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Guadalupe River flowing through bald cypress trees in New Braunfels, Texas

Best Rivers in Texas for Fly Fishing

Quick Reference

WhatWhenKey Numbers
Guadalupe River troutNov - May (stocking Dec - Mar)60-150 CFS ideal wading; artificial lures only in trophy zones
Hill Country bassYear-round (best Mar - Jun, Oct - Nov)S. Llano: 40-150 CFS; San Marcos: 100-200 CFS; Llano: 150-500 CFS
Devils River expeditionSpring - early fall4-day trips; book 5+ months ahead; $1,500-$2,750/person
Guided tripsBook by October for winter trout$350-$600/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shopLone Star Fly Fishing(281) 382-2871, 14121 River Rd, New Braunfels
FISHABLE
Updated yesterday
San Marcos River
Fishable
Flow90 CFS
Trendstable
Clarityclear
Temp72°F
Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6Grasshopper Patterns #8-10Crayfish Patterns #6
The San Marcos remains the most reliable fishery in the Hill Country. Spring-fed flows holding steady at 90.4 CFS (June 19), ticking up slightly from 87 CFS earlier in the week — a predictable bump from storm recharge reaching the Edwards Aquifer. Running at 60% of the historical median for mid-June. Edwards Aquifer J-17 reading at 644.3 feet (June 18), with the 10-day average at 642.1 feet — aquifer levels rising from the June 15-16 tropical storm recharge, healthy trend. EAA at Stage 2 restrictions. While freestone rivers have been on a wild ride this week — the Guadalupe at Spring Branch going from 1,240 CFS (June 16) down to 153 CFS (June 19) and the Llano falling from 273 to 228 CFS — the San Marcos barely moved. That spring-fed stability is the defining advantage right now. Guadalupe bass concentrated in predictable structure — cypress root systems, riffle heads, and current seams behind limestone. Topwater poppers white/chartreuse #6-8 along shaded banks at dawn remain the top producer. Rio Grande cichlids aggressive along banks on Pat's Hot Tail Mini-Craw and deer hair ants #14-16. Peak terrestrial season: grasshopper patterns #8-10 the primary surface fly along grassy banks, foam beetles #12-14 reliable in riffles. Spring-fed water temp holding at 72°F — dramatically cooler than freestone Hill Country streams at 78-80°F+, making the San Marcos the most comfortable summer option. The dawn-to-9am window still the most productive, but the cooler water temps extend the bite window later than on other rivers. Weekend recreational traffic heavy — weekday mornings essential through September.
Guadalupe River (Tailwater)
Fishable
Flow92 CFS at Sattler
Trendstable
Clarityclear
Temp~63°F near dam, warming to 78°F+ below Mile 3
Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6BH Woolly Buggers black/olive #10-12Topwater Poppers white #6-8Grasshopper Patterns #8-10
The tailwater continues to fish well and remains the quality bass fishery in the Hill Country. Sattler gauge reading 91.7 CFS (June 19), essentially unchanged from the 90 CFS reading on June 16 — Canyon Lake fully absorbed the tropical storm flood pulse and releases have stabilized. Flows squarely in the ideal 60-150 CFS wading range at 106% of the historical median. Canyon Lake at 61.2% full (June 18), up slightly from 60.6% on June 16 as storm runoff reaches the reservoir — releases may tick up modestly but the tailwater should remain in prime fishing condition. Clarity is excellent — Canyon Lake filters all turbidity from the upstream flood. Alvin Dedeaux (All Water Guides) reports strike indicator nymph fishing in deeper sections producing well, and the recent rain and cooler weather has extended morning and evening fishing windows. Trout fishing done for the season — leave any holdover rainbows alone until fall stocking resumes in November. This is a bass fishery through October. At 92 CFS the tailwater is fishing in its sweet spot — enough current to keep riffles alive without pushing fish into tight holding water. Guadalupe bass and largemouth holding on cypress root systems, limestone ledges, and pool heads. Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6 stripped along shaded banks remain the most consistent producer. Topwater poppers white #6-8 at first light along cypress roots for explosive strikes. Grasshopper patterns #8-10 along grassy banks the top surface option as morning progresses. Crayfish patterns #6-8 bounced through deeper pools productive where bass are stacked. BH Woolly Buggers black/olive #10-12 effective covering deeper runs. Summer tubing traffic in full swing — hundreds of tubers daily through the trout zone on weekends. Fish weekday mornings exclusively through September.
Llano River
Fishable
Flow228 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclearing
Temp80°F
Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6Woolly Buggers olive/black #6-8Crayfish Patterns #4-6Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8
