San Antonio Fishing Guides
San Antonio fishing charters give anglers access to the San Antonio River, nearby lakes like Calaveras and Braunig, and a short drive to the Guadalupe River for bass, catfish, and redfish action.
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San Antonio, TX Fishing Guide
San Antonio sits inland, but its freshwater fishing scene is strong thanks to a network of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers within a quick drive. Most local guides offer half-day and full-day trips, with some night fishing available during the hotter months. Launches often happen at Calaveras Lake Park, Braunig Lake Park, or public ramps along the Guadalupe River. For those willing to drive an hour or two, you can connect with coastal guides running bays and nearshore trips out of Corpus Christi or Port Aransas.
The structure here is varied—warmwater power plant lakes like Calaveras and Braunig hold redfish, hybrid striped bass, and catfish year-round, while the Guadalupe River’s clear waters are known for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout in the colder months. The San Antonio River itself is more of a quiet-water option, best fished with light tackle for bass, panfish, and gar along shaded bends and undercut banks.
Run distances are minimal on most trips—on Calaveras, you’re often fishing within 10 minutes of leaving the dock. On the Guadalupe, guides may float several miles, working riffles, pools, and eddies. Coastal runs, if booked, can involve an hour or more in the truck to get to the launch, then a short boat ride to bay reefs or flats.
Seasonally, fishing shifts with water temperatures. In spring, bass are shallow on beds; in summer, many species feed best early or late to avoid heat; in fall, cooling temps bring aggressive feeding; and in winter, trout stocking in the Guadalupe provides a unique local draw. Techniques range from live bait rigs for catfish, jigging spoons for redfish, soft plastics for bass, to fly fishing for trout.
While San Antonio’s inland location means no deep-sea charters from town, the variety of freshwater targets and proximity to the coast give anglers plenty of options year-round. With experienced local captains, you can tailor your trip to everything from power plant lake redfish to river trout, all without leaving the South Texas Hill Country.
Fishing Seasons in San Antonio
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing around San Antonio kicks off with warming water and active fish. Largemouth bass in Calaveras, Braunig, and the Guadalupe River move shallow for the spawn, making them more aggressive and easier to target with soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Catfish become active as well, especially on cut shad or live bluegill near channel edges. Hybrid striped bass and freshwater redfish in Calaveras respond well to live bait rigs and jigging spoons over points. Spring also marks prime Guadalupe River trout action before warming temps push them upstream. Guides often run early morning trips to take advantage of cooler water and reduced wind, with half-day trips being common this time of year.
Summer (June–August)
Summer heat shifts fishing patterns to early mornings, evenings, and night trips. Bass retreat to deeper structure during midday, so Carolina rigs, drop shots, and deep-diving crankbaits produce. On Calaveras and Braunig, freshwater redfish bite well during low-light hours, with live perch or spoons working near the power plant discharge where water stays warm. Catfish night fishing picks up, with guides anchoring on deep flats and using cut bait. Many anglers also make the trip to the coast for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in nearby bays. Hydration and sun protection are key, as South Texas summers can be punishing.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is one of the best fishing seasons in the San Antonio area. Cooling air and water temperatures spark heavy feeding in bass, hybrid stripers, and redfish. Shad schools move shallow, and working topwater lures or swimbaits early in the day can lead to explosive bites. Catfish remain consistent on fresh cut bait. In the Guadalupe River, smallmouth bass feed aggressively in riffles and along rocky shorelines. Charter captains often recommend full-day trips in fall, as the mild weather keeps the bite steady throughout the day. Coastal runs also shine in fall, with peak redfish and trout action in the bays.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing centers around trout on the Guadalupe River, where TPWD stocks rainbows regularly. Light spinning gear or fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, and small spoons is productive. Calaveras and Braunig maintain warm-water fisheries thanks to power plant discharge, so hybrid stripers, redfish, and catfish remain active year-round. Bass slow down but can still be caught on jigs, jerkbaits, and slow-rolled spinnerbaits in deeper water. Many winter trips are half-day outings timed for the warmest part of the day, especially when cold fronts push through.
Gamefish in San Antonio
- Largemouth Bass – 1–5 lbs. Found in Calaveras, Braunig, and the Guadalupe; hit soft plastics and crankbaits in spring and fall.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–3 lbs. Caught in the Guadalupe River around rocky riffles; best in cooler months.
- Hybrid Striped Bass – 2–8 lbs. In Calaveras and Braunig; taken on live bait rigs or jigging spoons near points
- Freshwater Redfish – 3–10 lbs. Stocked in Calaveras and Braunig; respond to spoons and live perch near warm-water discharge.
- Blue Catfish – 2–20 lbs. Found in local lakes and rivers; best on cut bait over channel edges
- Channel Catfish – 1–5 lbs. Year-round in area lakes; caught on stink bait, cut shad, and worms.
- Rainbow Trout – 10–16 in. Stocked in the Guadalupe River; targeted with flies or small spinners in winter.
- Gar – 5–20 lbs. Lurk in the San Antonio River; caught on live or cut bait near slow pools.
San Antonio Fishing FAQs
Where do most fishing trips launch in San Antonio?
Most local trips launch from Calaveras Lake Park, Braunig Lake Park, or public access points on the Guadalupe River. Some guides may also arrange pickups at smaller ramps on the San Antonio River
What trip lengths are common for San Antonio fishing charters?
Half-day (4–5 hour) trips are common for local lakes and rivers. Full-day trips are popular in fall or when traveling to coastal waters for a wider variety of species.
Is fishing gear provided by San Antonio guides?
Yes, most guides supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly fishing trips often provide specialized gear, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
Do I need a fishing license for San Antonio water
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for both residents and non-residents. Freshwater and saltwater endorsements apply depending on your trip type.
When is the best time to fish in San Antonio?
Fall offers some of the most consistent action across species, but spring is excellent for bass, and winter draws anglers for trout on the Guadalupe.
What fishing techniques are used locally?
Common methods include live bait rigs for catfish and redfish, soft plastics and crankbaits for bass, jigging spoons for hybrid stripers, and fly fishing for trout.
What species can I expect to catch in San Antonio?
Depending on the lake or river, you can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid stripers, freshwater redfish, catfish, rainbow trout, and gar.
How many people can join a charter?
Most local fishing boats take 2–4 anglers comfortably. Larger groups may be split between multiple boats.
Are there specialty trips available in San Antonio?
Yes, some guides offer night fishing for catfish and redfish in summer, as well as fly fishing trips for Guadalupe trout in winter.