Guadalupe River
Below Canyon Lake Dam · New Braunfels
Comal County, Texas, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 08168500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 120 cfs, the Guadalupe is running low and clear — perfect visibility but spooky fish in the skinny water. Early June means the summer heat pattern is locked in: fish before 9am and after 5pm when air temps drop below the mid-80s. Dam-cold water keeps trout active all season, but they'll tuck under cover during the heat. Terrestrials are starting to show — expect flying ants and beetles to become key patterns as we head deeper into summer.
- Flow: 120 cfs — low and gin-clear conditions. Perfect visibility but requires stealth approaches and longer leaders in the shallow runs.
- Hatches: Terrestrials gaining importance. Flying ants and beetles becoming viable midday options. Midges remain steady in deeper pools.
- Water Temp: Dam-cold releases keep water in the mid-50s despite air temps climbing toward 90°F. Fish stay active but seek shade.
- Best Window: Before 9am and after 5pm strictly. Midday fishing possible in shaded stretches near Canyon Dam with terrestrial patterns.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Nov–Mar (stocked period); year-round on C&R section
The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake Dam is the southernmost trout fishery in the United States — a quirk made possible by cold water releases from Canyon Lake that support a unique put-and-take and naturalized rainbow and brown trout fishery in the Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited chapter manages a catch-and-release section of genuine quality.
Guadalupe bass — a species found only in Texas Hill Country drainages — also inhabit the river and can be caught on small streamers even during trout season.
January Outlook
The Guadalupe below Canyon Lake Dam is the southernmost trout fishery in the continental US — cold dam releases support rainbow and brown trout in subtropical Texas Hill Country. January is peak season when cooler air temps match the tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- San Juan Worm
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Egg Pattern (stocked fish)
Tips
January is the Guadalupe's finest month — mild Texas winter weather and cold tailwater combine for comfortable, productive fishing. The catch-and-release section from the dam to Sattler is the best water. Wading is easy but flows can spike with dam generation.
Water Notes
Regulated by Canyon Lake Dam. 200–2,000 cfs depending on generation. Water a constant 52–58°F year-round. Check USACE release schedule.
February Outlook
Excellent winter fishing continues. Midges and small nymphs produce consistent action. The Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited chapter stocks fish through winter to supplement the naturalized population.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Scud
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
February on the Guadalupe is comfortable and productive. The constant dam-released temperatures mean fish are always active. The C&R section above River Road holds the best fish.
Water Notes
200–1,500 cfs. Water 52–58°F constant. Midge hatches year-round. Check release schedule before wading.
March Outlook
Spring arrival in the Texas Hill Country means wildflowers and increasing terrestrial insect activity. Small dry flies begin producing on mild afternoons alongside the ever-reliable midge.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Parachute Adams
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
Tips
March is an excellent month on the Guadalupe — warm sunny days, wildflowers along the banks, and active trout. The transition from pure midge fishing to small dry fly fishing begins. Fish light tippet in the clear tailwater.
Water Notes
200–1,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Spring Hill Country weather is ideal for fishing.
April Outlook
Spring in the Texas Hill Country is spectacular. Bluebonnet season. Caddis hatches begin and the first significant dry fly action of the year emerges on the Guadalupe's cold tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis #16-18
- Parachute Adams
- Sulphur Dry
- RS2
Tips
April is one of the most enjoyable months to fish the Guadalupe — the Hill Country wildflowers peak and caddis hatches start producing consistent dry fly action. Fish the C&R section from Canyon Dam downstream.
Water Notes
200–800 cfs. Water 54–60°F. Prime spring tailwater conditions. Texas spring weather generally mild.
May Outlook
The Guadalupe's best dry fly month. Caddis hatches are prolific and the fish rise consistently in the cold tailwater. A genuinely remarkable fishery for South Texas.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Yellow Sally
- PMD (small)
- Stimulator
Tips
May is peak season for dry fly fishing on the Guadalupe. The morning caddis hatches produce rising fish across the C&R section. This is the month to visit if you want to experience the Guadalupe at its best.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 54–60°F. Optimal conditions before summer heat.
