possum Kingdom earlier this year. (much of the lake is outside the park) so.. we are set to go anywhere I guess.. but that is a really cool program.

I recently also learned about and got a Texas State Park pass. We look forward to getting discounts with that as we visit more parks.

I really would like to try snorkeling in a clear lake or river. I would need to feel safe though.. making sure there were no known sitings of gators or snakes.

One question.. about new braunfuls.. is it a singles party atmosphere.. or is it suitable for families with young kids?

New Braunfels on the Comal River is family oriented. There is a neat springfed pool in Landa Park that has zip lines and other neat stuff for kids. Stay off the Guadalupe River that flows through New Braunfels, it is dangerous and not family friendly.

CyberCelt · 04-28-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srds

At Athens theres a scuba park thats preety cool .
good trip
srds

Something else I missed when our RV broke down.

Is that in a quarry? I think I have heard of it. Have you been? How was it for families and other surface folk?

I am going to get up to Athens one of these days. Tyler, too. Sounds like a song.

srds · 04-29-2007, 07:02 PM

We had good time diving there,nice clear water.They had all sorts of things underwater.plane,boats and other things to swim thru .The park had good spots with plenty of room,showers bathouse,and restrooms.Ithink there were rules about boats and fishing ,but it was a fun training trip.I think must families would have a good time there.
srds

Good Camping

Marcos · 04-30-2007, 07:02 PM

Garner state park is an awesome family park! I prefer to stay in the New Garner area because there is less people in river. The Frio river is very clean and clear. My boys and I use our goggles to chase catfish in the clear water. If you have a trialer/RV you need book your reservation atleast 6-9 months in adavance. If you are tent camping you can get in almost anytime.

Chalk Bluff is on the Nueces river near Uvalde. The river there is also very clear and clean. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and tubes. You can also go horse back riding. A two hour guided ride was $25.00 per person. You can double up with little ones on one horse.

These two rivers are the cleanest flowing rivers in the state that I have seen.