Top 12 Guadalupe River Fishing Spots Every Angler Must Know in 2025

Last winter, I was drifting my kayak through the morning mist below Canyon Dam when my fly line went tight. Twenty minutes later, I slid a 24-inch rainbow trout into my net – the kind of fish that keeps you coming back to the Guadalupe River year after year. After spending over a decade exploring every bend and riffle from the headwaters to New Braunfels, I've discovered that this Texas gem holds secrets most anglers never find.

The Guadalupe River isn't just another Texas waterway – it's home to the southernmost trout fishery in the United States and produces some of the biggest bass in the Hill Country. Whether you're chasing winter rainbows below the dam or stalking native Guadalupe bass in the upper stretches, knowing exactly where to fish can mean the difference between an epic day and going home empty-handed.

This comprehensive guide reveals the 12 best fishing spots along the Guadalupe River, complete with GPS coordinates, access maps, and the local knowledge that took me years to acquire. I'll show you exactly where to launch your fishing kayak, which public access points actually produce fish, and the seasonal patterns that consistently put me on trophy catches.

Quick Guadalupe River Fishing Map Overview

Before we dive into specific spots, let's understand the river's layout. The Guadalupe flows 230 miles from Kerr County to the Gulf, but the prime fishing stretches divide into three sections:

Upper Guadalupe (Above Canyon Lake): Warm-water paradise with native Guadalupe bass, largemouth, and excellent wade fishing opportunities.

Canyon Lake: Deep reservoir holding striped bass, white bass, and monster largemouth.

Lower Guadalupe (Below Canyon Dam): The famous trout water, extending 12 miles to the second crossing on River Road.

Understanding Guadalupe River Fish Species

The diversity here amazes even seasoned anglers. In a single day, you might catch:

• Rainbow Trout: Stocked December through February, with holdovers surviving in deep pools
• Brown Trout: Less common but grow larger, up to 8 pounds
• Guadalupe Bass: Texas state fish, found throughout the river
• Smallmouth Bass: Concentrated below the dam and in Canyon Lake
• Largemouth Bass: Abundant in slower sections and coves
• Striped Bass: Canyon Lake holds legitimate 30-pounders
• Sunfish Species: Redbreast, bluegill, and longear throughout
• Channel Catfish: Particularly active at night

The 12 Best Guadalupe River Fishing Spots

1. Guadalupe Park (Below Canyon Dam) - Trophy Trout Central

GPS: 29.8698° N, 98.1969° W
Access: Free public access year-round
Best For: Trophy trout, year-round fishing

This is ground zero for Texas trout fishing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains this park with excellent facilities and immediate access to the prime cold-water discharge. I've caught my biggest trout within 200 yards of the dam.

Fishing Intel: Work the deep channel edges with size 18-20 midges in winter. During generation, fish get pushed to the sides. The slot between 12-18 inches means most fish go back, creating a trophy fishery. When installing a fish finder for your kayak, you'll mark fish holding 15-20 feet deep against the limestone ledges.

Pro Tip: Arrive before sunrise on weekends. The parking lot fills by 8 AM during prime season.

2. Whitewater Sports Access - The Fly Fisher's Dream

GPS: 29.8614° N, 98.1574° W
Access: TPWD lease (December 1 - March 9)
Best For: Fly fishing, wade fishing

Located at the easternmost FM 306 bridge, this 500-foot bank access section sees less pressure than the park. The Texas Parks and Wildlife lease provides excellent wade fishing opportunities during peak trout season.

Fishing Intel: This stretch holds surprising numbers of brown trout. Dead drift San Juan worms through the deeper runs. During low flows, sight fishing with small streamers produces heart-stopping takes.

Seasonal Pattern: Best fishing occurs 48 hours after a cold front when water temps drop below 60°F.

3. 4th Crossing - The Local's Secret

GPS: 29.8576° N, 98.1423° W
Access: Via Rio Raft (fee required)
Best For: Mixed species, less pressure

Most tourists skip 4th Crossing, making it my go-to spot when other areas get crowded. This section offers diverse habitat with riffles, runs, and deep pools.

Kayak Approach: Launch at Rio Raft and paddle upstream. The slack water behind midstream boulders holds both trout and bass. I've landed numerous 3-pound smallmouth here using modifications to my kayak including a custom rod holder setup.

