Damn Good Lake Fishing Guides In Calaveras Lake

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Recently Booked Lake Fishing Guides In Calaveras Lake

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in San Antonio

Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

100% (7)
21 ft 1 - 6 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in San Antonio

Calaveras Lake Freshwater Reds

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $330
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in San Antonio

Calaveras Lake Weekend Getaway

100% (7)
21 ft 1 - 6 People From $300
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing in San Antonio

Redfish Trips

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350

Top Species for Lake Fishing in Calaveras Lake

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Calaveras Lake

What are the best lake fishing trips in Calaveras Lake?

Why should I book a lake fishing trip in Calaveras Lake with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 lake trips in Calaveras Lake, and the most popular trips in the area are Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip guided by Bryan, Calaveras Lake Weekend Getaway guided by Bryan, and Calaveras Lake Freshwater Reds guided by Travis.

Our guides in Calaveras Lake are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3784 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly lake guides / fishing lessons in Calaveras Lake? Check out our beginner and family friendly lake guides in Calaveras Lake.

What types of lake fishing trips are common in Calaveras Lake?

The most commonly sought after species for lake fishing are: 1. redfish, 2. blue catfish, 3. striped bass, 4. channel catfish, and 5. tilapia.

The most common fishing techniques in Calaveras Lake are artificial lure fishing, bottom fishing, and drift fishing but light tackle fishing and trolling are popular as well.

How much does a Calaveras Lake lake fishing trip cost?

Prices for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake can range anywhere from about $315 to $563, but the average price for a half day trip for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake is $426.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake?

The most popular season for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake is spring, and most anglers book their trips 40 days in advance.

Do I need a Calaveras Lake fishing license and what are the bag limits in Calaveras Lake?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Calaveras Lake, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Calaveras Lake. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Calaveras Lake.

What is lake fishing in Calaveras Lake all about?

Lake fishing in Calaveras Lake offers anglers a peaceful and productive fishing experience just outside San Antonio, Texas. This reservoir, known for its clear waters and abundant aquatic life, provides opportunities to catch a variety of fish species throughout the year. Largemouth bass are particularly popular among anglers here, with the lake known for producing trophy-sized catches. Spring and fall are prime seasons for bass fishing, as the fish move closer to shore to spawn or feed, making them more accessible to anglers using a variety of baits and techniques.

In addition to bass, Calaveras Lake is also home to catfish, crappie, sunfish, and carp, providing a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Crappie fishing is especially good in the cooler months, with these fish often found near submerged structures and brush piles. Catfish can be caught year-round and are particularly active during the warmer months, making night fishing a popular choice for anglers looking to target these bottom dwellers.

Calaveras Lake's natural beauty and peaceful surroundings add to the appeal of lake fishing here. Anglers can enjoy scenic views of the Texas Hill Country and the lake's shoreline, which is dotted with trees and occasional wildlife sightings. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shore, Calaveras Lake offers a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature while pursuing a variety of fish species in its clear and inviting waters.

What are the most popular months to go lake fishing in Calaveras Lake?

Lake fishing in Calaveras Lake, located near San Antonio, Texas, provides anglers with various opportunities to target a diverse range of fish species using different techniques. One of the primary targets for anglers in Calaveras Lake is hybrid striped bass, also known as Palmetto bass. These fish are known for their aggressive feeding habits and can be caught using trolling techniques with deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons near submerged points, drop-offs, and humps. Early mornings and evenings are prime times for targeting hybrid bass when they are actively feeding.

Another popular species in Calaveras Lake is catfish, including blue catfish and channel catfish. Anglers often use bottom fishing methods with baits such as cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits. Fishing near deep channels, underwater structures, and along the dam can increase the chances of landing a sizable catfish. Night fishing is particularly productive for catfish, as they are nocturnal feeders and more active after sunset.

Crappie fishing is also prevalent in Calaveras Lake, especially during their spawning seasons in spring and fall. Anglers commonly use techniques such as vertical jigging with small jigs or minnows around submerged brush piles, docks, and bridge pilings where crappie tend to gather. Trolling with small crankbaits or jigs along creek channels and drop-offs can also be effective for locating schools of crappie. Understanding the seasonal movements and habitat preferences of crappie is crucial for consistently finding and catching these fish in Calaveras Lake. With its diverse fishery and accessible shoreline, Calaveras Lake offers anglers of all skill levels ample opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience.

What techniques are popular for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake?

