Fishing the Guadalupe River & Beyond
Seated at the headwaters of the Guadalupe River, your access to the sparkling waters of one of Texas’ most beloved rivers begins in Kerrville. The river is a renowned trout fishery with impressively sized Guadalupe trout as well as black bass, crappie, sunfish, and more. With rental and retail shops along the river, there are plenty of places to get outfitted for your next fishing adventure!
Where To Fish in Kerrville
Kerrville has some great fishing spots, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to cast a line or a guided experience. Kerrville-Schreiner Park offers a stretch of the Guadalupe River with shore fishing and kayak access—perfect for catching bass, perch, and catfish. There’s a small day-use fee, and you can find bait and rentals nearby. Right in the heart of town, Louise Hays Park is a convenient and family-friendly spot with easy access to the river, picnic areas, and trails. Try fishing early in the morning or around sunset for the best chance at bass and sunfish. Flat Rock Park is a local favorite with deeper pools and wide, open banks. It’s great for catfish, bass, and even the occasional carp, plus there’s plenty of room for bank fishing or launching a kayak. For a more private experience, Shonto Ranch offers guided trips on spring-fed creeks and stocked lakes, where you can fish for trophy rainbow trout, bass, and more.
Top Fishing Spots in Kerr County
The Guadalupe River winds its way through Kerrville and runs parallel to our Historic Downtown. From our most popular parks to spots off-the-beaten-path, you can find all the best places to reel in your next big catch here.
Know Before You Go
- Fishing License: Required for most anglers 17+. You can buy one online or at local sporting goods stores.
- Catch Limits: Vary by species—check Texas Parks & Wildlife for up-to-date regulations.
- Trout Season: TPWD stocks rainbow trout in Kerrville and Ingram between November and February.
- State life jacket requirements: State life jacket requirements: Texas law requires you to have a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket on board when paddling on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, and children under 13 must wear one while the vessel is underway.
Fish Local to the Area
- Black crappie
- Bluegill
- Channel catfish
- Chain pickerel
- Common carp
- Flathead catfish
- Gizzard shad
- Gray redhorse
- Green Sunfish
- Guadalupe bass
- Largemouth bass
- Longear sunfish
- Longnose gar
- Rainbow trout
- Redbreast sunfish
- Redear sunfish
- Redspotted sunfish
- Rio Grande cichlid
- Warmouth
- White bass
- White crappie
- Yellow bullhead
Best Seasons by Species
| Season | Species |
|---|---|
| Winter–Spring | Rainbow & golden rainbow trout (Nov–Apr) |
| Year‑Round | Largemouth bass (peak Mar–Nov) |
| Year‑Round | Catfish & sunfish/perch |
Best Places to Fish
The Guadalupe River winds its way through Kerrville and runs parallel to our Historic Downtown. From our most popular parks to spots off-the-beaten-path, you can find all the best places to reel in your next big catch here.
Kerrville & Kerr County Fishing FAQ
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 years and older. You can purchase licenses online at the Texas Parks & Wildlife website, at local sporting goods stores, or at many bait shops in the area.
Yes, live bait is allowed. However, if you have live bait left over, Parks & Wildlife officials ask that you not put them in the river to help restore native species.
The premier locations include:
– Louise Hays Park – Excellent for stocked trout (winter months), plus year-round bass, sunfish, and catfish
– Ingram Dam – Great for largemouth bass above and below the dam
– Kerrville Lake – 101-acre lake with bass, bluegill, and warmouth, accessible via Kerrville-Schreiner Park or Flat Rock Park
– Nimitz Lake – Good for largemouth bass and sunfish
– Upper Guadalupe River – Native Guadalupe bass and scenic fishing
– Town Creek, Turtle Creek, and Goat Creek – Local favorites
Most of the land along the Guadalupe River is privately owned, so it is wise to plan fishing trips ahead of time and ensure you have permission or are fishing from public access points.
Game Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, Guadalupe bass (Texas state fish),
white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish
Sunfish Family: Bluegill, redear sunfish, longear sunfish, green sunfish
Trout: Rainbow (stocked in winter months)
Other Species: Rio Grande cichlid, freshwater drum, gar species, various minnows
Trout is typically stocked during the cooler months (Release dates are in December and January).
Louise Hays Park is a primary stocking location where Texas Parks & Wildlife recently released 1,200 trout.
Spring, Fall: Excellent for bass fishing with moderate temperatures
Summer: Early morning and evening for bass; good for catfish
Winter: Prime time for stocked trout fishing
Bass: Topwater poppers near banks, baitfish and crawfish streamers, conventional tackle around structure
Trout: Fly fishing with caddis, midge, and mayfly patterns; nymphs and streamers are most effective
Catfish: Bottom fishing with live or cut bait in deeper holes
Sunfish: Small hooks with worms or crickets near vegetation.
Yes, many areas allow non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Kerrville Lake and Nimitz Lake have boat ramps. The Guadalupe River is popular for float fishing trips.
– Wal-Mart – Full selection of tackle and bait
– Gibsons – Local sporting goods with fishing supplies
– The Hunt Store – Hunting and fishing gear
– Area convenience stores – Many carry live worms
Kerrville Kayak and Canoe is an excellent local resource for current river conditions, fishing spots, and water access information.
Upper Guadalupe River Authority provides official river conditions and water level information.
Gibson’s – Local sporting goods store with knowledgeable staff about area fishing conditions and hot spots.
Valid Texas fishing license
– Appropriate tackle for your target species
– Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
– Plenty of water
– Waders or sturdy shoes for river fishing
– Camera for your catches!
Many locations like Kerrville Lake, Louise Hays Park, and some creek access points are excellent for families. These spots typically have easier access and good opportunities for kids to catch sunfish and smaller species.
River levels can fluctuate based on rainfall, so it’s good to check current conditions before your trip. At river flows of 300 CFS or less, the Guadalupe River is suitable for wading.
The Upper Guadalupe offers more scenic fishing with fewer crowds than popular tourist
areas
– Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times
– Respect private property and always ask permission when in doubt
– The limestone and cobble river bottom can be slippery – wear appropriate footwear
– Consider catch and release to help maintain healthy fish populations
The area features spring-fed Hill Country rivers with crystal-clear water, native Texas species like the Guadalupe bass, beautiful cypress-lined banks, and a combination of river and lake fishing opportunities all within a scenic Texas Hill Country setting.