4. Camp Huaco Springs - Winter Public Access Gem

GPS: 29.8465° N, 98.1067° W
Access: TPWD lease (December 6 - March 2)
Best For: Family fishing, easy access

This newer addition to TPWD's lease program opens significant bank access in New Braunfels. The varied structure attracts everything from stocked rainbows to resident bass.

Local Knowledge: Fish the outside bends during high water. Trout stack in the slower current breaks. Switch to bass tactics by April – Texas-rigged worms in burgundy crush it here.

5. Guadalupe State Park - The Scenic Wonder

GPS: 29.8593° N, 98.5039° W
Access: State park entry fee
Best For: Guadalupe bass, scenic beauty

Thirty miles north of San Antonio, this park offers 4 miles of pristine river frontage. The limestone bluffs and cypress-lined banks make it Instagram-worthy, but the fishing backs up the views.

Seasonal Tactics: Spring means topwater action for Guadalupe bass. Work Rebel Pop-Rs along shaded banks at daybreak. By summer, go subsurface with small crankbaits mimicking rio grande cichlids.

Kayak Trail: The 5-mile paddle to Nichol's Landing offers non-stop action for various kayak setups, even for big guys who need stable platforms.

6. Canyon Lake - Overlook Park

GPS: 29.8706° N, 98.2621° W
Access: Free public ramp
Best For: Striped bass, deep water species

While technically not the river, Canyon Lake's deep, clear waters produce giants. The main lake points and submerged river channel hold stripers that make your drag scream.

Striper Intel: April and May see massive surface feeding frenzies. Match the hatch with 3-inch flukes on 1/2-ounce jigheads. Electronics are essential – fish suspend 25-40 feet over 60-foot bottom.

7. Rebecca Creek Crossing - The Wilderness Float

GPS: 29.8901° N, 98.3654° W
Access: Free public access
Best For: Solitude, mixed bag fishing

This remote take-out for the upper river paddle trail sees minimal pressure. The confluence of Rebecca Creek creates diverse habitat that holds surprising numbers of quality fish.

Float Strategy: Launch at Nichol's Landing for a full-day float. Pack light tackle for multiple species. The deep bend pools 2 miles above Rebecca Creek consistently produce 2-pound bass.

8. Upper Guadalupe - Bergheim Crossing

GPS: 29.9476° N, 98.5512° W
Access: Road crossing, respect private property
Best For: Native species, wade fishing

The upper reaches near Bergheim offer exceptional wade fishing for purists. Crystal-clear spring flows reveal every rock and fish, demanding stealth and finesse.

Fly Selection: Size 10 olive woolly buggers catch everything here. For selective fish, match the abundant damselfly nymphs with size 12-14 patterns in olive or tan.

9. Edge Falls Area - The Kayaker's Challenge

GPS: 29.8981° N, 98.4234° W
Access: Various commercial outfitters
Best For: Adventure fishing, smallmouth bass

The rapid sections above Spring Branch test your paddling skills but reward with exceptional smallmouth fishing. The pocket water behind boulders holds bronzebacks that fight twice their size.

Safety First: Scout rapids before running them. The fishing's great, but not worth swimming. Consider kayak fishing tips for beginners if you're new to moving water.

10. Guadalupe River at FM 311 Crossing

GPS: 29.9234° N, 98.4012° W
Access: Roadside pullout
Best For: Quick trips, varied species

This overlooked access point puts you on productive water fast. The mix of depths and current speeds attracts everything from catfish to bass.

Night Fishing: Summer catfish action heats up after dark. Fresh shad on circle hooks produces channel cats to 10 pounds. Bring bug spray – the mosquitoes get fierce.

11. Lane Valley Road Crossing (Comfort)

GPS: 29.9234° N, 98.9087° W
Access: Small parking area
Best For: Scenic fishing, smaller species

The fast water over bedrock creates perfect habitat for smaller species. While you won't catch trophies, the action stays consistent for panfish and juvenile bass.

Ultra-Light Heaven: Break out the 4-pound test and tiny spinners. The clear water demands downsizing, but you'll catch fish every cast when they're active.

12. Lower Canyon Lake Dam Tailrace

GPS: 29.8712° N, 98.1991° W
Access: Via Canyon Lake shore
Best For: White bass runs, seasonal opportunity

When Canyon Lake dam releases coincide with white bass spawning runs (February-April), this spot goes ballistic. Thousands of whites stack below the dam, creating non-stop action.

