Bert Swope
Guadalupe bass thrive in rivers and streams due to their gravel beds, swift-moving waters, and runs. These areas make ideal habitats for this fish species due to their abundance of food sources.
Guadalupe bass is native to Texas and can be found in numerous rivers and creeks throughout the state. As a prized trophy fish, these smallmouth bass have become a favorite among anglers.
Where to find Guadalupe bass
Guadalupe bass can be found in rivers and streams throughout central Texas. They’re an attractive target for anglers and an indicator of healthy ecosystems.
These fish may be small in size, but they offer a formidable fighter and make ideal weekend fishing targets. You don’t need heavy tackle or extensive gear; light spinning, fly, or baitcasting rods will do just fine.
They prefer flowing water near large rocks, cypress knees, and stumps that provide cover from predators. You’ll find them in riffles, runs, and smaller rivers with more confined channels.
Their diet includes aquatic plants and algae, which provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, they feed on insects that can be captured using various lures and flies.
Guadalupe bass was on the verge of extinction until 1991, but a restoration initiative launched in 1991 is working to save this species. Through conservation stocking of over 2.4 million fingerlings, implementation of nearly 50 habitat restoration or preservation projects, and watershed-scale management of riparian invasive plants, Texas has worked to restore fishable populations in 14 central Texas rivers through restoration stocking initiatives.
These efforts are supported by the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which will allocate $1.3 billion annually for state fish and wildlife agencies to implement comprehensive conservation strategies for threatened species such as Guadalupe bass. TPWD continues collaborating with landowners, non-governmental organizations, fishing clubs, and river authorities to guarantee the long-term viability of Guadalupe bass populations.
Though these efforts have had some success, there remain numerous obstacles that must be addressed. One of the most pressing is ensuring enough purebred fish is available to create a viable broodstock for Guadalupe bass.
Guadalupe bass are slow-growing fish, so finding enough purebred stock to sustain a viable population has proven challenging. Furthermore, this species has faced several threats over time including hybridization with smallmouth bass and changes to its habitat due to inadequate land management.
In addition to combatting these threats, the state is striving to safeguard and promote fishing for Guadalupe bass – a market that now generates an estimated $72 million yearly revenue. Through access programs, education on paddling skills, river ethics, and the removal of tons of trash from rivers during LoCo Trash Bash events, TPWD is helping make fishing for Guadalupe bass an enjoyable experience that will remain sustainable for generations to come.
Where to fish for Guadalupe bass
Guadalupe bass can be found in rivers and streams throughout the Edwards Plateau. As a popular sport fish, many anglers visit this remote region to try their luck at snagging one of this small but hard-charging bass.
Guadalupe bass thrive in fast-moving rivers and streams with gravel beds, rocky runs, shallows, and flowing pools or creeks. To support these bass populations successfully, the water must be clear with a good flow rate and ample oxygen content.
Guadalupe bass is usually caught using lures, spinner baits, or live bait such as minnows and crayfish. Additionally, they respond well to flies that mimic water-born insects like dragonflies, damselflies, and midges.
It’s essential to note that Guadalupe bass is rarely found in upper reaches of lakes or reservoirs as they prefer cooler temperatures and shallower waters. During spring and summer, however, they can be found throughout Texas in rivers and streams such as San Antonio’s Guadalupe, Colorado, Lampasas, Leon and Brazos basins.
They are primarily predators, feeding on various types of insects and small aquatic animals. While they can be hooked on various baits, worms or grubs seem to be the most successful way to catch this bass.
Spinner baits such as the Spin-N-Jim and Woolly Bugger are another successful technique for catching this fish species. Additionally, having a variety of flies in your tackle box will be beneficial in this endeavor.
When it comes to catching these gorgeous fish, quality fly rods are essential. Your rod should be lightweight and sensitive so that you can easily cast a better line and reel in larger fish.
