FishCondishGuadalupe River, TX Fishing Report & Live Conditions
Guadalupe River, TX fishing report
The Guadalupe tailwater below Canyon Dam is primarily a trout fishery, with rainbow and brown trout thriving in the cold, oxygen-rich releases year-round. Winter and early spring bring peak trout activity as flows stay cool and consistent. Smallmouth bass pick up in the rocky upper stretches through late spring and summer, while largemouth move into slower, warmer bends downstream toward New Braunfels. Channel catfish and flatheads are reliable all year in deeper holes, and pan fishers find sunfish and white bass throughout. Walleye and chain pickerel appear occasionally but aren't primary targets here — treat them as a surprise bonus.
Trout stack in the seams and tailouts below riffles when dam releases are steady and water temps hold in the low-to-mid 50s — drift small San Juan Worms, midge nymphs, or PowerBait under an indicator for consistent results. When flows spike, fish drop into slower eddy pockets behind boulders; when flows drop, wade carefully and work the deeper runs. Smallmouth love the rocky ledges mid-river and respond well to crawfish-imitating soft plastics or small hair jigs. Catfish settle into outside bends and deeper scour holes; cut shad or chicken liver fished on the bottom after dark produces well in warmer months. Monitor USGS gauge data before your trip — flow changes dramatically affect fish positioning and wading safety on this river.
Guadalupe River, TX river flow
The closest active USGS gauge to Guadalupe River, TX is Guadalupe Rv at Sattler, TX (site 08167800), about 1.4 miles away. It drains roughly 1,436 square miles. Flow is the single best predictor of where fish sit in moving water, so it is worth knowing what normal looks like before you read today's number.
In July, this gauge typically runs about 202 cfs.
| Month | Median flow |
|---|---|
| Jan | 142 cfs |
| Feb | 163 cfs |
| Mar | 193 cfs |
| Apr | 211 cfs |
| May | 203 cfs |
| Jun | 237 cfs |
| Jul | 202 cfs |
| Aug | 134 cfs |
| Sep | 145 cfs |
| Oct | 114 cfs |
| Nov | 145 cfs |
| Dec | 113 cfs |
Median flow from the USGS daily-statistics record. For the live flow, gage height, water temperature, and today's fishing score, open the Guadalupe River, TX dashboard.
What's biting near Guadalupe River, TX
The species most likely to be feeding the tailwater trout runs below Canyon Dam and the river near New Braunfels: largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, chain pickerel, catfish, and panfish. FishCondish grades every hour of the day for Guadalupe River, TX and gives each species its own bite forecast, so you can see which window is worth fishing before you load the truck.
Guadalupe River, TX fishing FAQ
What fish can you catch at Guadalupe River, TX?
The species bite forecast for Guadalupe River, TX covers what's likely feeding there, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, chain pickerel, catfish, and panfish — and updates with the live conditions.
What's the best time of day to fish Guadalupe River, TX?
Dawn and dusk are usually the most productive windows on the tailwater trout runs below Canyon Dam and the river near New Braunfels, particularly when the barometric pressure is steady or falling. FishCondish grades every hour of the day so you can pick the best one.
When is the best season to fish Guadalupe River, TX?
Spring and fall are typically strongest on the tailwater trout runs below Canyon Dam and the river near New Braunfels as water temperatures sit in the productive range, with summer fishing best early and late in the day. It varies year to year, so check the live conditions before you head out.
How do I know if it's a good day to fish Guadalupe River, TX?
FishCondish combines wind, water level, water temperature, pressure trend, and moon phase into a single 1–10 fishing score for Guadalupe River, TX, updated in real time — a quick go/no-go read before you make the trip.
Fishing tips for Guadalupe River, TX
New to these waters? Start with these beginner-friendly guides: