From the moment we walked in the lodge we knew it was sure to impress even the most discerning guests. The immaculate lodge, attention to detail, the food preparation and pairings, and care of the staff set this experience above most in the outdoor world.

This is coastal-prairie Texas at its best: duck blinds that produce, preserved-style upland to keep the barrels warm, bass at the doorstep, and a kitchen that over-delivers. If you want the flyway advantage without sacrificing comfort—or need a turnkey corporate venue where every detail is handled—this is a bull’s-eye.

Private-water simplicity. On-site lakes are stocked and ready, which makes the shift from shotgun to spinning rod simple: grab a rod after lunch, stroll to the dock, and watch the surface come alive when the wind lays down. It’s ideal for casual anglers and equally tempting for those who like to fish hard until the last light—especially on the day the topwater bite turns on.

You can wet a line without ever leaving the property. Three distinct freshwater options keep rods bent: bass right off the doorstep, easygoing panfish along scenic waterways, and classic river/creek catfishing when you want a steady pull. It’s the perfect filler between the morning shoot and cocktail hour—or an excuses-free way to sneak in “just one more cast.”

A managed bass lake sits behind the lodge, with additional opportunities along roughly five miles of Colorado River frontage—so you can choose quick dock sessions or a stroll to moving water.

Saltwater that stretches the line. When you want to feel a bull redfish or hear a speckled trout rattle a plug, licensed captains are staged for East and West Matagorda Bays. Runs are short, options are many—drifts for specks, shorelines for reds, birds working over slicks when conditions pop. Pair a morning duck hunt with an afternoon bay bite, or commit to a full-day charter when tides and weather line up. Either way, you’re back at the lodge in time for a hot shower and a cold drink.

When it’s time for specks and reds, captains stage out of Matagorda—about a 35-40 minute drive from the front gate. Half-day morning or afternoon bay trips target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, with all tackle provided. Prefer to get in the mix? Wade fishing is on the table; boat fishing is the default; and in season you can even night-gig flounder for a classic Texas bay experience.

We’ll pair your group with licensed guides, line up the right program (wade vs. boat), and build it around your hunt schedule—morning ducks into an afternoon bay bite or a dedicated full-bay day when tides and weather align. Pricing for guided Matagorda charters include up to 3 anglers per boat and includes the standard tip; ask us to lock in your slot when we confirm dates.

Angler-friendly flow. Tackle storage, rinsing stations, and flexible start times make it easy to pivot between hunts and bites. If you’ve got a mixed group, keep part of the crew on the lakes while others chase trout and reds—everyone reunites at dinner with stories.

Why it works here. Freshwater is truly grab-and-go, while the bays give you options—drifts under working birds, shoreline reds, or a wade targeting bigger trout when conditions set up. Back at the lodge, you’re in time for a hot shower and a cold drink before dinner.

Waterfowl that rewards commitment. This prairie was engineered for ducks. Managed impoundments, perfect food sources, flooded fields, and timber edges sit on historic rice country—prime flyway real estate for early teal and a mixed bag of big-duck days when weather lines up. Guides handle the scouting, spreads and calling so you can focus on the birds. Expect clean blinds, capable dogs, and flexible setups that move with wind and birds. The pace is classic Gulf Coast: steady flights at first light, flurries as fronts push through, and the occasional “all at once” moment that reminds you why you came.

Upland that keeps the barrels warm. Roll into the afternoon with a fun driven-style tower shoots or traditional walk-up hunt with dogs flushing your choice of pheasant, chukar, and quail in a beautiful setting. It’s a low-stress way to keep everyone engaged—perfect for mixed-ability groups, corporate bragging rights, or simply rounding out the cooler. Professional handlers run the dogs, and the staff keeps the rhythm smooth so the day flows from one highlight to the next.

How the day feels. Coffee before dawn; a quick ride to the marsh; birds working over polished spreads; a big ranch-style brunch back at the lodge; clay targets or a nap; afternoon hog hunt, whitetail, upland or fishing—followed by cocktails and a dinner that does the day justice.

Think “Texas sporting life” with resort polish. The main lodge centers on a soaring stone great room and a handsome bar that invites lingering. Private suites and casitas give every guest a quiet retreat; a newer wing adds eight private rooms so larger groups can spread out without losing the sense of togetherness. Outside, an infinity-edge pool and endless-swim spa overlook the prairie, with a firepit ready for a nightcap and a constellation show. A dedicated clay range sits a short ride away for arrivals-day warm-ups. Gardens and a working greenhouse supply the kitchen and add a pleasing rhythm to the property—there’s always something growing, smoking, or searing.

Dining

This is field-to-table done with intention. Mornings kick off with from-scratch pastries and eggs the way you actually want them before a hunt. After the blinds, expect a proper ranch brunch—think cast-iron classics, garden greens, and a rotating lineup of wild-game features. Evenings are where the kitchen really shines: multi-course dinners that respect the day’s work, paired with a thoughtful wine list and premium spirits. Want a private tasting in the wine cellar, a chef station under the oaks, or a celebratory carving for the group? Easy. Dietary preferences are handled gracefully, and the staff never lets a glass sit empty.

Day 1: Arrivals by 3:00 p.m. → warm-up clays → sunset bass → chef dinner & briefing. Spread Oaks Ranch
Day 2: Dawn duck hunt → brunch → downtime/pool → optional saltwater charter or upland preserve → cocktails & dinner. Spread Oaks Ranch+1
Day 3: Dawn teal/ducks or upland tower shoot → hearty breakfast → departures by late morning.

Fly into Houston (IAH or HOU), then drive ~90 minutes southwest toward Bay City; the ranch sits northwest of town with straightforward last-mile directions. Our team will provide turn-by-turn to avoid incorrect GPS gates.

Not every moment needs a trigger pull or a hookset. Warm up (or settle bets) on the clays; take a swim; wander the gardens with a coffee; or join a naturalist-style wildlife drive to learn how wetlands management shapes the migration. Birders will find plenty to train binoculars on, photographers will have a field day at sunrise and dusk, and history-minded guests can dig into stories of early Texas settlement along the river. For corporate groups, the layout works beautifully for breakouts and casual networking—serious outdoor fun by day, unhurried conversations by night.

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Hunting-Season Package (Fall–Winter): From $1,850 per hunter/night; $1,000 per non-hunter/night. Two-night minimum. Weekend groups typically 10–12 for exclusive ranch access; weekday “share the ranch” often available.

Pricing includes lodging, chef meals, fine liquors, clays on arrival, and on-site bass fishing. Guides, birds, and specifics per activity apply.

Note: Saltwater charters are arranged separately with licensed captains.