Guadalupe Bass

Body Type & Identification: Dark olive-green with distinct rows of dark spots below the lateral line and subtle vertical barring. Texas's state fish — endemic to the Guadalupe, Colorado, Brazos, San Antonio, and Nueces river drainages of Central Texas. Closely resembles Spotted Bass — check for the distinctive spotted pattern extending onto the belly.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–75°F. A clear, cool-flowing river species adapted to the Hill Country streams of Central Texas. Spawn in spring on gravel and rock substrate.

Habitat: Clear, rocky Hill Country rivers of Central Texas — the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Llano, and San Marcos rivers are prime habitat. Prefer swift current, rocky riffles, and clear pools. A stream-adapted bass that hugs current breaks around boulders, fallen timber, and undercut banks.

Best Lures: Small tube jigs in natural colors are the top producer. Small crankbaits worked through riffles. Ned rigs with small soft plastics are very effective. Small inline spinners produce in current. Fly fishing with small poppers and Clouser minnows is outstanding — the Guadalupe River is a premier Texas fly fishing destination.

Best Baits: Live crawfish are the premier bait. Live small shiners work well. Live hellgrammites are effective in faster current. Small nightcrawlers produce consistent results.

Top 5 Destinations: Guadalupe River TX, Pedernales River TX, Llano River TX, San Marcos River TX, Colorado River (TX Hill Country).

Dark olive-green with distinct rows of dark spots below the lateral line and subtle vertical barring. Texas's state fish — endemic to the Guadalupe, Colorado, Brazos, San Antonio, and Nueces river drainages of Central Texas. Closely resembles Spotted Bass — check for the distinctive spotted pattern extending onto the belly.

Clear, rocky Hill Country rivers of Central Texas — the Guadalupe, Pedernales, Llano, and San Marcos rivers are prime habitat. Prefer swift current, rocky riffles, and clear pools. A stream-adapted bass that hugs current breaks around boulders, fallen timber, and undercut banks.

65°F–75°F. A clear, cool-flowing river species adapted to the Hill Country streams of Central Texas. Spawn in spring on gravel and rock substrate.

Best Lures: Small tube jigs in natural colors are the top producer. Small crankbaits worked through riffles. Ned rigs with small soft plastics are very effective. Small inline spinners produce in current. Fly fishing with small poppers and Clouser minnows is outstanding — the Guadalupe River is a premier Texas fly fishing destination. Best Baits: Live crawfish are the premier bait. Live small shiners work well. Live hellgrammites are effective in faster current. Small nightcrawlers produce consistent results.

1 fishing location where you can catch Guadalupe Bass