Blue Catfish Fishing Guides In Austin

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Recently Booked Blue Catfish Fishing Guides Near Austin, Tx

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Lake Austin Kid Focused Fishing

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $58 / person
Damn Good

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Lake Austin Bass Fishing

100% (2)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $175 / person
Damn Good

Lake Fishing Trip in Spicewood

Private Boat Ramp On Lake Travis

NEW
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $188 / person
Damn Good

Lake Fishing Trip in Bastrop

Lake Bastrop Bass Fishing

NEW
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $200 / person

Most Popular Types of Blue Catfish Trips in Austin

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

More Blue Catfish Fishing Guides Near Austin, Tx

Damn Good

Head out with your pro guide Derek for an action-packed day of whacking the Bass on Lake Bastrop. This lake is filled with mostly Largemouth, but Derek occasionally targets Stripers, Sandbass, and Catfish as well. He likes to target these species on light tackle gear using a variety of bass soft plastic and hard baits. Whichever flavor suits your fancy, Derek can definitely accommodate. Derek can take up to 2 guests on these half-day adventures. You will be fishing aboard his 18ft bass boat, which is suited to all your needs on Lake Travis. The vessel is powered by a 115 Yamaha engine that will power you across the smooth surface of the lake with speed. Derek masterfully guides the vessel to put you on your prey, taking you to his favorite fishing holes on the lake. Derek can provide all the fishing gear for you: rods, reels, artificial lures, and light tackle for you, but encourages you to bring your own if you'd like as well. Otherwise feel free to bring your favorite snacks, drinks, and don't forget your Texas fishing license. Get ready to whack some bass! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Bastrop

Lake Bastrop Bass Fishing

NEW
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $200 / person
Damn Good

Hello Anglers. Get out of your everyday environment and make some memories. Across multiple media platforms I hold a 5-star review. I am a licensed guide, fully insured, Texas Parks & Wildlife Angler Educator Certified, and even a certified scuba diver with boat captain education and experience. A game plan will be discussed to determine the best body of water for your adventure. We provide all equipment needed, but feel free to bring your favorited rod and reel. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Spicewood

Private Boat Ramp On Lake Travis

NEW
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $188 / person
Damn Good

Head out with your pro guide Derek for an action-packed day of whacking the Bass on Lake Austin. Beyond the fun water sports and party coves, Lake Travis is in fact known for its big bass! This suburban stretch of river is filled with mostly Largemouth, but Derek occasionally targets Stripers as well. He likes to target these species on light tackle gear using a variety of bass soft plastic and hard baits. Whichever flavor suits your fancy, Derek can definitely accommodate. Derek can take up to 2 guests on these half-day adventures. You will be fishing aboard his 18ft bass boat, which is suited to all your needs on Lake Travis. The vessel is powered by a 115 Yamaha engine that will power you across the smooth surface of the lake with speed. Derek masterfully guides the vessel to put you on your prey, taking you to his favorite fishing holes on the lake. Derek can provide all the fishing gear for you: rods, reels, artificial lures, and light tackle for you, but encourages you to bring your own if you'd like as well. Otherwise feel free to bring your favorite snacks, drinks, and don't forget your Texas fishing license. Get ready to whack some bass! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Lake Austin Bass Fishing

100% (2)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $175 / person

Head out with Captain Kevin for an action-packed day of Lake Austin fishing. Go after Perch, Crappie, and Bass on light tackle—Captain Kevin's specialty! Captain Kevin likes to target these species using a variety of jigs, soft plastics, and live worms and minnows. These classic freshwater fish are fun to catch, and great fish for beginner anglers to get started on. Up to 3 anglers(3 kids with 3 adults) can fit aboard the 22' Desperado center console, plus the captain. The 225hp Yamaha engine will power you smoothly over the calm waters of Lake Austin. Captain Kevin will masterfully guide the vessel to his favorite fishing holes in no time, because he's dedicated to putting you on the fish and making sure you have a blast. For Kids, an adult needs to participate to assist/supervise with a valid Texas Fishing license. Captain Kevin provides all the fishing gear for you, including rods, reels, tackle, and artificial lures. Of course, he encourages you to bring your own equipment if you'd like! Otherwise feel free to bring your favorite snacks, drinks, and don't forget your Texas fishing license. You should also wear appropriate clothing and bring sun protection. Whether it be a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, or a long sleeve shirt, don't be caught lacking with a nasty burn! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Lake Austin Kid Focused Fishing

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $58 / person
See All Blue Catfish Trips in Austin

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Austin

What are the best blue catfish fishing trips in Austin?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 blue catfish trips in Austin, and the most popular trips in the area are Lake Austin Kid Focused Fishing guided by Kevin and Lake Austin Bass Fishing guided by Derek.

