GUADALUPE RIVER
(Photo Gallery Below)
One the Top 100 Trout streams and the southernmost Trout fishery in The United States, The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake is a special place that we call home. Kelli and I live along the banks of the river year round, so we are always current on the latest fishing conditions. We even start some of our float trips in our backyard. Canyon Dam was completed in the 1960s, creating Canyon Lake as well as a cold water environment suitable for Trout in the tailwater below. The river was first stocked with Trout by Lone Star Brewery shortly after. Since then, Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited, Texas Parks and Wildlife and many individuals have worked hard to make The Guadalupe River an amazing fishery. Rainbow Trout stockings occur between the months of November and March every year and the fishing is usually good into late Spring or early Summer. Brown Trout stockings have occurred in the past. Depending on rainfall, lake levels, flows and water temperature, Trout can and usually do survive year round, especially in the first several miles below Canyon Dam. They also successfully reproduce some years when conditions are good. When water temperatures begin to approach 70 degrees, usually in the late Spring or early Summer, we target the many other species available in The Texas Hill Country as to not stress the Trout which can die if caught in water temperatures of 70 degrees or higher. After a Summer of good flows and water conditions, fishing for the “holdover” Trout can be very good starting in October once water temperatures return to safe levels for fishing.
Fishing for other species in "The Trout Section" is also very good. It is home to huge Striped Bass upwards of 40lb as well as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. The largest Striper we have landed fly fishing in The Guadalupe was 35lb and we have caught quite a few in the 20-30lb range over the years. These “Trout eaters” have been known to chase and eat full size Trout off anglers lines. There are a small number of usually very large Stripers stuck in the river from past flood releases out of Canyon Dam. They don’t get washed in huge and following flood releases 18-24in schoolies can be caught easily. Over time, they get caught and kept or spread out but the ones that survive can get huge feeding on stocked Trout. Some of the larger 20-30lb Stripers we’ve caught have probably been in the river since the early 2000s. These fish are very tough to fool in The Guadalupe and don’t get big by being stupid. Heavy rods, big streamers and the right timing could result in the fish of a lifetime.
The Guadalupe is a great place for beginners and experienced anglers with high numbers of fish and a good chance of hooking into Trout over 20 inches. We offer float trips on sturdy Aire Whitewater Rafts equipped with seats and casting platforms for 2 anglers and a guide. Multiple boats and guides are available for groups. Wade fishing is very productive as well. We provide all equipment, fly rods, waders, flies and everything needed to fish. Clients are welcome to bring any equipment they like to use appropriate for the style of fishing we are doing. We provide a cooler with non-alcoholic beverages on all trips and lunch is provided on Full Day Trips. Anglers 17 and older need a Texas Fishing License. We promote responsible catch and release on all Trout trips.
Float Trips:
Half Day, 4 hours, 1-2 anglers: $400
Full Day, 8 hours, 1-2 anglers: $600
Wade Trips:
Half Day, 4 hours, 1 angler: $350
Half Day, 4 hours, 2 anglers: $400
Half Day, 4 hours, 3 anglers: $500
Full Day, 8 hours, 1 angler: $450
Full Day, 8 hours, 2 anglers: $600
Full Day, 8 hours, 3 anglers: $700
Multiple guides/boats available for groups.
Trip prep:
Upon booking, we send time and meeting location for your trip. We touch base again via text day before trip. Let us know if you have any additional questions in the meantime.
Guadalupe River Trout - Bring waders if you have them. If not, we have a full line of sizes for clients to wear free of charge. We typically wear waders on float trips in the cooler months as we get in and out of the raft on occasion. River shoes/sandals (no flip flops) are good on float trips in the Fall and Spring depending on forecast. We usually always wear waders on wade trips during Trout Season as the water is chilly. We will have top of the line rods rigged ready to go but clients are welcome to bring their own rods. We prefer a 5wt but 4wt or 6wt are OK too, all floating lines. We will have flies, leader, tippet and everything needed to fish. We provide lunch on full day trips. Trips are catch and release only. Adults 17 and older need TX fishing licenses.
