Colorado River

The Colorado River is a long winding river amongst some of the largest rivers in the United States. This 862 mile long river flows southeast throughout the state, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico in Matagorda Bay. The stretch of the Colorado River we fish is between Austin and Smithville.

The Colorado River below Austin offers some of the best bass fishing central Texas has to offer. It is home to Largemouth, Guadalupe Bass, White Bass and several other species that love to eat flies including Gar, freshwater drum and Carp. The Colorado will produce larger bass on average than most other hill country rivers. It is not uncommon to catch a 5lb bass and always has potential for a 7+lb bass. The Colorado River is also the best river to target the Texas native Guadalupe Bass, which is the state fish of Texas. The current Guadalupe Bass state record was caught here below Austin.

We use 6-8wt. fly rods that make it easy to cast large flies with distance and accuracy towards cover. Depending on the conditions, we will switch between topwater poppers and subsurface articulated streamers to target these aggressive fish.

Despite being so close to the metropolitan area of Austin, the Colorado River gets very little fishing pressure. There is very limited access on the banks, as well as long distances between boat ramps, which makes it even harder to access the best spots. We use jet drive skiffs, operable in very shallow water, to get you where the best spots are on the river. The skiffs we use are comfortable and spacious, suitable for 2 anglers and 1 guide. The best time of the year to fish this river is during the fall, summer, and spring. Full day and half day trips are available.

Rates: (1 or 2 anglers)

Half day float trip: $450

Full day float trip: $600

San Marcos River

The San Marcos River is fed from the San Marcos Springs on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos, just 25 miles south of Austin. The San Marcos flows about 85.5 miles through Guadalupe and Caldwell Counties to the confluence of the Guadalupe River in Gonzales County. The section of the San Marcos we fish is between Martindale and Luling, east of the city of San Marcos.

This spring fed river is home to quality largemouth, smallmouth and Guadalupe Bass. There are large amounts of forage for these fish to feed on including, shad, crayfish and several different sunfish species, which keeps these fish feeding even during the colder months.

We use 6-7wt fly rods that are able to cast and turn over heavy streamers and wind resistant top water poppers. The river access is very limited due to private property and insufficient boat ramps. The best way to fish this river is by floating. All of our guide trips are done in comfortable, stable 14’ whitewater rafts with comfortable seats and casting platforms, suitable for 2 anglers and 1 guide. The best time of the year to fish this river is during the fall/spring/summer.