The Llano is coming back into shape after the June 15-16 tropical storm blowout. Gauge reading 228 CFS (June 19), falling steadily from the 273 CFS peak on June 16 — a 17% drop over three days as the flood pulse works through the system. Still running at 246% of the historical median for mid-June, well above the 10-day average baseline, but the falling trend is exactly what you want to see. At 228 CFS the Llano sits squarely in the 150-500 CFS ideal float range and is now genuinely fishable. Clarity is the improving story: transitioning from the stained 1-2 foot visibility of June 16 to a clearing condition with improving visibility — not gin-clear yet, but fishable for streamers and topwater. The Castell-to-Mason float is back on the table for experienced paddlers, though the higher-than-normal flows will move you faster than usual. Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6 and Woolly Buggers olive/black #6-8 remain the top producers in the still slightly off-color water — bass are feeding aggressively post-flood as they reposition on newly scoured structure, exactly the pattern predicted in last week's report. Crayfish patterns #4-6 bounced along the bottom through deeper pools effective by feel. Topwater coming back into play as clarity improves — poppers white/chartreuse #6-8 with noisy presentations along shaded banks at dawn. Grasshopper patterns #8-10 along grassy banks productive where visibility allows. Water temp climbing back toward 80°F as the storm-cooled water flushes through — the 79°F reprieve from earlier in the week is fading. Dawn-to-9am fishing window critical. The falling hydrograph means wading is becoming safer in riffles and pool tails, though stay off the main current in deeper runs until flows drop below 200 CFS. Monitor the gauge — if no additional storms develop, the Llano should be back to pre-storm clarity within 1-2 days.
Guadalupe (Freestone)
Fishable
Flow153 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclearing
Temp78°F
Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6Woolly Buggers olive/black #8-10Crayfish Patterns #6-8Topwater Poppers white #6-8
The freestone Guadalupe is recovering rapidly from the June 15-16 tropical storm blowout. Spring Branch gauge has dropped from the 1,240 CFS flood peak (June 16) to 153 CFS (June 19) — an 88% decrease in three days as the Hill Country drainage flushes the storm pulse. Now at 239% of the historical median, still elevated but a dramatic improvement from the 1,937% reading three days ago. The river is back within the 60-150 CFS wading range on paper, though clarity is the limiting factor — transitioning from muddy to clearing, with visibility improving daily but not yet back to the pre-storm gin-clear conditions. Give it another 1-2 days for full clarity recovery if no additional rain develops. For anglers willing to fish off-color water, this is the post-flood streamer window predicted in the last report — bass are repositioning on newly scoured structure and feeding aggressively as the river drops. Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6 and Woolly Buggers olive/black #8-10 in the stained water are the play. As clarity continues to improve, crayfish patterns #6-8 bounced through deeper pools and topwater poppers white #6-8 at dawn along shaded banks will come back into play. Water temp climbing to 78°F as flows normalize — the storm-cooled temperatures are fading. Dawn-to-9am window critical in mid-June heat. Wading is becoming safe again in riffles and shallower runs at 153 CFS, but use caution — the falling trend means the riverbed may have shifted and familiar wading paths could have changed. The freestone section should be fully fishable within 24-48 hours if the weather cooperates. Flash flood risk has diminished as the mid-week storm window passes.
🎣 TACTICS RIGHT NOW
Dry Fly
Topwater and dry fly options expanding across the Hill Country as rivers recover from the June 15-16 tropical storm. The San Marcos at 90 CFS with 72°F spring-fed water remains the most reliable surface fishery: Grasshopper Patterns #8-10 along grassy banksTopwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8 at dawn along shaded cypress structureFoam Beetles #12-14 and Deer Hair Ants #14-16 in riffles. The cooler spring-fed water extends the productive surface window past 9am — a major advantage over freestone rivers pushing 78-80°F. On the tailwater at 92 CFStopwater fishing productive in the warmer sections below Mile 3 for bass — poppers and grasshoppers at dawn only. The Llano at 228 CFS with improving clarity is coming back into topwater range — noisy presentations with poppers white/chartreuse #6-8 along shaded banks at dawnvisibility-dependent. The freestone Guadalupe at 153 CFS will support topwater within 24-48 hours as clarity continues to recover. Dawn to 9am remains the non-negotiable fishing window in mid-June heat.
Nymph
Subsurface fishing options reopening across the Hill Country as the flood pulse recedes. Trout nymphing done for the season — leave holdover rainbows alone until November. On the tailwater at 92 CFSCrayfish Patterns #6-8 for Guadalupe bass and largemouth below Mile 3 — Alvin Dedeaux reports strike indicator nymph fishing in deeper sections producing well this week. Pat's Hot Tail Mini-Craw for Rio Grande cichlids on the San Marcos at 90 CFS — target along banks and near structure. The Llano at 228 CFS and falling with improving clarity is returning to nymph range — crayfish patterns #4-6 bounced along the bottom in deeper pools are productive as bass reposition on newly scoured structure. The freestone Guadalupe at 153 CFS is marginal for nymphing until clarity fully recovers — give it another day or twothen crayfish patterns #6-8 through deeper runs will be the play as displaced bass feed aggressively.
