UTERGuadalupe bass fishing in Texas freshwater
In Texas freshwater, Guadalupe bass peak March–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Hill Country rivers wake up — the Llano, Pedernales, Blanco and San Marcos.
Fall: Guadalupe bass in the runs below the riffles.
Guadalupe bass in Texas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakHill Country rivers wake up — the Llano, Pedernales, Blanco and San Marcos.
- AprilSpawningOn the beds in the riffle tails; wade and throw small crankbaits.
- MaySpawningSpawn tapers; the best wading of the year on the Llano.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall: Guadalupe bass in the runs below the riffles.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish Guadalupe bass near Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork
The big East Texas bass lakes — Fork, Rayburn, Toledo Bend — Texoma's stripers, white bass runs up every river, Hill Country rivers with native Guadalupe bass, giant alligator gar, and winter trout.
What to use for Guadalupe bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 50–88°F water, best at 62–80°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Guadalupe bass in Texas freshwater?
Peak season is March–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April–May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Guadalupe bass are here year-round. March: Hill Country rivers wake up — the Llano, Pedernales, Blanco and San Marcos.
Where do Guadalupe bass hold in Texas freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream — around Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Lake Texoma, Lake Conroe, Guadalupe River.
What is the best bait for Guadalupe bass in Texas freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners). Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Guadalupe bass in Texas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and change — read the current rule at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/licenses.
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