The Port O'Connor Paddling Trail consists of three trails totaling a little more than 25 miles. The paddling trail winds through several bayous and across open water and eventually ends at Matagorda Island. Because of the distance to the Island, a roundtrip in one day is not recommended. The launch site for all of the trails is at the Fishing Center.
Download a GPX file of the Port O'Connor Trail marker coordinates that is compatible with many GPS units and software applications such as Google Earth. Fish Pond Trail The Fish Pond trail is 12.3 miles long and travels past Barroom Bay, through Little Marys Cut, past Bayucos Island through Mitchells Cut to Saluria Bayou. It then travels south through the First Cut and continues toward Sunday Beach, then through the Fish Pond and Lighthouse Cove and eventually ends at the campground on Matagorda Island. Use of the picnic area near paddling sign #35 is permissible for day-use as long as you stay in the campground area. While there are picnic tables at the site, there is no water or restrooms. If you choose to camp overnight or you want to hike, bike or tour the island for any reason, you must possess either a Limited Public Use Permit or an Annual Public Hunting Permit. The permits can be purchased at any place that sells hunting or fishing licenses.
For questions about rules governing use of the island, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 979-244-7697. North Loop Trail The North Loop Trail is 8.28 miles long and splits off from the Fish Pond Trail at marker #7. It goes east through Saluria Bayou and then south through the Second Cut and then to the Fish Pond where it rejoins the Fish Pond Trail. South Loop Trail The South Loop Trail is 4.82 miles long and intersects the Fish Pond Trail and the North Loop Trail at several places. It travels through the Fish Pond, Lighthouse Cove and Big Pocket.
More information on Port O'Connor area fishing.
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