By:
Shane Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter
Rainbow trout fishing in New Braunfels, Texas? Listed in America’s 100 Best Trout Streams, the Guadalupe River in Texas is the southernmost trout fishery in the United States. Through the efforts of the Guadalupe Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRTU) and Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), fishermen can fly fish for trout year-round. Portions of the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake maintain a low enough water temperature to sustain rainbow and brown trout.
The Guadalupe River chapter of Trout Unlimited is the largest chapter in the nation. The section of the Guadalupe River is managed as a trophy trout fishery and the quality of the fishing improves every year. The Guadalupe River is stocked each winter by Texas Parks and Wildlife as well as Trout Unlimited. The average Guadalupe trout will be in the 12” to 14” range. Fish over 20” are not uncommon and many each year are in the five-to-eight-pound range.
There are a few special regulations in effect from the second bridge crossing on River Road, upstream to the easternmost bridge crossing on FM Road 306. In this area, there is an 18” minimum size limit, a one trout daily bag, and the restriction that only trout caught on an artificial lure or fly may be harvested. Anglers may fish with all other legal means and methods, and may harvest all fish except trout.
The Guadalupe River is a tailwater. Cold water is released from the bottom of the Canyon Lake dam. As a result, the Guadalupe River has the potential for the trout to survive year-round. This section of river is best to fly fish during the winter months, but trout can be caught every month of the year.
The Guadalupe River streambed below Canyon Lake is publicly owned, but the river banks are all private property. Because public access is limited, the best way to fish the Guadalupe River is to float. All of our Guadalupe River floats are done in comfortable, stable rafts with room for two fishermen and one guide. Full-day and half-day floats are available. Early morning half-day float trips are the best option during the warmer months due to recreational traffic. The Guadalupe River dates fill up fast during the winter months so book your date well in advance.
Contact the Club Outfitter staff to arrange your trout fly fishing trip today!
Shane Reynolds is the Outdoor Recreation Director and Outfitter at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at outfitter@cordilleraranch.com or 210.616.6051.
