The upper Trinity near Midway is a warm-water river fishery with more variety than most anglers expect. Here's an honest breakdown of what you'll actually catch — and what's just a rumor.
The Midway reach of the Trinity is a slow-moving, warm-water river with muddy banks, steep bends, heavy timber, and sandbars. That matters because the water character tells you what fish will be there and how to catch them.
This is not a clear-water lake. It's not a tidal river. It's not a tailrace. It's a classic East Texas bottom-land river — stained water, soft current, lots of wood and cover, and a diverse fish community that rewards anglers who understand river patterns.
The primary targets near Coleman's are blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, alligator gar, crappie, and bluegill/sunfish. These are the fish most likely to end up in your boat. Everything else is either rare, seasonal, or not worth building a trip around.
The backbone of Trinity River fishing. Blue and channel cats are year-round targets; flatheads are the trophy species. Night fishing in summer is the most consistent pattern on this stretch.
The best single-day action you can have on the Trinity. When white bass move up in late winter and early spring, it can be fast and furious — limits of 25 fish are realistic when the timing is right.
The Trinity is one of Texas's best gar rivers. Fish over 100 lbs exist here. Harvest is legal but heavily restricted — 1 fish per day, mandatory reporting. Know the rules before you fish.
Winter into spring is the crappie season on this stretch. Backwater pockets, brush piles, and standing timber near the river-lake transition hold fish. The best table fare in the whole package.
The best fish for families and kids. No size limit, no bag limit, they're everywhere in the shallow cover, and they'll bite a cricket as fast as you can drop it in. Perfect for introducing kids to fishing.
Not a classic bass fishery, but the Trinity grows solid largemouth in the backwater sloughs and timber edges. Spring is the move — work shallow cover at first light from a boat.
All species that may be encountered in the Trinity River near Midway, ranked by how realistic they are as fishing targets.
Regulations shown are for the Trinity River main stem at Midway (Madison County) under TPWD rules valid Sept 1, 2025–Aug 31, 2026. Always verify current rules at tpwd.texas.gov before fishing.
Best all-around season. White bass run upstream in late February. Crappie spawn in March. Catfish feed heavily as water warms. Bass on beds in April.
Night catfishing is exceptional. Blue cats and channels hammer cut shad after dark. Bass difficult — target deep timber at first light only. Gar season peaks in warm, stable water.
Blue cats binge before winter — best shot at a trophy fish. Bass follow shad on main-channel flats. Crappie return to brush. Cooler temps make all-day fishing comfortable again.
Slower but never dead. Catfish school in the deepest holes — find one school and you'll stay busy. Fewer crowds and mild East Texas winters make this underrated.
A current advisory covers the Trinity River from US 287 to US 90. All gar should not be consumed from these waters. Adults should strictly limit catfish, white bass, striped bass, drum, and buffalo. Women of childbearing age and children under 12 face stricter limits or should avoid some species entirely.
This is a real advisory from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services — not a precaution. Please read the full guidance before deciding what to keep.
Read the Full AdvisoryStay in a cabin or RV site and hit the river first thing. Day launch passes also available.