Fishing Trips

Do you want to go fishing? Canyon Lake is two miles from us and The Guadalupe River is less than ½ mile. Whether you are a veteran angler or a family looking for an easy catch for the frying pan, the Canyon Lake area has what you are looking for- but …. Lets point you in the right direction.

Trout Fishing

The Guadalupe is known for Trout Fishing. The cold water being supplied by the deep waters of Canyon Lake is able to sustain trout all year long making the Guadalupe River the southernmost freshwater trout fishery in the United States. The Guadalupe Trout Unlimited Membership is 4000 strong which is the largest Trout Unlimited organization in existence. “Proof positive” that the Guadalupe River is a very special trout fishery.

For the experienced fly fisherman that wants to fish on there own, it is highly recommended that you join GRTU as they have a lease access program to allow River access. GRTU also has meetings throughout the year so you can get the information from those that are very knowledgeable. You can find more information at www.grtu.org
For those that are experienced or want to try have a fly fishing experience but are limited on time, you may choose to hire a fishing guide for your adventure. There is a local fly shop and offers guided trips. You can find them at www.reelfly.net Tell Brent Yogi sent you!

For those less experienced or the fisherman that wants a little easier catch, the state stocks the River typically in December and January. This location is at the base of the Canyon Lake Dam. Go west out of our property 2 miles to the South Access Road. Turn left and travel approximately ½ mile. You will see the dam on the right side of the road. There is a parking lot on the left side of the road.

Canyon Lake Trout Stocking Schedule

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers to control the seasonal flooding that occurs on the Guadalupe River. It was impounded in 1964, creating a lake covering 8,240 surface acres and 125 feet deep at the pool level of 909 feet above mean sea level.

Canyon Lake Angling Opportunities

Largemouth bass is the most popular and most abundant sportfish in the reservoir. White bass and striped bass also provide an excellent fishery. Stripers provide excellent angling because of their growth potential and strong fighting characteristics. An annual TPWD stocking program maintains the fishery because striped bass do not successfully reproduce in this reservoir. Crappie fishing is generally poor, although occasionally good catches can be made, especially along standing timber in the river. Angling for redbreast sunfish can provide an excellent fishing experience for the family. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are present in good numbers. A low density smallmouth bass fishery exists. These fish were stocked in the 1970s and 1980s and persist through natural reproduction. Fishing for smallmouth is better in the lower 1/3 of the reservoir.
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Fishing Cover/Structure

Canyon Lake is dominated by steep rocky banks, isolated flooded timber, and clear water typical of a highland reservoir. The water becomes stained as one moves up the reservoir and into the river. In most of the lake rock ledges, rock piles, steep drop-offs, flooded timber, and a few marinas provide cover for game fish. Cedar-tree and plastic fish attractors have been added to provide additional structure. See online fish attractor map | Get downloadable file

The river portion of the reservoir is dominated by flooded timber, rock ledges, and laydowns. When the water level is high, largemouth bass anglers should concentrate on flooded terrestrial vegetation.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on Canyon Lake during the spring, fall, and winter months. Bass fishing in summer on this highland reservoir can be difficult even for the most experienced anglers. Topwater baits such as buzzbaits, Zara Spooks, and Pop-R’s are popular in the early morning and evening hours. On cloudy days consistent topwater action can occur all day. Crankbaits are also very popular fished along main-lake points, rocky shorelines, and flooded timber. Popular soft plastic baits include worms, spider grubs, grubs, and soft-jerkbaits. Try spinning gear and light line (6-10 lb.) in main-lake clear water situations.

For white and striped bass in the summer and early fall, look for schooling activity around main-lake points and humps. These fish can be caught using topwater baits, jigging spoons, grubs, and rattletraps. Popular techniques for striped bass are trolling with in-line spinners and crankbaits and vertically jigging white bucktail jigs. Live bait presentations for both striped and white bass are popular at all times of the year. White bass spawning migrations occur from February through April. During these months, white and striped bass can be concentrated in the river portion of the reservoir. Anglers catch them using small in-line spinners, small jigs, jigging spoons, small crankbaits, and live bait presentations.

Catfish anglers can find channel, blue, and flathead catfish throughout the reservoir. Channel catfish dominate the fishery. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for channel and blue catfish, while live bait is preferred for flathead catfish. The most consistent catches come from the upper third of the reservoir. Trotlining is very popular for flathead catfish.

Stock Pond Fishing:

Want to be confident what you will be eating fish for Supper? Pretty much a safe bet with Fisherman’s Corner www.canyonlakefishing.com or call (210) 213-2534.

Fisherman’s corner offers stock ponds that you can fish from the bank. They charge by the pound and can provide cleaning and have your fish on ice if you like. Fisherman’s Corner has a nicely stocked bait and tackle shop and knows there way around the lake.

Guadalupe River Trout Stocking Locations

The map below shows trout stocking locations on the Guadalupe River between the Canyon Lake dam and the City of New Braunfels. Trout will be stocked at the tailrace area, Whitewater Sports, Rio Raft/bridge crossing in Sattler, Third Crossing, and Camp Huaco Springs.

Free public access is provided at the tailrace area. In addition, free access will be available for trout anglers at Camp Huaco Springs from December 2, 2011 through February 5, 2012. Whitewater Sports, Rio Raft and other privately owned camps in the area charge fees for the use of their facilities.

Please note special regulations are 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-inch minimum size limit, a one trout daily bag, and the restriction that only trout caught on artificial lures may be harvested. Anglers may fish with all other legal means and methods, and may harvest all fish except trout.