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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 2 days ago
San Marcos River
Fishable
Flow84 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclear
Temp84°F
Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6Crayfish Patterns #6Grasshopper Patterns #8-10
Edwards Aquifer showing its first meaningful decline — J-17 dropped to 636.6 feet (down 2 full feet from 638.6 last week, 10-day average ~638.2). San Antonio Pool remains at Stage 3 restrictions. San Marcos Springs at 84 CFS, down from 91 CFS three days ago — the spring-fed buffer is finally starting to reflect the aquifer decline, though it still remains the most reliable wade trip in the state. Guadalupe bass remain the primary target — topwater poppers in morning riffles and along cypress root structure producing explosive strikes. Rio Grande cichlids aggressive along banks on Pat's Hot Tail Mini-Craw and deer hair ants. Terrestrial season at full peak: grasshopper patterns #8-10 remain the undisputed top surface producer along grassy banks, with foam beetles #12-14 and deer hair ants #14-16 as reliable secondary options. Water temps at 84°F — the dawn window is non-negotiable. First light to 8:30am is the only reliably productive period. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) is 6 days out — expect the heaviest recreational traffic of the year. Avoid entirely. Weekday mornings only for serious fly anglers.
Llano River
Fishable
Flow85 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclear
Temp80°F
Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8Grasshopper Patterns #8-10Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6Woolly Buggers olive/black #8-10
The Llano's steady decline continues — now at 85 CFS, down from 98 CFS three days ago and from 127 CFS a week ago (10-day average ~100 CFS). The river has dropped 42 CFS in a week with no rain in sight. Still fishable and gin-clear with excellent sight-fishing conditions on the limestone-bottom sections, but the kayak float window is closing fast. At 85 CFS this is dedicated wading water — riffles are easily crossable and pools still hold fish, but the Castell-to-Mason float now requires dragging over multiple gravel bars and some shallower sections are no longer practical for kayaks. Topwater remains the top approach — grasshopper patterns #8-10 are the undisputed surface producer as terrestrial season peaks. Topwater poppers in white/chartreuse #6-8 drawing explosive strikes in morning riffles and along shaded structure. Crayfish patterns #6-8 the best subsurface option in rocky runs where fish are concentrating as water drops. Water temps at 80°F — fish dawn to 9am for the best action. At this rate of decline, the Llano will drop below 70 CFS by mid-week and approach unfloatable levels across most sections. Flash flood risk persists with scattered afternoon thunderstorm chances but no organized rain expected. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) 6 days out — the Llano sees less recreational pressure than the Guadalupe, making it a better option for holiday-weekend fishing if you're willing to wade.
Guadalupe River (Tailwater)
Fishable
Flow57 CFS at Sattler
Trendfalling
Clarityclear
Temp77°F
Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6BH Woolly Buggers black/olive #10-12Topwater Poppers white #6-8Grasshopper Patterns #8-10
The stabilization was temporary — the tailwater has resumed its decline, dropping from 63 CFS to 57 CFS at Sattler in three days (10-day average ~63 CFS). Canyon Lake at 58.7% full with releases staying minimal. The tailwater is now firmly in its late-May floor and approaching the lowest flows we've seen this season. Fish are packed even tighter into the remaining deeper pools and along cypress root structure — mid-depth runs that held fish two weeks ago are now too thin. Water temps at 77°F and climbing — trout season is completely over, do not target holdover rainbows under any circumstances. At 77°F catch-and-release mortality is unacceptable. Guadalupe bass and largemouth remain the only game — Clouser Minnows stripped along shaded banks and cypress roots are the top subsurface producer, critical now with fish stacked in the shrinking deeper water. Topwater poppers still generating explosive strikes in morning riffles. Grasshopper patterns #8-10 remain the dominant surface fly — hoppers blanketing every bank and bass crushing them. Damselfly activity strong at dawn. At 57 CFS, wade access is actually improving for those willing to walk — exposed gravel bars provide more crossing points — but the fishable water is increasingly concentrated. All guides running warmwater trips exclusively through fall. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) 6 days out — the tailwater is already unfishable by 10am on weekends. Fish first light to 9am or commit to weekdays only.
Guadalupe (Freestone)
Fishable
Flow43 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclear
Temp82°F
Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8Grasshopper Patterns #8-10Woolly Buggers olive/black #8-10Clouser Minnows #4-6
The freestone Guadalupe is approaching drought baseline — 43 CFS at Spring Branch, down from 48 CFS three days ago (10-day average ~49 CFS). Now only 6 CFS above the 37 CFS drought baseline and the gap is closing daily. Most side channels have fully disconnected and the majority of shallower riffles are dry cobble. Fish are stacked in the remaining deeper pools and tightly against cypress root structure — there's simply nowhere else for them to go. Sight-fishing is excellent in the gin-clear low water but fish are extremely spooky with minimal cover and warming temps. Grasshopper patterns #8-10 remain the top producer — hoppers are everywhere along the banks and the concentrated bass are still crushing them. Topwater poppers tight to cypress root structure at dawn still generating explosive strikes, but you must target the deeper pools exclusively at this level. Woolly Buggers stripped through pools connecting with largemouth. Foam beetles #12-14 and deer hair ants #14-16 reliable secondary surface options. Water temps at 82°F push all productive fishing into a tight first-light-to-8:30am window — these fish are stressed. At 43 CFS this section is marginal. Wade with extreme caution to avoid disturbing fish in their limited holding water — stepping through a pool at this level scatters every fish in it. Without rain, this section will hit drought baseline within days and is not worth fishing. Handle all fish with extreme care — warm water mortality risk is significant at 82°F.
