Guadalupe River Fishing Forecast
Southernmost year-round trout fishery in US - Canyon Dam tailwater with trophy trout zones
Open year-round
Below Canyon Dam tailwater. Year-round trout fishing. Primarily winter put-and-take (Nov-Mar) but tailwater supports holdovers
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 7:06 AM
81°F
33 CFS
12 AM - 2 AM
Adams
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
60°F - 66°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Good fishing. Temps still ideal. Holdovers plus new stock.
March 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.
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.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 58-62°F | Midges, BWOs, Worms |
| February | 58-64°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March(Now) | 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 | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Local Knowledge
Texas Trout Unlimited stocks additional fish. The cold water zone is limited - fish near the dam. This is unique Texas fishing.
Local Tips
New Braunfels is the destination town. Canyon Lake provides dam releases. This is unique Texas trout fishing.
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.
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
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
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 600 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
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