Streamer
The post-flood streamer window is wide open on the recovering freestone rivers. The Llano at 228 CFS with clearing water remains prime streamer territory — bass are less wary in the still slightly off-color water and are feeding aggressively on newly scoured structure. Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6 with aggressive strips and Woolly Buggers olive/black #6-8 swung through deeper bank runs are the top producers. The freestone Guadalupe at 153 CFS is entering the post-flood streamer window — Clouser Minnows and Woolly Buggers in chartreuse/white and olive/blacktargeting bass repositioning in the dropping water. On the tailwater at 92 CFSBH Woolly Buggers black/olive #10-12 effective in deeper runsClouser Minnows stripped along shaded banks the top tailwater streamer in the clear water. The San Marcos at 90 CFS offers Drunk n Disorderly and Ball Peen Craw patterns for larger bass along submerged timberSmall Frog Patterns #6 for largemouth in slower pools at dawn. This is the best streamer week in months — take advantage of the post-flood feeding behavior before conditions fully normalize.
The Hill Country is rebounding quickly — the freestone Guadalupe has dropped from 1,240 CFS (June 16) to 153 CFS (June 19), the Llano is falling from 273 to 228 CFS with improving clarity, and the dam-protected tailwater (92 CFS) and spring-fed San Marcos (90 CFS) remain clear and fishable throughout. This week's top pick: the Guadalupe tailwater at 92 CFS — Canyon Lake absorbed the flood pulse entirely, releases are stable, clarity is excellent, and Alvin Dedeaux reports the fishing has been productive with both strike indicator nymphing and topwater at dawn. Second choice: the San Marcos at 90 CFS with 72°F spring-fed water — the most comfortable and reliable option with an extended productive window past the dawn-to-9am cutoff. Third: the Llano at 228 CFS for adventurous anglers — the post-flood streamer fishing is outstanding as bass feed aggressively on newly scoured lies, and the river is well within float range. The freestone Guadalupe is the wild card — at 153 CFS and falling, it should be fully fishable within 24-48 hours, and the post-flood fishing could be excellent. Weekday mornings essential on all rivers through September.
FORECASTThe Hill Country is in recovery mode — and the fishing picture is improving daily. Three days after the June 15-16 tropical storm that blew out freestone rivers, the Guadalupe at Spring Branch has dropped from 1,240 CFS to 153 CFS and the Llano from 273 to 228 CFS, both on falling trends with improving clarity. The tailwater at 92 CFS and spring-fed San Marcos at 90 CFS were unaffected and continue to fish well. Canyon Lake at 61.2% full (June 18), up from 60.6% on June 16 as storm runoff reaches the reservoir — releases remain stable with no dramatic increase, keeping the tailwater in prime condition. Edwards Aquifer J-17 at 644.3 feet (June 18, 10-day average 642.1 feet) — aquifer levels rising from storm recharge, a healthy trend. EAA at Stage 2 restrictions. The freestone Guadalupe should be fully fishable within 24-48 hours if no additional storms develop — at 153 CFS it's back in the wading range, just waiting on clarity. The Llano at 228 CFS is fishable now for float trips and streamer fishing, with clarity improving daily. This is the post-flood feeding window — bass are repositioned on newly scoured structure and feeding aggressively, exactly the pattern that produces some of the best fishing of the year. This is warmwater fishing through October — trout season done until November. Devils River expeditions remain in their prime window. Monitor gauges daily as conditions continue to normalize.The Hill Country is drying out after the June 15-16 tropical storm that dumped 6-9+ inches of rain and triggered dangerous flash flooding. The mid-week storm window has largely passed, and rivers are receding on predictable falling curves. Edwards Aquifer J-17 at 644.3 feet (June 18, 10-day average 642.1 feet) — aquifer levels benefiting from storm recharge, up a full foot from the June 16 reading. EAA at Stage 2 restrictions. Canyon Lake at 61.2% full (June 18), absorbing the last of the storm runoff with stable releases. Water temps: ~63°F in the upper tailwater cold zone (per Orvis report June 15), 78°F on the recovering freestone Guadalupe, 80°F on the Llano (warming back up as storm-cooled water flushes), 72°F on the spring-fed San Marcos. Dawn-to-9am remains the fishing window — non-negotiable in mid-June heat with highs in the mid-90s°F. Flash flood risk has diminished significantly as the tropical moisture exits the region, though scattered afternoon thunderstorms remain possible through the weekend — typical Hill Country summer pattern. Best fishing this weekend: the tailwater for quality, the San Marcos for reliability, and the Llano for adventurous streamer anglers. The freestone Guadalupe is the one to watch — could be fishing well by Saturday if clarity cooperates.

