In the next year an army engineer's report mentioned the Trinity as the deepest and least obstructed river in Texas, said that seven steamboats were in operation in its lower channel, and estimated that navigation was practicable.

The Brazos River is frequently cited as the deepest river in Texas, particularly in its lower reaches as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico. While the average depth along its 1,280-mile span is quite shallow—often only 2 to 5 feet—there are specific "holes" and channels where the water can reach depths of 60 to 80 feet or more, especially near Freeport where it has been dredged for navigation. Another contender is the Sabine River on the border with Louisiana, which also features very deep sections in its lower basin. It is worth noting that "depth" in Texas rivers is highly seasonal and regulated by a complex system of dams; during periods of heavy rain or when floodgates are opened, depths can increase dramatically in a matter of hours. For most recreationalists, the Brazos remains the most prominent example of a Texas river with significant underwater canyons and deep pockets that stand in stark contrast to the state's more famous shallow, rocky streams like the Guadalupe or Frio.