Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake Dam is listed as one of the top 100 trout streams in America. It is the southern most trout stream in the U.S, as well as the largest Trout Unlimited chapter in the nation. The section of the Guadalupe we fly fish for trout is the tailwater below Canyon Lake. That section is managed as a trophy trout fishery by Trout Unlimited. The daily bag limit is one trout over 18” and must be caught on an artificial lure or fly. The Guadalupe River is stocked, several times each winter by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited. As a result, the Guadalupe continues to improve each year with the amount of holdovers it produces. The average trout will be in the 14”-16” range with many opportunities at 20”+ fish and few trout in the 5lbs to 8lbs range.
Since the section we fish for trout is a tailwater, which provides cold water released from the bottom of Canyon Lake, we only offer guided trips during the winter and spring to ensure the sustainability of these trout. Once the water temperatures start elevating towards the seventies, we start to target bass.
The Guadalupe is also home to several other warm water species. Largemouth, Smallmouth, Guadalupe Bass and Striped Bass, all of which we target with a fly. After the trout season comes to a close around May, we will float fish certain sections in pursuit of multiple bass species. Towards the end of spring approaching summer it is not uncommon to target trout in the morning and bass in the afternoon.
The Guadalupe River banks below Canyon Lake are all private, but because the stream bed is not, the best way to fish the Guadalupe is by floating. All of our guide trips are done in comfortable, stable 14’ whitewater rafts suitable for 2 anglers and 1 guide. Full day and half day floats are available starting in December and will end in May. The Guadalupe River dates fill quickly so book your day well in advance.
Rates: (1 or 2 anglers)
Half day float trip: $450
Full day float trip: $600
