Guadalupe River

Guadalupe River Fishing: Best Times to Go

The Guadalupe River below Camp La Junta offers year-round fishing, but timing matters. Here’s my guide to when to go for the best experience.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March-May) ⭐ TOP CHOICE

Spring is prime time on the Guads:

  • March: Spawning runs bring fish upstream
  • April: Post-spawn feeding frenzy
  • May: Warm water, active fish

Best for: Large trout, consistent action

Water conditions: Moderate flows, good clarity

Summer (June-August)

Peak season means crowds:

Matthew Bovee's Fall Fishing Guide: Casting on the Guadalupe River in Texas

There’s something magical about autumn along the Guadalupe River. The summer crowds have thinned, the Texas heat softens into something tolerable, and the sycamore trees along the banks turn gold and rust, their leaves drifting slowly past you as you work a fly through the calm pools. For anyone who loves fly fishing in Central Texas, fall is not just a season—it’s an invitation.

As someone who grew up in the Texas Hill Country and spent countless hours on these waters, I can tell you that the Guadalupe River holds a special place in my heart. Whether I’m escaping the pressure of a big investigation or simply trying to clear my head after months of reporting, there’s no better medicine than a day on the river with rod in hand.

Fly Fishing the Guadalupe River: Matthew Bovee Texas Hill Country Guide

Fly fisherman casting on the Guadalupe River at sunrise, with cypress trees and clear water

Photo: Early morning on the Guadalupe River, where the author has spent countless hours pursuing rainbow and brown trout

The Guadalupe River holds a special place in my heart. As someone who’s spent decades covering high-stakes investigative stories, chasing truth through labyrinthine corruption cases, I need a way to reset my mind and find clarity. For me, that sanctuary is the Guadalupe River, winding through the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Kerrville.