Overview

Texas is not the first state most fly anglers think of, and that's exactly what makes it worth fishing. The Hill Country holds clear, spring-fed rivers lined with bald cypress, the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake ranks among the nation's top 100 trout streams, and the Devils River offers one of the most pristine wilderness float-fishing experiences in the lower 48. Add in the Guadalupe bass — the state fish, found nowhere else on earth — and Texas quietly delivers some of the most diverse fly fishing in the South.

The state's fly fishing splits into three distinct categories: winter trout fishing on the Guadalupe River tailwater, year-round warmwater fishing for bass and panfish on Hill Country streams, and remote multi-day expeditions on the Devils River. Each appeals to a different kind of angler, but all share one thing: low fishing pressure compared to Western destination rivers.

The Rivers

Guadalupe River (Below Canyon Lake)

The Guadalupe below Canyon Dam is one of the southernmost year-round trout fisheries in the United States. Cold water releases from the bottom of Canyon Lake keep temperatures in the 50s°F through the trophy trout zone, supporting rainbow trout year-round in the upper miles.

Trout Unlimited and Texas Parks and Wildlife stock the river with rainbow trout from late November through March — roughly 18,000 fish at the Canyon Tailrace alone across 10 stocking dates during the 2025-2026 season. Fish average 12-14 inches, with 20-inch trout not uncommon and specimens reaching 5-8 pounds.

What makes it special: This is legitimate tailwater trout fishing an hour from Austin or San Antonio. The bald cypress-lined banks and limestone cliffs make it visually stunning, and the hatch diversity — midges year-round, BWOs and caddis April-October, Hexagenia in summer — rivals many Western rivers.