June Outlook
Summer heat descends on the Texas Hill Country but the dam-released water stays cold. Early morning and evening sessions are productive. Terrestrials become important.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Beetle
- Flying Ant
- Midge
Tips
Fish before 9am and after 5pm in June. The tailwater keeps fish active even when air temps climb above 90°F. The shaded reaches near Canyon Dam stay cooler through the day.
Water Notes
200–800 cfs. Water 54–58°F (dam release). Air temps 88–98°F. Fish early morning and evening strictly.
July Outlook
July is the hottest month in the Texas Hill Country and the hardest month to fish the Guadalupe comfortably. Air temps 95–105°F. Fish the first hour of daylight only — the tailwater stays cold but standing in it is miserable by 9am.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Beetle
- Flying Ant (early morning)
Tips
July fishing requires absolute dedication to early mornings — be on the water at first light and off by 8:30am. The C&R section near the dam gets a slice of river shade. Midge nymphs produce the best results. This is Texas — respect the heat.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 54–58°F constant from dam. Air temps 95–105°F. Dawn fishing only. Beat the heat and beat the crowds.
August Outlook
August remains brutally hot in the Hill Country. The Guadalupe's cold tailwater is genuinely impressive but fishing requires pre-dawn starts. The midge and scud population in the C&R section keeps fish well-fed and catchable.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud (small)
- RS2
- San Juan Worm
Tips
August dawn fishing on the Guadalupe is surreal — cool mist on the cold tailwater in 80°F pre-dawn air. Fish the C&R section near Canyon Dam. By 8am you'll want to be done. Pack water, sun protection, and embrace the Texas summer intensity.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 54–58°F. Air temps 95–105°F at midday. Dawn sessions only. The C&R section near the dam is the best summer option.
September Outlook
September sees the first hints of fall cooling in the Texas Hill Country. Fishing becomes gradually more comfortable — mornings are productive and by late September, mid-morning sessions are possible again.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Parachute Adams
Tips
September signals the return of comfortable fishing on the Guadalupe. The caddis hatch begins picking up again. Fish the morning session and stay for mid-morning as air temps moderate. A welcome change from July–August conditions.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 54–58°F. Cooling air temps — from 95°F at month start to low 80s by month end. Season improving.
October Outlook
Fall cooling brings excellent conditions back to the Guadalupe. Caddis and midge hatches are consistent. The Hill Country is beautiful in fall with changing cypress trees.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Parachute Adams
Tips
October marks the return of comfortable all-day fishing temperatures on the Guadalupe. Caddis hatches resume and the midge activity is consistent. GRTU volunteers restore the C&R section through winter.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 54–58°F. Cooling air temps make this much more comfortable than summer.
November Outlook
One of the Guadalupe's finest months. Mild Hill Country fall weather, consistent midge and caddis hatches, and fish in prime condition after a summer of cold tailwater feeding.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Guadalupe in November is excellent — cool weather, consistent hatches, and very catchable trout. This is when the river begins to resemble a genuine tailwater fishery rather than a warm-weather novelty.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Excellent fall tailwater conditions. Great weather for wading.
December Outlook
Peak season returns. Mild Texas winter weather and consistent midge activity. The Guadalupe holds the most fish of the year as fall stocking and naturalized fish concentrate in the C&R water.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Scud
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
December on the Guadalupe is excellent — cool but rarely cold, consistent midge hatches, and accessible wade fishing. The GRTU C&R section holds the best fish. A truly unique experience: catching trout under the Hill Country winter sky.
Water Notes
200–800 cfs. Water 52–58°F constant. The Guadalupe's year-round tailwater character shines in winter.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
Access & Approach
New Braunfels, TX. Canyon Park has fee access to quality water. GRTU manages several C&R sections. Texas freshwater license + trout stamp required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited
- Imagine That Outfitters
Regulations & License
Fishing in Texas requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Texas fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Guadalupe River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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