Run-and-Gun Tactics: Small white or chartreuse grubs on 1/8-ounce heads. Cast, count down three seconds, and retrieve with short hops. When you find the school, every cast produces.

Guadalupe River Public Access Map Details

Understanding access rights prevents trespassing issues. Here's what you need to know:

Free Public Access Points:

• Guadalupe Park (year-round)
• Rebecca Creek Crossing
• FM 311 Crossing
• Guadalupe River State Park (entrance fee)
• Various road crossings (respect private property)

TPWD Seasonal Leases (December-March):

• Camp Huaco Springs
• Whitewater Sports
• 3rd Crossing Access
• Various rotating locations

Commercial Access (fees apply):

• Rio Raft
• Lazy L&L
• Action Angler
• Gruene River Company
• Multiple campgrounds and resorts

Essential Gear for Guadalupe River Fishing

Success here requires the right equipment. After years of trial and error, here's my refined setup:

Rods:

• 5-weight fly rod for trout
• Medium-light spinning for finesse presentations
• Medium-heavy baitcaster for bass
• Ultra-light for panfish

Terminal Tackle:

• Fluorocarbon leaders (2-6 pound for trout)
• Circle hooks for catch-and-release
• Tungsten weights (environmentally friendly)
• Barbless hooks in special regulation zones

Kayak Rigging:

• Anchor system for holding position
• Rod holders (minimum 3)
• Dry storage for electronics
• Landing net with rubber mesh

Seasonal Fishing Calendar

Winter (December-February): Prime trout season. Focus below the dam during stocking periods. Layer clothing – morning temps hit 30s.

Spring (March-May): Transition period. Bass become active, white bass run, last chances for trout. Best overall variety.

Summer (June-August): Early morning essential. Focus on shaded areas and spring-fed sections. Topwater bass action at dawn.

Fall (September-November): Excellent bass fishing as water cools. Pre-spawn feeding makes for aggressive strikes.

Understanding Water Releases and Flow Rates

Canyon Dam releases dramatically affect fishing success. Check USGS gauge #08167500 before heading out:

• 100-150 CFS: Ideal wade fishing, tough kayaking
• 200-400 CFS: Perfect balance for all methods
• 500+ CFS: Safety concerns, fish pushed to edges
• 800+ CFS: Generation mode, expert paddlers only

Conservation and Regulations

The Guadalupe's quality fishing depends on responsible angling:

Special Trout Regulations:

• Guadalupe Park to FM 306: 12-18" slot limit, 5 fish daily (only 1 over 18")
• FM 306 to 2nd River Road bridge: 18" minimum, 1 fish daily
• Artificial lures only in special zones

Year-Round Limits:

• Bass: 14" minimum, 5 daily (all species combined)
• Catfish: 12" minimum, 25 daily
• No limits on sunfish
• Striped bass: 18" minimum, 5 daily

Always check current TPWD regulations as they change annually.

Fly Patterns That Produce

My fly box for the Guadalupe stays simple but effective:

Nymphs:

• Zebra Midge (#18-22)
• Pheasant Tail (#14-16)
• San Juan Worm (red, pink)
• Prince Nymph (#12-14)

Dries (limited use):

• Griffith's Gnat (#20-22)
• Parachute Adams (#16-18)
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)

Streamers:

• Woolly Bugger (olive, black)
• Clouser Minnow (white/chartreuse)
• Circus Peanut (for aggressive browns)

Local Guide Services and Resources

Sometimes hiring a guide jumpstarts your learning curve:

• All Water Guides: Exceptional trout guides, drift boat trips
• Lone Star Fly Fishing: Upper river specialists
• Action Angler: Full-service shop and guide service
• GRTU (Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited): Largest TU chapter in nation, great resources

Planning Your Guadalupe River Fishing Trip

Lodging Options:

• Numerous riverside cabins and RV parks
• Hotels in New Braunfels and Canyon Lake
• Primitive camping at Guadalupe State Park
• Vacation rentals for extended stays

What to Bring:

• Texas fishing license (required age 17+)
• Trout stamp (for trout fishing)
• Sunscreen and polarized glasses
• Wading boots with felt or rubber soles
• Cooler with ice (summer essential)
• Rain gear (weather changes fast)