Access: The streambed below Canyon Lake is publicly owned, but both banks are private property. Float trips are the primary access method, though a few public access points exist:

  • Guadalupe Park (Army Corps of Engineers) — year-round access
  • Camp Huaco Springs — free TPWD access, December through early March during stocking season
  • Action Angler on Guadalupe River Road — $10/person walk-in wade access, one of the most practical options for visiting anglers without a guide
  • Stocking locations: Guadalupe Park, Whitewater Camp, 4th Crossing, 3rd Crossing, and Camp Huaco Springs

Flow windows:

  • 60-150 CFS: Ideal wading and float fishing
  • 150-300 CFS: Floatable, wading limited to edges
  • 300+ CFS: Difficult wading, strong current

Summer tubing warning: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hundreds of tubers float through the trout zone daily, especially on weekends. The noise and traffic push trout into deeper holding water and make midday fishing nearly impossible. If you're planning summer trout fishing, get on the water at dawn and be off by 11am, or fish weekdays only.

Check Guadalupe River flows on RiverReports before heading out.

Bald cypress roots along a central Texas riverbank — a signature feature of Hill Country streams

Bald cypress roots along a central Texas riverbank — a signature feature of Hill Country streams

Upper Guadalupe River (Above Canyon Lake)

Don't overlook the Upper Guadalupe above the lake. This freestone section flows through western Kerr County near Boerne, Comfort, and Spring Branch — bald cypress-lined banks, limestone cliffs, and far less development than the trout tailwater below. The Upper Guad is a dedicated warmwater fishery: Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, carp, sunfish, Rio Grande cichlids, and gar.

Best approach: Topwater poppers thrown tight to shaded banks produce explosive strikes from bass. Baitfish and crawfish streamers work subsurface. The tree-lined canopy keeps summer days surprisingly comfortable.

Access: Guadalupe River State Park offers direct river access with no fishing license required from shore. Float trips with Lone Star Fly Fishing access the Upper Guad — half day $400, full day $600.

Flow note: As a freestone stream, water levels fluctuate with rainfall. Low-water periods can limit float trip options. Check RiverReports before planning.

South Llano River

The South Llano near Junction holds what biologists consider the best pure-strain Guadalupe bass fishery in the world. Between 2011 and 2017, Texas Parks and Wildlife stocked over 700,000 genetically pure Guadalupe bass here, and the population has thrived in these clear, spring-fed waters.

Target species: Guadalupe bass (primary), largemouth bass, Rio Grande cichlids, longear sunfish, catfish, gar, and carp.

What makes it special: The Guadalupe bass — nicknamed the "Texas Trout" for its willingness to take flies — is endemic to Central Texas. These fish hit topwater poppers, streamers, and crayfish imitators aggressively, especially in riffles and around limestone structure. The South Llano also sees remarkably little fishing pressure.

Access: South Llano River State Park provides 2,600 acres with 58 campsites and direct river access. No fishing license required when fishing from shore within the state park. The TPWD River Access lease at County Road 150 in Junction offers free bank fishing and boat launching.

Best seasons: March through June and October through November. Summer fishing is productive but hot — the cypress canopy provides welcome shade.

Flow windows:

  • 40-80 CFS: Low but fishable on foot; excellent wading
  • 80-150 CFS: Ideal for both wading and kayak floats
  • 150-300 CFS: Good floating; wading limited to shallower riffles
  • Below 30 CFS: Kayaks scrape; wade only

Float fishing: Kayak floats range from one hour to full-day excursions. Low water may require portaging through shallow sections. A pontoon or kayak with a shallow draft works best — pedal drives can hit rocks at lower levels.

Devils River

The Devils River is a bucket-list destination — one of the cleanest, most remote rivers in Texas, fed by springs that keep the water gin-clear year-round. Access is extremely limited, most of the river flows through private ranches, and multi-day expeditions require advance planning and physical fitness.

