Fishes of the Texas Hill Country — Bass Identification Guide
The Colorado River below Austin is a bass fisherman’s paradise, with healthy populations of Largemouth, Smallmouth and Guadalupe Bass. Bass in this river are larger than average compared to the rest of the hill country, and it is not uncommon to spot fish in the 5-8 pound range. Casting large poppers to structure lined banks can often be very rewarding. Aside from the occasional canoeist, recreational traffic on the Colorado is virtually nonexistent.
I prefer to fish a 6 weight rod that can handle large, wind-resistant flies for the Colorado. There is limited public access along this stretch, so the best way to fish the Colorado is via float trip. The Colorado fishes best from the Spring through the Fall.
Colorado River Flow — Fishing Report — Photo Gallery
The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake is the Southernmost trout fishery in the United States, listed as one of America’s top 100 trout streams. Water released from the bottom of Canyon Lake averages 56 degrees, creating a top-notch tailwater fishery. Every winter Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Guadalupe River chapter of Trout Unlimited stock this river with Rainbow Trout. With the cold water from Canyon Lake, most Guadalupe River Rainbows are able to survive the summer heat and fish can be caught year round. The scenery on this river is nothing short of stellar, it’s no wonder the Guadalupe river has been named the second most scenic river in Texas. Due to heavy recreational traffic during the warmer months, our fishing season lasts from December through May. Guided trips are held within the Trophy Trout Zone, where trout average 15 inches and can exceed 20 inches.
A 9 foot 5 weight rod is ideal for trout fishing on the Guadalupe. Float trips are the preferred method of fishing this river; a float trip provides us with the ability to cover miles of water from the comfort of a fishing raft. Walk-wade trips are also available through public access sites when river flows allow for safe wading.
Guadalupe River Flow — Fishing Report — Photo Gallery — Hatch Chart
The San Marcos River is formed in the city of San Marcos at Aquarena Springs, and flows at a constant 72 degrees year round. This river is an exclusive float fishing location due to the steep river bank that makes wade fishing nearly impossible. The San Marcos is a personal favorite due to its healthy population of elusive Smallmouth Bass and eager Red Breast Sunfish. Several other species include the Largemouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, Rio Grande Cichlid and Channel Catfish. The San Marcos River is unique in the fact that you never know which species of fish will take the fly next.
When targeting bass on the San Marcos, I prefer to use a 5 or 6 weight rod in order to cast the heavy streamer patterns and wind-resistant poppers. The San Marcos is a relatively narrow river with steep banks that requires heavily weighted flies to get down to the fish. A 3 or 4 weight rod is ideal for casting lighter patterns to the aggressive sunfish, which put up a great fight and have been caught in excess of one pound. Float trips on this river will be between San Marcos and Luling. San Marcos River floats are available from April through November.
San Marcos River Flow — Fishing Report — Photo Gallery
