Making a day trip from Houston with a couple buddies. Looking for any suggestions on where to drop boat, spots to check out, or any other resources to read up on. Typically been out to Sabine, but trying something new.

If wind is out of North fish the Colorado River (-unless heavy rains have it fresh ). Bays will be chocolate milk with North wind.

If wind is out of South, East Matty has been hot for trout chasing shrimp coming out of marshes. Classic fall fishing chasing schools. Drifting reefs.

If shallow running boat and adventuresome try Lake Austin or West side of East Matty around St Mary's slough.

Really easy to run aground in Matagorda Bays. Especially going through diversion into West Matagorda. If you've never been to Matagorda Bay have a buddy on speed dial or a sea tow subscription to pull you off.
Or just stay near ICC and fish the cuts on tide change. First snook I caught was on a cut at tide change.

Most folks launch from harbor at Matagorda since it is on the InterCoastal Canal .

Couple of launches in Sargent. There is a reef at mouth of Caney Creek where it connects to ICC. Stay to your left heading out , reef is on your right.

Good launches at Palacios but watch the weather. West Bay is big and open. It can quickly turn into Victory at Sea.
My dad sailed on Liberty Ships during WW2. He was in bad storms in North Sea convoys.
Only time I saw him wear a life jacket was when we got caught in a West Bay storm. It is still a vivid memory.

Remember only 3 trout limit in Matagorda bay. 17-23.

Bring mosquito spray. They hatched this week and are thick.

Let us know how you did.

FYI

Fixing to be time for good fishing in the river

The River and diversion canal

Wow thanks for the incredibly detailed write up! Apologies for the delayed response we were out at an event. I'll done some research based on what you've said and put a plan.

North shoreline is really good with a north wind. If it's a south wind hit #1 on the map above. Work the muddy gut way in the back. If the water is cold, work it slow. Boiler can hold big trout in the winter. Lots of other places and you can also work the birds. Good luck.

A north wind in the winter has brought clearer water in my experience over the years.

Clarity mostly will depend on what's going on with the river - rains upstream and a high river mean muddy bays. No rains lets everything clear up.

Just got off the water about 4. Dropped at the Matagorda Harbor. No fee to launch the boat which was a pleasant surprise. First stop across East Bay towards Boiler Bayou, had a little luck with a couple small reds, flounder and a ray. Then drifted long reef and three beacon reef w/o any luck. Eventually made it down the river and stopped at Jetty Park/Matagorda Beach. Fished the rocks off the West bank of the river just upstream of the gulf. Caught a crapload (~60)of sheepshead in 2 hours as well as a number small reds. We had a quite a few times where all three guys had fish in the boat at the same time. Thanks for the advice. We will be back!

Good to hear. Sheepshead are really good to eat. Hope you kept some.

We did keep a couple. It was a blast.

Glad y'all got into them. I love it when the bite goes off and you can't hardly get the last one off the line before you have another one on. That's the kind of action that keeps you coming back for years!

Also RIP to your fillet knife if you cleaned too many goatheads! I still love looking at their teeth every time I catch one.