Target species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass (both catch-and-release only), carp (10-20 pound fish are common), catfish, and tilapia.

What makes it special: Sight fishing in turquoise water for bass and world-class carp, with zero cell service, dark-sky stargazing, and Native American rock art accessible only by river. This is wilderness fly fishing in a state better known for flat coastal waters.

Logistics: The standard trip is 4 days covering roughly 15 miles. Day 1 is the toughest — 6 miles of paddling plus portaging over the 15-foot cliffs at Dolan Falls. The Devils River State Natural Area requires a $10 access permit (DRAP). Book guided trips 5+ months in advance.

Outfitters:

Gear warning: Bring protective rod cases. Narrow, brushy channels routinely break rod tips.

San Marcos River

Spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer, the San Marcos maintains remarkably consistent flows and water temperatures year-round. The crystal-clear water holds Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Rio Grande cichlids, and various sunfish species.

Access: Several TPWD River Access sites including San Marcos River Retreat, Scull Road Bridge Access, and River Grove provide free public fishing.

Best approach: Wade fishing with a 3-4 weight rod. Target riffles for Guadalupe bass and submerged timber for cichlids. The clear water demands stealth — soft casts and careful wading are essential.

Flow windows: The San Marcos typically runs 100-200 CFS year-round thanks to consistent spring flow from the Edwards Aquifer. It rarely blows out or drops to unfishable levels, making it one of the most reliable options for a last-minute trip.

Track San Marcos River flows on RiverReports for current conditions.

Llano River

The Llano and its forks offer miles of wadeable Hill Country water for Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, and panfish. Multiple TPWD River Access sites — Pete's Pecan Patch, Castell Crossing, Maso-Llan Road — provide free bank fishing and boat launching along the river.

Flow windows:

  • 150-300 CFS: Good wading in most sections
  • 300-500 CFS: Ideal for kayak floats; wading possible in riffles
  • 500-1,000 CFS: Float only; too deep and fast for safe wading
  • Below 100 CFS: Very low; some sections too shallow for kayaks

Best seasons: Spring (March-June) and fall (October-November) produce the best fishing. Summer can be productive early and late in the day but water temperatures climb.

Blanco River

The Blanco flows through Hays County and holds Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, Rio Grande cichlids, sunfish, and carp. John Knox Ranch River Access provides free public fishing. The Blanco is part of the active Guadalupe bass restoration program, with TPWD stocking genetically pure fish to rebuild populations.

A peaceful Hill Country river scene — the kind of setting you'll find on the Llano, Blanco, and South Llano

A peaceful Hill Country river scene — the kind of setting you'll find on the Llano, Blanco, and South Llano

Species Guide

Rainbow Trout (Guadalupe River)

Stocked November through March; holdover fish available year-round in the tailwater zone below Canyon Dam. The Guadalupe River hatch chart from Big Y Fly Co shows year-round insect activity:

Year-round patterns: Zebra Midges (#18-24, black/red/olive), San Juan Worms (#10-14, red), scuds (#12-18), Woolly Buggers (#4-12)

Spring through fall (Apr-Oct): Blue-winged Olives (#18-20), caddis (#12-16), Light Cahills (#14-16), Grey Drakes (#10-12), Tricos (#22-24), terrestrials (#6-16)

Summer peak (Jun-Aug): Hexagenia (#4-8) — the largest mayfly on the river

Primary technique: Nymphing produces most consistently. A two-nymph rig with a midge dropper below a San Juan Worm or Pat's Rubber Legs covers most situations. Dry fly fishing during active hatches is excellent, particularly during BWO and caddis emergences.

Guadalupe Bass

The official state fish, found only in Central Texas streams. Guadalupe bass feed on crayfish, baitfish, and insects in clear, rocky riffles and runs.

Key flies: Topwater poppers (white, chartreuse), Clouser Minnows, crayfish patterns, wooly buggers in olive and black. Brighter colors tend to outperform on Hill Country streams.

Gear: A 4-5 weight rod with floating line handles most situations. For tight quarters under overhanging trees, a 7.5-8 foot rod improves accuracy.

