Scull Rd Bridge Access
Leased River Access - San Marcos River near Martindale
Located on the west bank of the San Marcos River near Martindale, TX in Guadalupe County.
See map.
Lease period: May 20, 2023 to August 31, 2024
Phone: (512) 787-5574
Lat/Long: 29.849542, -97.857083
Area Description
Located 0.16 miles southwest of the Scull Rd bridge access to the San Marcos River, TPWD offers a parking area for leased access users. This access serves as a take-out point for a 3-mile float from the TPWD leased access area at San Marcos River Retreat. Cottonseed Rapids is on this section of the river. Please portage around the rapids unless you are confident in your abilities to run it.
Alternatively, the 1.85-mile reach downstream of Scull Rd to Spencer Canoes offers excellent fishing opportunities in the slower backwaters of the San Marcos River at Martindale Dam. Portage around Martindale Dam is required. Please use caution!
Special Conditions on Public Use
Access is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for launching non-motorized boats, canoes, or kayaks for the purpose of paddling and/or fishing. Please text 512-787-5574 before arrival to acquire the correct gate code and ensure there’s availability of parking space. The immediate area around the bridge is for loading and unloading only. No parking is allowed.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
TPWD strives to leave our environment cleaner and more natural than when we found it. We encourage all visitors to do the same by taking any trash and recycling out of the access area and properly disposing.
Angling Opportunities
Abundant angling opportunities are found in this segment of the San Marcos River for Largemouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, and Channel Catfish. Fishing for black basses is best when turbidity in the river is low, as these species feed primarily by sight. Anglers should target faster riffle areas for Guadalupe Bass, and downed trees and aquatic vegetation in pool habitat for Largemouth Bass.
Anglers are urged to practice catch-and-release of sportfish in this segment of the San Marcos River, especially for Largemouth and Guadalupe Bass.
Fishing Regulations
All species are currently managed under statewide regulations. A current freshwater or combo fishing license is required for each angler to fish.