🎣 TACTICS RIGHT NOW
Dry Fly
Terrestrial season at full peak across all Hill Country rivers. Grasshopper Patterns #8-10 are the undisputed top surface producer — late-May heat has hoppers blanketing every bank and bass are crushing them. Topwater Poppers white/chartreuse #6-8 deadly in morning riffles on the San Marcos at 84 CFS and the Llano at 85 CFS where the dropping water is concentrating fish into targetable pools. Foam Beetles #12-14 and Deer Hair Ants #14-16 remain consistent secondary options across all rivers. Damselfly activity strong on the tailwater at dawn. Do not target trout — water temps at 77°F+ across all sections.
Nymph
Crayfish Patterns #6-8 for bass in riffles and along structure across all rivers — the Llano at 85 CFS with gin-clear water still offers the best sight-nymphing conditions as fish concentrate in pools during the decline. Pat's Hot Tail Mini-Craw for Rio Grande cichlids on the San Marcos. The tailwater at 57 CFS has fish packed tightly in deeper pools where nymphed crayfish patterns along structure are connecting. The freestone Guadalupe at 43 CFS is marginal — target the remaining deeper pools only with crayfish patterns bounced along cypress roots. Trout nymphing is done for the season — water temps far too high.
Streamer
Clouser Minnows chartreuse/white #4-6 remain the most versatile subsurface pattern — especially effective on the tailwater at 57 CFS where bass are packed into the remaining deeper pools and along cypress root structure. BH Woolly Buggers black/olive #8-12 producing well on the tailwater and Llano. The freestone Guadalupe at 43 CFS is marginal for streamers — only the deepest pools hold enough water and fish scatter easily at this level. Small Frog Patterns #6 for largemouth in slower pools on the tailwater. Drunk n Disorderly and Ball Peen Craw patterns effective on San Marcos for larger bass along submerged timber.
The San Marcos at 84 CFS remains this week's top pick — spring-fed reliability makes it the safest bet while other rivers decline, though even the San Marcos is showing its first dip as the aquifer drops. The Llano at 85 CFS is still fishable with gin-clear water and concentrated bass, but it's dropping fast (down from 98 CFS three days ago) and float sections are no longer practical. The tailwater at 57 CFS at Sattler has resumed its decline after a brief stabilization — fish are stacked in structure and the morning topwater bite remains strong. The freestone Guadalupe at 43 CFS is marginal with only 6 CFS above drought baseline — tread carefully and handle fish gently in the 82°F water. Trout: season is over everywhere, water temps 77°F+ across all sections. Fish dawn to 8:30am — late-May heat shuts things down earlier each week. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) is 6 days out — expect the heaviest recreational traffic of the year on the Guadalupe and San Marcos. Weekday mornings only.
FORECASTThe aquifer decline is the headline this week — J-17 dropped 2 full feet to 636.6 from 638.6, the first meaningful decline after weeks of stability. Even the San Marcos is feeling it, dipping from 91 to 84 CFS. The Llano continues its relentless drop — 85 CFS, down from 127 a week ago, with float sections now impractical. The freestone Guadalupe at 43 CFS is only 6 CFS above drought baseline and effectively marginal. The tailwater resumed its decline after a brief stabilization — 57 CFS at Sattler, down from 63. Canyon Lake at 58.7% full with releases minimal. Without rain, the freestone Guadalupe will hit drought baseline this week and the Llano will drop below 70 CFS. The San Marcos remains the safest bet but watch the aquifer level closely. Terrestrial season at full peak: grasshoppers dominating on every clear-water river. Full warmwater mode continues through fall. Devils River expeditions are in their prime May-June window — book now for remaining dates before summer heat peaks. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) is 6 days out — expect maximum recreational traffic on the Guadalupe and San Marcos. Weekday mornings only.Edwards Aquifer declining — J-17 well at 636.6 feet (down 2 feet from 638.6 last week, 10-day average ~638.2 feet). San Antonio Pool at Stage 3 restrictions. This is the first significant aquifer decline of the season and it's showing up in spring flows for the first time. The Llano continues its rapid decline — 85 CFS and falling with no rain in sight. Highs in the mid-to-upper 90s through the coming week with scattered afternoon thunderstorm chances but no organized rain expected. Flash flood risk remains a factor — Hill Country rivers can spike fast with any organized storm cell but a spike would be welcome at this point. Canyon Lake at 58.7% full with releases staying minimal, driving the continued decline to 57 CFS on the tailwater. Memorial Day weekend (May 25) is 6 days out — expect the heaviest recreational pressure of the year on all accessible rivers. Weekday mornings only for quality fishing. Water temps at summer levels across all rivers: 77-84°F depending on section. Dawn-to-8:30am fishing window is the only productive period — late-May heat shuts down feeding early.

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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