Rio Grande Cichlids

The only cichlid species native to the United States. Found throughout Hill Country rivers — the Colorado, San Marcos, Guadalupe, Llano, and Blanco all hold good populations.

Key flies: Texas Freshwater Fly Fishing recommends five patterns: Pat's Hot Tail Mini-Craw, Modified Rio Getter, Jigged Foxy Clouser, Rio Poquito, and Deer Hair Ants. Fish small — cichlids have small mouths.

Technique: Cast tight to banks, logs, and rocks with soft presentations. Use slow, start-and-stop retrieves near the bottom. Repeat casts to the same cover — persistence triggers strikes more than perfect first presentations.

Gear: A 2-4 weight rod with a floating line and 6-7 foot leader with 3x-5x fluorocarbon tippet.

Where to Start

New to fly fishing or new to Texas? Start with the San Marcos or South Llano rivers for bass and panfish. Easy wading, forgiving fish, consistent flows, and free public access through state parks and TPWD leased sites. A 4-weight rod and a box of poppers and small Woolly Buggers will keep you busy all day. These rivers reward basic casting skills and don't require technical nymphing rigs.

Experienced fly anglers: The Guadalupe River trout zone is the main draw. If you're comfortable with two-nymph euro-style rigs, 6X tippet, and #20-24 midges, you'll find genuinely technical tailwater fishing. The key challenge is access — book a float trip or know which walk-in spots to hit (Action Angler, Guadalupe Park, Camp Huaco Springs). Winter weekdays offer the best combination of fresh stockings and light pressure.

Looking for an adventure? The Devils River is a legitimate wilderness expedition — physically demanding, logistically complex, and deeply rewarding. It's not a day trip. Plan for 4 days, bring your fitness, and book 5+ months ahead.

Regulations

Texas Parks and Wildlife manages all freshwater fishing regulations. Key rules for fly anglers:

License: Required for anglers 17 and older. Freshwater Package: $30 resident, $58 non-resident. One-Day All-Water: $11 resident, $16 non-resident. No fishing license required when fishing from shore within state parks.

Guadalupe River Trout Zones:

  • Zone 1 (800 yards below Canyon Dam to FM 306): 12-18 inch slot limit, 5 trout daily (max one over 18"), artificial lures only
  • Zone 2 (FM 306 to River Road second crossing): 18-inch minimum, 1 trout daily, artificial lures only
  • Outside zones: No minimum length, 5 trout daily, no gear restrictions

Bass: Combined daily limit of 5 black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, Guadalupe, spotted). Largemouth and smallmouth require 14-inch minimum. No minimum for Guadalupe bass.

Sunfish, cichlids, carp: No bag or length limits.

Devils River: Smallmouth and largemouth bass are catch-and-release only. $10 Devils River Access Permit required for the State Natural Area.

Guided Trips

Half-day guided trips typically run $350-$525 for 1-2 anglers. Full-day trips run $500-$750. Most outfitters provide all gear — rods, reels, waders, flies, and lunch on full-day trips. A Texas fishing license is your responsibility.

Guadalupe River trout and Hill Country bass:

  • Lone Star Fly Fishing — Head guide John Shank operates from River Road in New Braunfels. Float trips in Aire whitewater rafts. Half day $400, full day $600.
  • Go Outside Expedition Co. — Guides 12 rivers across the Hill Country. Raft and kayak trips. Half day $400, full day $550.
  • Alvin Dedeaux / All Water Guides — 25+ years guiding Central Texas rivers. Half day $450, full day $600.
  • Expedition Outfitters — San Antonio-based, covering the Guadalupe, San Marcos, and Devils River. Half day $350.

Premium lodge experience:

  • Joshua Creek Ranch — 5-Star Orvis-rated sporting ranch near Boerne. Private stocked creek plus guided Guadalupe River float trips. Guided half day $425-$525, full day $625-$750. Orvis Fly Fishing School sessions from $339.

