U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

AnahuacNational Wildlife Refuge

IntroductionDesignated in 1963, Anahuac NWR provides and man-ages protected habitat for resident and migratory birds including waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, song birds, and raptors. The refuge contains over 37,000 acres of diverse coastal marsh ranging from freshwater marsh to salt marsh that borders East Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. These habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife.

Six Things to Do at Your RefugeWildlife Observation and PhotographyBetween October and March, visitors to Anahuac NWR are likely to see approximately 31 species of waterfowl. Huge flocks of snow geese, sometimes in excess of 80,000, can be seen blanketing the marsh like a heavy layer of snow. During spring and fall, warblers and other song-birds can be found in small wooded areas, while wading birds take advantage of mudflats and shallow water in moist soil units. Shorebirds can be found at the south end of the refuge along Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The refuge is also home to many species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Bobcats and raccoons can be commonly seen along the roadsides. Coyotes can be seen in the early morning hours. Its infrequently large body size hints at the remnants of the once present red wolf that it was known to hybrid-ize with. Western ribbon snakes and American alligators are easily seen during the daylight hours basking on the water’s edge. At night, the refuge comes alive with the croaks of American bullfrogs and Southern leopard frogs.

HuntingThe refuge has three hunt units that offer seasonal access for hunting: East Unit, Middleton Tract, and Pace tract. The East Unit is over 10,000 acres, the Middleton Tract is over 3,400 acres, and the Pace Tract is over 1500 acres. These three hunt units provide ample hunting opportuni-ties and have a rich tradition in waterfowl hunting dating back several generations. See refuge hunting brochure for details on regulations.

FishingThe refuge provides both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Some of the best wade fishing in Texas for speckled trout, red drum, and southern flounder can be found on the refuge shorelines along East Bay and south along Bolivar Peninsula. The Skillern Tract provides three fishing platforms and a bridge that offers fishing opportuni-ties for freshwater species like crappie, largemouth bass, gar, bowfin, channel catfish, and blue catfish.

Environmental Education and InterpretationThe refuge hosts ample environmental interpretation and education opportunities from interpretive signs and kiosks to school aged programs and tours offered by our staff and volunteers. The Visitor Information Station and Visitor Center provide several interactive displays including an airboat simulator and nature store. Refuge staff also host

annual Jr. Ranger Day Camps and Game Warden Youth Camps.

Refuge RulesVisitor AccessPublic use areas are open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset daily.

Access to East Bay and the two boat ramps are provided 24-hours a day along designated roads.

Visitors must stay on designated roads and trails.

Pets must be on leashes at all times.

Collection of plants or animals, disturbing or feeding wild-life, or playing recordings to attract wildlife is prohibited.

Campfires, fireworks, or glass containers are prohibited.

Drone use is prohibited.

Bicycles are permitted on roads only.

All terrain vehicles, airboats, or personal watercraft are prohibited.

Any activity, other than those listed, or any commercial activity is prohibited unless approved by the refuge through a Special Use Permit.

FishingFishing and crabbing is in accordance with State regulations and subject to several conditions.

Fishing is allowed in East Bay and areas designated by refuge maps using pole and line, rod and reel, or hand-held line only. Handheld line may not be attached to any refuge property or vegetation.

Cast-netting bait for personal use is allowed in water-ways along public roads.

Spotlighting on the refuge is prohibited except for bay fishing on the shoreline along East Bay.

Fishing from water control structures or the harvesting of frogs and turtles is prohibited.

Overnight stay for night time fishing is permitted along East Bay at parking areas on Frozen Point Road and the East Bay boat ramp only.

Boating is not permitted in inland waters of the refuge except for the canal leading from the boat ramp to Oyster Bayou.

Launching airboats or personal watercraft is prohibited.

HuntingHunting is permitted in certain areas of the refuge for designated species during designated dates. Hunt-ers should contact refuge headquarters for hunting brochure.

For More Information ContactRefuge ManagerAnahuac National Wildlife RefugeP.O. Box 278Anahuac, TX 77514 409/267-3337409/267-4314 Faxwww.fws.gov/refuge/Anahuac/

Mottled duck. © Joe Blackburn

American alligator.© Norman Welsh

Angler. © Steve Feldman

Birding. © Mike Arnold

June 2018

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Gulf Intracoast

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Oyster Bayou

EastBay Bayou

Shoveler Pond

Onion Bayou

EAST BAY

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CHAMBERSCOUNTY

GALVESTONCOUNTY

South Unit

HIGH ISLAND

AnahuacRefuge

Entrance

Skillern Tract EntranceEast Unit Entrance(Seasonally Open)

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124

1985

West Line Road

Frozen Point Road

Cross Road

Shov

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Pond Road

Entrance Road

Rookery Trail

Live Oak Trail

Jackson Woodlot

Hackberry Trail

Willows Trail

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Restrooms

Boat Ramp

Visitor Information Walking Trail

Primitive Road (Foot Travel Only)

Refuge Roads Fishing Areas

Municipal Roads

HOUSTON

BAYTOWN

BEAUMONT

PORTARTHUR

WINNIE

GALVESTON

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SH 124

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SH 65

SH 87

SH 87

SH 61FM

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SH 87

LASH 82

SH146 G U L F O FM E X I C O

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GALVESTON BAY

ANAHUAC NWRVISITOR'S CENTER

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TRAILSHackberry Trail—0.67-mile trail leading to an accessible observation platform that overlooks a moist soil unit.

Jackson Woodlot—0.12-mile trail in an isolated patch of live oaks and equipped with a bird blind for wildlife photography.

Live Oak Trail—1.14-mile trail running parallel to East Bay Bayou leading to an accessible observation platform and three fishing piers.

Rookery Trail—0.24-mile trail crossing East Bay Bayou and winding through hardwoods to an observation platform that overlooks a rookery.

Shoveler Pond Auto Loop—2.64 mile auto tour surrounding a 220-acre freshwater impoundment. This auto tour is almost guaranteed to provide visitors an opportunity to see wildlife up close and also hosts a 0.14-mile long accessible boardwalk.

Willows Trail and Butterfly Garden—0.71-mile accessible trail along freshwater marsh and pollinator garden.