Beginners may prefer graphite rods for control and sensitivity, while experienced anglers will appreciate bamboo rods’ comfort. You can also try fishing with a dry fly as it’s easier to manipulate than wet flies and offers greater hook-up percentage.
The Guadalupe River is abundant with rainbow trout from late November until early March. This makes it an ideal fishing spot for trout and bass anglers.
How to fish for Guadalupe bass
Guadalupe bass can be found in a variety of waters, such as rivers and streams. They tend to be most active during spring and early summer.
Incubation occurs between April and May, when they lay their eggs in gravel nests along riverbanks. The female lays approximately 400 to 10,000 eggs, and the male guards the nest during incubation.
After spawning, fish become voracious eaters and search for food. This includes insects, crawfish, small fish, and smaller versions of largemouth bass baits like in-line spinners or crayfish imitation crankbaits.
Guadalupe bass typically feed in rivers but can also be caught in lakes and reservoirs. However, they tend to be less active during these conditions and will consume far fewer food items than during warmer spring and summer months.
When fishing for Guadalupe basss, try different lures and flies. Popular choices include in-line spinners, crayfish imitation crankbaits, and Ned rigs.
Try jigging an elk hair grub or plastic worm for added effect and to get a better feel for your bait. The action of jiggling can be effective in getting fish to strike as well as providing added visibility to you bait.
Guadalupe bass, such as Spin-N-Jim, Woolly Bugger, and Buzz Bug, will also eat spinner baits during spawning. These flies will draw Guadalupe bass to the water’s surface where they will strike as they search for food.
If you’re searching for the ideal spot to fish for Guadalupe bass, look no further than some of Texas’ many stunning rivers and streams. In particular, streams in the Texas Hill Country provide ideal conditions to catch this native species.
For instance, the Guadalupe River is just a short drive north of San Antonio and offers excellent fishing opportunities. Nichol’s Landing State Park along the river also features campsites and other facilities. Plus, there’s a 5-mile paddling trail for kayaking along its length – perfect for exploring the river from your kayak!
TPWD has an effective program to protect the Guadalupe bass habitat, and we all can play an important role in protecting this fish. They work closely with local landowners, non-governmental organizations, fishing clubs, and river authorities to restore Guadalupe bass habitat in rivers throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Fun facts about Guadalupe bass
Guadalupe bass enjoys a variety of food sources, such as insects, small crayfish, and minnows. In the fall they also feed on smaller gizzard shad.
They can be found in lake and river waters as well as ponds. Their preferred locations include rocky bluffs and deep water along flowing channels where they can swim close to the bottom.
These fish were once on the verge of extinction, but thanks to conservationists and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, they are back in abundance today. On this week’s Texas Country Reporter, host Tim Birdsong shares some fascinating facts about our state’s iconic fish and how all Texans can become involved in helping restore this ecosystem.
One of Texas’s most iconic fish species is the Guadalupe bass, officially designated state species. This unique creature makes an excellent fit for this Lone Star state.
Guadalupe bass has an olive green body with a black lateral line and scattered diamond markings on their back that fade from black to olive as they grow older. These markings appear similar to spotted bass. However, Guadalupe’s green coloring extends lower on its body than its cousins do.
This fish can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout the Edwards Plateau region of Central Texas. It belongs to the sunfish family.
These fish will spawn in gravel nests near springs or rocky areas as adults. During spawning, the male chases the female away from her eggs and stands guard over them while she lays between 400 to 10,000 eggs.
Spawning occurs from March through June, with secondary spawning occurring in late summer.
Guadalupe bass can be caught year-round using various baits and lures. Popular choices include plastic grubs, small crankbaits, pencil poppers, and woolly buggers.
Guadalupe bass is highly active fish that respond well to bait that moves quickly through the water, especially when they’re chasing after a meal.
Conservationists, water managers, and private landowners have joined forces to save this iconic species in Texas. It may seem daunting at first glance, but with hard work and determination, the future looks bright for this iconic creature and its many admirers in Texas.
