Guadalupe River Fishing Forecast
The Guadalupe River in Texas behaves like a classic tailwater: cold, predictable releases that stretch the trout season when freestone neighbors run warm or muddy. Anglers target rainbow trout and brown trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in this region, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in March through November. USGS gauge 08167500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: The Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam is the southernmost trout fishery in the United States, offering year-round fishing for rainbow trout. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Today's Guadalupe River is reading 82°F and 105 CFS. That's a 4/10 day on the water. Top pick: a Cicada.
Open year-round
Below Canyon Dam tailwater. Year-round trout fishing. Primarily winter put-and-take (Nov-Mar) but tailwater supports holdovers
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 8, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 7:59 PM
82°F
105 CFS
5 AM - 7 AM
Cicada
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What Makes the Guadalupe River Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Midge (Midge) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 58–70°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Canyon Dam: Below dam tailwater - trophy water.
Rules anglers miss
Special regulations near dam.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 600 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
68°F - 74°F
September Hatches
Midge
Midge
YEAR-ROUND midge fishing. Most prolific hatch. Zebra Midges, Griffith's Gnats.
BWO
Mayfly
Year-round BWO. Peaks October-April. Overcast days. Tailwater cold water.
Trico
Mayfly
Early morning Trico spinner falls. April-October.
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis. April-October.
San Juan Worms
Aquatic Worm
Year-round worm fishing. Red, pink, brown. Always productive.
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round scud fishing. Pink, gray, olive. Tailwater staple.
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Water cooling. Late month trout fishing resumes.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 58-62°F | Midges, BWOs, Worms |
| February | 58-64°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March | 60-66°F | BWOs, Tricos, Midges |
| April | 62-68°F | Tricos, Caddis, Midges |
| May | 65-72°F | Early morning only, Deep nymphs |
| June | 68-76°F | Bass, Stripers |
| July | 70-78°F | Bass, Stripers |
| August | 70-78°F | Bass, Stripers |
| September(Now) | 68-74°F | Bass, Stripers, Late month trout |
| October | 64-70°F | BWOs, Midges, Tricos |
| November | 60-66°F | BWOs, Midges, Worms |
| December | 58-62°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
Recommended Equipment for Guadalupe River
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water near dam.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Guadalupe River: Tips & Tactics
The Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam is the southernmost trout fishery in the United States, offering year-round fishing for rainbow trout.
Best Times of Day
Winter and spring offer the best fishing when dam releases are coldest. Summer requires fishing immediately below the dam. Fall fishing is consistent.
Recommended Techniques
Match the midge and mayfly hatches. Nymphing is highly effective. The cold water zone extends several miles below the dam.
Water Conditions
Cold dam releases create trout habitat in Texas. Water temperatures rise as you move downstream. Summer limits the trout zone.
Fly Selection
Midge patterns are essential. Scuds and sowbugs work well. BWO patterns for mayflies. San Juan Worms.
When is the Best Time to Fish Guadalupe River?
Spring
Excellent conditions. Dam releases are cold.
Summer
Fish immediately below dam. Limited zone.
Fall
Good fishing as temperatures cool.
Winter
Prime season. Best trout fishing.
Access Points & Parking for Guadalupe River
Canyon Dam
Below dam tailwater - trophy water.
Rio Raft
Quality fishing access.
Sattler
Mid-river access.
New Braunfels
Town access downstream.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Guadalupe River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Special Regulations
Special regulations near dam.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations.
Notes
Southernmost trout fishery in the US.
Always verify current regulations with Texas fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Guadalupe River
Local Fly Shops
- Action Angler & Outdoor Center - New Braunfels
- Gruene Outfitters
- Texas Fly Fishing
Guide Services
- Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited
- Texas Fly Fishing Guides
- Gruene Outfitters Guides
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Texas—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Guadalupe River — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Guadalupe River?
Water cooling. Late month trout fishing resumes.
What flies should I bring to the Guadalupe River?
For the Guadalupe River (tailwater), carry: Midge, Scud, San Juan Worm, BWO, Pheasant Tail.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Guadalupe River?
On the Guadalupe River, trout hold between 50° and 62°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the Guadalupe River?
Yes — you need a valid Texas fishing license to fish the Guadalupe River. Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Check Texas Parks and Wildlife..
What hatches should I watch for on the Guadalupe River in September?
Midge is the signature hatch on the Guadalupe River in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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