Advanced Techniques for Trophy Fish

After hundreds of days on the water, these methods consistently produce quality fish:

Trophy Trout Tactics:

• Fish transitions between fast and slow water
• Target shade lines during bright conditions
• Use 7X tippet when fish get selective
• Strip streamers through deepest pools at dusk

Big Bass Strategies:

• Focus on points during pre-spawn
• Slow-roll spinnerbaits along bluff walls
• Drop shot in 15-20 feet during summer
• Target bass following baitfish schools

Safety Considerations

The Guadalupe's beauty hides real dangers:

• Flash floods occur with little warning
• Limestone rocks get extremely slippery
• Hypothermia risk exists even in Texas
• Current can overpower weak swimmers
• Cell service spotty in many areas

Always wear your PFD, tell someone your plans, and never paddle alone during high water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish the Guadalupe River?

December through February offers the best trout fishing, with regular stockings and cooler water temperatures. For bass, April through June provides excellent action as fish move shallow for spawning. I've found late September through November produces the most consistent mixed-species fishing.

Do I need a boat to fish the Guadalupe effectively?

Not necessarily, but it helps. Many productive spots offer bank access, especially during TPWD lease periods. However, a kayak or canoe opens up miles of water that bank anglers can't reach. The investment in a stable fishing platform pays off quickly.

Where can I find current Guadalupe River fishing reports?

GRTU's website posts regular updates during trout season. Local fly shops like Action Angler and Gruene Outfitters share daily conditions. The TPWD website lists stocking schedules. For real-time info, check the Guadalupe River Facebook groups where locals share catches.

What size trout can I realistically expect to catch?

Most stocked rainbows run 10-14 inches, perfect eating size if you keep them. Holdover trout reaching 18-24 inches aren't uncommon, especially below the dam. Brown trout, though less common, grow larger – I've seen 8-pounders caught. Manage expectations: you'll catch dozens of stockers for every trophy.

Is the Guadalupe River safe for beginning kayakers?

The section below Canyon Dam to New Braunfels rates mostly Class I-II, suitable for beginners during normal flows. Avoid high water releases above 500 CFS until you gain experience. The upper river contains more challenging rapids. Consider starting at Guadalupe State Park's calm sections.

What's the deal with private property along the river?

Texas law allows paddling through private property, but you cannot touch the bottom or banks without permission. Many landowners lease access to TPWD seasonally. Respect posted signs, don't trespass, and remember you're an ambassador for all anglers.

Can I eat the fish from the Guadalupe River?

Absolutely! Stocked trout make excellent table fare. TPWD posts no consumption advisories for the Guadalupe. I keep smaller trout (under 15 inches) and release larger breeding stock. Bass and sunfish taste great too, though I practice selective harvest to maintain populations.

What about fishing during the summer tubing season?

June through August brings thousands of tubers, making fishing challenging. Focus on early mornings (5-8 AM) before crowds arrive. Evening fishing after 6 PM produces once tubers leave. Alternatively, explore less popular upper river sections that tubers don't access.

Do I need special gear for trout fishing in Texas?

Texas trout require finesse compared to mountain stream fishing. Longer leaders (9-12 feet), lighter tippets (5X-7X), and smaller flies produce more strikes. During winter, neoprene waders help, though many anglers wet wade year-round. Polarized glasses are essential for sight fishing.

Where exactly are the best spots to launch a kayak?

Guadalupe Park offers the easiest concrete ramp access below the dam. For the upper river, Guadalupe State Park and Bergheim Crossing work well. Many commercial outfitters provide launch access for a fee. Always scout take-outs before committing to long floats – some require carrying kayaks up steep banks.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Resource

The Guadalupe River offers something special – world-class fishing minutes from major cities. But this accessibility brings pressure. Practice catch-and-release, especially for breeding-size bass and holdover trout. Pack out trash, respect private property, and help educate others about conservation.

My favorite quote from an old-timer at 4th Crossing: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time." That philosophy ensures my grandkids will catch their own 24-inch rainbow below Canyon Dam someday.

Whether you're floating the remote upper sections or joining the crowds below the dam, the Guadalupe River rewards those who understand her moods. Use this guide as your starting point, but remember – the best fishing spot is the one you discover yourself, preferably at sunrise with nobody else around.

Now load up your kayak and get out there. The river's calling, and those fish won't catch themselves.