Lake fishing in Calaveras Lake, located near San Antonio, Texas, provides anglers with various opportunities to target a diverse range of fish species using different techniques. One of the primary targets for anglers in Calaveras Lake is hybrid striped bass, also known as Palmetto bass. These fish are known for their aggressive feeding habits and can be caught using trolling techniques with deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons near submerged points, drop-offs, and humps. Early mornings and evenings are prime times for targeting hybrid bass when they are actively feeding.

Another popular species in Calaveras Lake is catfish, including blue catfish and channel catfish. Anglers often use bottom fishing methods with baits such as cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits. Fishing near deep channels, underwater structures, and along the dam can increase the chances of landing a sizable catfish. Night fishing is particularly productive for catfish, as they are nocturnal feeders and more active after sunset.

Crappie fishing is also prevalent in Calaveras Lake, especially during their spawning seasons in spring and fall. Anglers commonly use techniques such as vertical jigging with small jigs or minnows around submerged brush piles, docks, and bridge pilings where crappie tend to gather. Trolling with small crankbaits or jigs along creek channels and drop-offs can also be effective for locating schools of crappie. Understanding the seasonal movements and habitat preferences of crappie is crucial for consistently finding and catching these fish in Calaveras Lake. With its diverse fishery and accessible shoreline, Calaveras Lake offers anglers of all skill levels ample opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience.

What species are popular for lake fishing in Calaveras Lake?

Calaveras Lake, located just southeast of San Antonio, Texas, is renowned for its rich diversity of fish species, offering anglers a varied and rewarding fishing experience. One of the most sought-after catches in Calaveras Lake is the hybrid striped bass, often referred to as "stripers." These fish are known for their powerful fights and can grow to impressive sizes in the lake's deep waters. Anglers typically target stripers using live baitfish, such as shad or sunfish, as well as artificial lures like jigging spoons and swimbaits. Spring and fall are prime seasons for striper fishing here, as they are more active during cooler temperatures.

Another popular species in Calaveras Lake is the largemouth bass. These freshwater predators thrive in the lake's abundant cover, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and rocky structures. Springtime sees largemouth bass moving into shallower waters for spawning, making it an ideal time for anglers to target them using plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Summer fishing can also be productive, especially during early morning or late evening when the bass are more active in cooler temperatures.

Catfish are plentiful in Calaveras Lake, with channel catfish being the most common catch. These bottom-dwelling fish are often found near underwater structures and deeper holes where they feed on various baits such as chicken liver, cut bait, and stink bait. Night fishing for catfish is particularly popular during warmer months when these fish are most active. Calaveras Lake's accessible shoreline and boat access points provide ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy a day of fishing for these and other species in a picturesque natural setting.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent morning on Calaveras Lake! Capt Bones couldn’t have been more accommodating to my husband, myself and our 6yr old son who had never been on a chartered fishing trip before. It was a slow start but it turned on a little later and had a blast! Highly recommend Bones Fishing!!

    Heather C. | April 20, 2024

    Trip: Redfish Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Recommend without reservation of any kind. A great guy. You'll enjoy your trip. I'm going with him again!

    Eugene B. | March 14, 2024

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Raymond was a great guide. We really enjoyed the trip and will definitely book with him again when the weather is warm. We are from South Carolina and here on our anniversary trip, but we WILL be back.

    Michael S. | February 15, 2024

    Trip: Redfish Trips

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great time caught lots of had a wonderful day. The Captain was fantastic

    Joe L. | October 7, 2023

    Trip: Calaveras Lake Freshwater Reds

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Captain Bryan is knowledgeable and put us on a lot of fish!

    William T. | September 25, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Bryan did awesome job of putting us on the fish. A very friendly and funny guide. Highly recommend.

    John N. | June 9, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bryan knows Lake Calaveras. He has been guiding guests for 13 years. He was friendly and knowledgeable. He found the drum school and put us on them. We limited out and had a great time!!! We will be back soon!!!

    Byron A. | April 2, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Bryan can put you on the fish! Caught & released plus or minus 25 reds in about 3 hours, and at 2 points we had four fish on the lines at the same time. Freshwater reds are a bucket lister for anyone. -Attison with Captain Experiences

    Attison B. | June 24, 2022

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My boyfriend and I had so much fun out on the water with Capt. Bryan for our trip. We had booked the charter as a joint graduation present for the both of us and it was an experience to remember. Capt. Bryan was knowledgeable about the waters, the fish, and was very personable. We went home with our limit and would recommend Capt. Bryan to anyone for a great time!

    Ashley M. | May 25, 2022

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great attitude and fun trip. Got us a catch 30 minutes in. Good tech on the boat and plenty of room for 4 people. Would definitely use again.

    Timothy K. | August 13, 2021

    Trip: Freshwater Reds - Weekday Trip

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