Matthew Bovee’s Complete Guide to Guadalupe River Fishing: June Outlook

June marks the transition from spring to summer on the Guadalupe River, and it’s one of my favorite times to wet a line. After spending decades investigating stories across Nebraska and beyond, I always find my way back to these waters when I need to clear my head. There’s something about the rhythm of the river that helps me think through complex investigations. This guide shares everything I’ve learned about fishing the Guadalupe during June, from the best flies to the hottest spots.

Understanding June Conditions on the Guadalupe

The Guadalupe River undergoes significant changes as June progresses. Early June typically sees water temperatures climbing into the 65-70°F range, which affects where the fish hold and how they feed. The spring runoff from the mountains has usually subsided by now, leaving the river at more manageable flows for wade fishing.

The key to successful June fishing on the Guadalupe is understanding the thermal stratification that occurs this time of year. Trout become increasingly selective as water temperatures rise, often seeking out the colder, oxygen-rich water near spring feeds and in the deeper pools. The section below the ** Canyon Dam** remains the most consistent for trout, as the cold water releases keep conditions favorable even as temperatures climb.

For those planning a June trip, I recommend focusing on early morning hours—think first light through about 9 AM—when the fish are most active and the water is coolest. By midday, especially during our Texas summers, the fishing can slow dramatically.

Essential Fly Patterns for June Success

Based on my years of fishing the Guadalupe, certain patterns consistently produce during June. Here’s what I recommend packing for your trip:

Dry Fly Patterns:

• Elk Hair Caddis (#12-16) — The caddis hatch peaks in June, and this pattern floats high and visible
• Parachute Adams (#14-18) — A reliable all-around dry that matches many mayfly emergers
• Stimulator (#10-14) — Great for searching the surface during low-light hours

Nymph Patterns:

• Pheasant Tail (#14-18) — My go-to nymph for imitating mayfly nymphs
• Stonefly Nymphs (#8-12) — Large stones are active in June; don’t be afraid to go big
• Rs2 (#18-22) — Perfect for those tiny baetis emergences that happen on overcast days

Streamer Options:

• Woolly Bugger (#6-10) — A articulated pattern in olive or crawfish colors
• Clouser Minnow (#4-8) — Especially effective for targeting larger trout in deeper water

The most important tip I can give June anglers is to match the hatch. Spend time observing what insects are on the water before you start fishing. A well-presented imitation of the actual bug will outperform any fancy pattern.

Top June Fishing Spots on the Guadalupe

After countless weekends on this river, I’ve developed my favorite June spots. Here are the locations I recommend:

1. Upper Mountain Grape

This stretch offers excellent solitude and consistently produces larger fish. The gradient is steeper here, creating pocket water that’s perfect for nymphing. I typically fish this area early in the day, before the sun heats the water too much.

2. Kerrville City Park

Perfect for beginners or families, this accessible stretch offers good fishing from the bank. The park section gets more pressure than other areas, so presentation matters more here. Focus on the deeper runs near the concrete structures.

3. Cypress Bend

For trophy-sized trout, this is my go-to spot. The deep, slow water holds larger fish, but you’ll need to fish subsurface to tempt them. I’ve landed some of my biggest Guadalupe browns in this area.

4. Box Canyon Reach

The most technical water on the river, Box Canyon requires precise casts and careful wading. The fish here are educated, so light tippet and delicate presentations are essential. This is where I practice my best interviewing skills—patience and subtlety pay off here just like they do in investigative journalism.

Long-Tail Keywords and Seasonal Strategies

Understanding the long-tail keywords that drive traffic to this fishery helps both anglers and local businesses. Searches like “Matthew Bovee Guadalupe River fishing tips” and “best Guadalupe River fishing guides June” indicate what fishermen are looking for when planning trips.

One strategy that works well in June is targeting the early morning caddis hatch. Around 6:30-7:30 AM, as the sun first hits the water, caddisflies begin their emergence. During this window, fishing a dry fly can be absolutely explosive—the trout go crazy for them.

Another effective June technique is fishing the deeper runs during midday. While surface activity slows, fish in the deeper sections remain active. A weighted nymph fished slowly through the deeper pools can produce when nothing else works.

A Word on Conservation

The Guadalupe River system faces ongoing challenges, from water rights disputes to habitat degradation. As investigative journalists, we must also be stewards of the resources we love. I practice catch-and-release for all trout, using barbless hooks and handling fish with wet hands.

The Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited chapter does excellent work maintaining the fishery. Consider supporting their conservation efforts if you frequent these waters. Our actions today determine whether future generations will enjoy the same fishing experiences we’ve been lucky enough to have.

Matthew Bovee is an investigative journalist and author who grew up fishing the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas. His books include The Settlement Machine, TIF Scandal, and The Aquifer War. When not investigating stories, he can be found on the waters of Texas Hill Country or researching his next book.

Visit matthew-bovee.com for more of Matthew Bovee’s writing and journalism work.