Devils River expeditions:

Seasonal Calendar

November - March (Trout Season): Peak fly fishing on the Guadalupe River. TPWD stocks rainbow trout from late November through early March. Water temperatures in the low 50s°F. Midges, San Juan Worms, and egg patterns dominate. January and February offer the best fishing with the freshest stockings and fewest crowds. Book guided trout trips by October — winter dates fill fast.

March - June (Spring Warmwater): Hill Country rivers come alive. Guadalupe bass feed aggressively in riffles as water warms. BWO and caddis hatches begin on the Guadalupe. South Llano River fishing peaks. This is the best window for combining trout and bass in a single trip.

June - September (Summer): Trout fishing winds down as water temperatures approach 70°F and ethical guides transition to warmwater species. The Guadalupe below Canyon Dam sees heavy tubing traffic from Memorial Day through Labor Day — hundreds of tubers daily on weekends make midday fishing futile. Fish at dawn or switch to weekdays. Bass fishing on Hill Country rivers remains strong, especially early morning and evening. Terrestrial patterns — hoppers, ants, beetles — produce well. The Hexagenia hatch on the Guadalupe (June-August) offers dramatic dry fly fishing if you beat the tube hatches. Devils River expeditions are comfortable despite heat thanks to spring-fed water temperatures.

October - November (Fall): Bass fishing peaks again on Hill Country rivers. Guadalupe River begins cooling toward trout-friendly temperatures. Excellent time for the South Llano and Llano rivers with low crowds and active fish.

Hazards and Considerations

Flash floods: Texas Hill Country rivers rise fast and dangerously after rain. A river at 100 CFS can spike to 10,000+ CFS within hours during a thunderstorm. Always check weather forecasts and current flows on RiverReports before wading.

Heat: Summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F. Start early, carry plenty of water, and seek cypress shade during midday. Sun protection is not optional.

Private land: Nearly all Texas riverbank is privately owned. You can legally wade and float on navigable waterways, but you cannot exit onto private banks without permission. The streambed is public; the banks are not.

Cedar fever: Mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) pollinates December through February — prime trout season. If you have allergies, bring medication. Local guides will tell you this is no joke.

Zebra mussels: Draining all water from boats and receptacles is mandatory when leaving or approaching Texas public fresh waters.

Snakes and wildlife: Water moccasins are present on most Hill Country rivers. Watch where you step when wading and entering/exiting the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Texas good for fly fishing?

Yes. Texas offers surprisingly diverse fly fishing — the Guadalupe River is the southernmost trout fishery in America, with stocking from December through March. Hill Country rivers like the South Llano and Llano produce excellent smallmouth bass year-round. And the Devils River is one of the most pristine backcountry fishing experiences in the lower 48. Track Texas river flows to time your trip.

Where can I fly fish in Texas?

Top spots include the Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam for trout, the South Llano and Llano rivers for Guadalupe bass and smallmouth, the San Marcos River for sight-fishing in crystal-clear spring water, and the Devils River for remote multi-day expeditions. Most of these are within 1-2 hours of San Antonio or Austin.

What is the best time to fly fish in Texas?

Trout fishing on the Guadalupe peaks December through March during stocking season, with holdover trout available through May. Bass fishing is best March through June and again October through November. The Devils River fishes well from spring through early fall. Check current Texas flows before heading out.

Using RiverReports

Track real-time flows for all major Texas fly fishing rivers on RiverReports. Key gauges to watch:

  • Guadalupe at Spring Branch — Best gauge for the trout zone below Canyon Dam
  • Guadalupe at Sattler — Upper trout section flows
  • Guadalupe at New Braunfels — Lower river conditions
  • Llano at Mason — Hill Country bass fishing
  • San Marcos at San Marcos — Spring-fed consistency check
  • Pedernales at Johnson City — Rainfall-dependent; shows Hill Country conditions

Compare current flows against seasonal averages to determine whether conditions favor wading, floating, or staying home. For the Guadalupe trout zone, 60-150 CFS means good wading; above 200 CFS, plan on floating.

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