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Guadalupe River Fly Fishing

The Guadalupe River is a prime destination for fly fishing in Texas, known for its year-round trout fishing and scenic waters. As one of the southernmost trout fisheries in the United States, the river offers both experienced anglers and newcomers a unique fly fishing experience. Whether you’re chasing trophy-sized trout or simply enjoying a day on the water, understanding the river’s characteristics and key seasonal information is essential. In America, this river stands out not only for its fishing potential but also for its stunning natural beauty, with colorful rainbow trout and brown trout adding vibrant colors to the cold water. Across the various parts of the nation, the difference it makes to fishing enthusiasts is remarkable, offering a unique experience to anyone.

Best times to
fish the Guadalupe river

The Guadalupe River is fishable throughout the year, but certain seasons yield better results. The prime time for fly fishing is from late fall to early spring, typically from November through March. This period coincides with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s trout stocking program, ensuring high fish density. In an average season, the number of fish caught can be quite impressive, particularly when equipped properly with a suitable leader and tippet. During these months, cooler water temperatures support a thriving trout population, making it the perfect time for fly anglers to visit. As any dedicated angler would agree, fishing during these months offers the highest chance to catch the impressive rainbow and brown trout that populate the river.

In the warmer months, targeting early mornings and late evenings can still be productive, especially when chasing native species like bass. The key is to adapt your tactics to the time of year and current water conditions. It’s essential to explore the riffles, eddys, pools, and stream areas for optimal catches, and sometimes using a nymph can increase your chances. While some sections of the river may present more challenges due to elevated temperatures, experienced guides recommend seeking out specific sections and employing float trips using rafts to access cooler, deeper pools. Observing indicators like water flow and temperature can provide helpful insights for when and where to fish.

Essential information for our
Guadalupe river trips

Before hitting the water, preparation is key. Donning your waders and having the right setup will make a significant difference. Here are some essentials to know for your fly fishing trip on the Guadalupe River, complete with insights from top guides that could turn your adventure into a successful catch. The combination of the right gear, such as a well-matched tippet and leader, and knowledge of the stream’s behaviors plays a crucial role in a successful outing. Casting in the right places, such as near the bottom of a riffle or pool, can lead to exciting rewards.

What to expect on our
Guadalupe river trips

A trip on the Guadalupe River is as much about the experience as it is about the catch. With its scenic limestone bluffs and deep pools, the river provides a peaceful setting for a day out. Expect varying flows in the rivers, so having local insight or going with a guide is always a smart move. Rio Anglers takes pride in ensuring clients have the best opportunities, from selecting productive stretches of water to using tried-and-true fly patterns that match the season’s hatch. These guides are excellent leaders in navigating the picturesque trout streams that wind through the state.

When fly fishing with Rio Anglers, you’ll receive expert guidance on techniques and prime spots to maximize your trip’s success. Whether it’s teaching new anglers or helping experienced ones hone their skills, Rio Anglers ensures every trip is memorable and productive. With their expert guidance, your potential for a rewarding day on the river is significantly increased, providing every angler a chance to relish the bountiful offerings of the Guadalupe River, a true gem among the country’s trout fisheries, and one of the most cherished fishing places in TX.

Guadalupe river
Hatch patterns

Understanding the local hatches can significantly improve your success on the water. Here’s a month-by-month guide to what you can expect from the myriad of local aquatic life in the area, helping you to choose the right fly and approach for the season. Paying attention to weather conditions and how they affect the trout stream can also enhance your fishing experience.

WHat our guests say about us

Dan C
We had a great time fishing the Guadalupe River with Judson. He is very knowledgable and patience! We will definetely use him again! Thank you!
Stephen j.
Who knew that you could catch trout in the middle of the Texas heat in the summer? I certainly did not. Jud put my brother and I on a wonderful adventure down the Guadalupe River between Austin and San Antonio at the end of May. The water was gin clear, even with all the rains from the days before. The scenery was beautiful. Judson taught us a lot about the history and formation of the Guadalupe River. Most importantly we caught fish. Not just one fish, we each caught several. I have Judson to thank for my PB brown trout and PB rainbow.
Terry e.
Judson Cole provided great service on this trip. First of all, he kept me safe. He knows the River well and put me on some great fish. He provided the right amount of guidance based on my experience level. I highly recommend Judson!
jay F.
We had a great day with Judson fishing on the Guadalupe River. Judson is an excellent guide and great to fish with!
mark c.
Judson Cole was unbelievably knowledgeable and patient. My wife and I took our 6 and 9 year old boys and Judson was truly exceptional. Fished around the world with many guides but Judson may have been the best.
Anthony w.
Had another fantastic day in the Guadalupe River with Jud Cole who put us on the fish! Pops caught his first on the fly! Will most definitely be back!
mark p.
My friend and I recently took a guided trout fishing trip on the Guad with Jud and it was phenomenal. I'd been fly fishing a few times and had the basics down, while my friend was brand new. We both got an incredibly personalized experience from Jud -- my friend got lessons, coaching, and a personal hype man that helped him land his first trout on a fly line while I got the tweaks I needed to help sand some of the rough edges off of my casting and break some bad habits. Jud taught us an incredible amount about the fish and the ecosystem, and really raised our awareness and appreciation for the Guad and our Texas waters. He also allowed me to pick his brain on fly selection, line setup, knots, and half a dozen other things. He kept us laughing and learning the entire trip. Oh yeah, and we caught some nice fish! Looking forward to fishing again soon.
Tom w.
All my son wanted for his 13th birthday was a day fly fishing with Dad. Being pretty new to fly fishing, I reached out to a two much more experienced and knowledgeable folks about guides within about 5-6 hours of home. Both of them were quick to recommend Jud with some form of the statement "you'll never regret it for a minute." That sealed it. Our day on the San Marcos River with Jud was a gift in every way. Both of us learned a ton throughout the day and had plenty of action in the water. Fly fishing can be an intimidating pastime to get into...lots to learn and experience. Count Jud amongst the folks that are all about sharing their love of the outdoors and their expertise in a way that makes you long for the water every day going forward. They mix their passion and knowledge with a healthy dose of Texas hospitality to create something very special for their clients!
Jacob R.
Went out for a full day float trip with Jud Cole and had a blast. I went with my soon to be brother-in-law, who is relatively new to fly-fishing while I have 20 years casting experience (you'd think I'd be a better angler...). Jud spent just the right amount of time teaching my bro-in-law and letting us fish and actually catch. He is very patient, never got frusterated, and a pleasure in the boat.
Paul J.
Our group of 4 anglers landed over 20 trout - but Jud put us into a position where we could have landed over 50 trout. He knows the river and was awesome to be with - best fly fishing ever!
jordan d.
A friend an I took a day trip with Jud to try our luck on the Guadeloupe. Talk about a great trip! Jud kept us going all day and knew all of the good spots. We caught rainbows all day long . Jud was awesome to hang out with and full of important knowledge . We'll definitely be back!