Our guides in Austin are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2417 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Blue Catfish charter include Bastrop and Spicewood.

Looking for kid friendly blue catfish guides in Austin? Check out our beginner and family friendly blue catfish guides in Austin.

What types of blue catfish fishing trips are common in Austin?

Lake fishing is the most popular for blue catfish in Austin.

The most common fishing techniques in Austin are artificial lure fishing, light tackle fishing, and live bait fishing but sight casting and trolling are popular as well.

How much does an Austin blue catfish fishing trip cost?

for blue catfish in Austin prices can range anywhere from an affordable $250 to $600, but the average price for a half day trip for blue catfish in Austin is $342. The average price for a full day trip for blue catfish in Austin is $550.

What month is best for blue catfish fishing in Austin?

The most popular season for blue catfish fishing in Austin is spring, and most anglers book their trips 21 days in advance.

Do I need a Austin fishing license for blue catfish and what are the bag limits for blue catfish in Austin?

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

What is blue catfish fishing in Austin all about?

Blue catfish are a prized species among anglers in Austin, Texas, renowned for their massive size and impressive fighting ability. Found in the area's rivers and reservoirs, including the Colorado River and Lake Travis, blue catfish can reach weights exceeding 100 pounds, offering anglers the opportunity to reel in trophy-sized fish. These bottom-dwelling predators are known for their voracious appetites and can be caught year-round, making them a popular target for anglers seeking thrilling fishing experiences in Austin's scenic waters.

Anglers in Austin employ a variety of techniques to target blue catfish, with one of the most effective being bottom fishing with natural baits such as cut shad, live bluegill, or chicken liver. Anglers typically anchor their boats near deep holes, channel edges, or underwater structures where blue catfish congregate, presenting their baits on the bottom using heavy tackle and sturdy rigs. Blue catfish are known to feed primarily at night, making nighttime fishing excursions particularly productive for targeting these nocturnal predators.

Blue catfish fishing in Austin offers anglers the chance to experience the thrill of battling these powerful fish amidst the picturesque landscapes of Central Texas. Whether fishing from the shoreline, a boat, or a kayak, anglers have ample opportunities to pursue blue catfish in Austin's rivers and reservoirs. With its diverse fishing opportunities, abundant fish populations, and scenic waterways, Austin remains a premier destination for anglers seeking unforgettable adventures on the water.

What are the most popular months to fish for blue catfish in Austin?

Blue catfish in Austin, Texas, can be targeted year-round, but certain seasons offer more favorable conditions for anglers seeking success. Spring and fall are typically considered prime seasons for blue catfish fishing in Austin, with peak activity and feeding behavior occurring during these times. As water temperatures rise in the spring, blue catfish become more active and begin their annual spawning migration. Anglers can capitalize on this increased activity by targeting blue catfish in shallow areas near spawning grounds, such as river channels, tributaries, and backwater areas.

Summer can also be a productive time for blue catfish fishing in Austin, although anglers may need to adjust their strategies to account for warmer water temperatures. During the summer months, blue catfish often seek cooler, deeper waters during the heat of the day, making early morning or late evening fishing trips more successful. Anglers may find success targeting blue catfish in deeper holes, channels, and near underwater structures where these fish can find relief from the heat.

In the fall, as water temperatures begin to cool, blue catfish become more active and feed aggressively in preparation for the winter months. Fall offers anglers the opportunity to catch blue catfish in a variety of habitats, including shallow flats, creek mouths, and along the edges of underwater structures. As water temperatures drop, blue catfish may move into shallower areas to feed, providing anglers with excellent opportunities to target these prized fish. With its diverse fishing opportunities and year-round access, Austin remains a premier destination for anglers seeking thrilling blue catfish encounters amidst the scenic landscapes of Central Texas.

What techniques are popular for catching blue catfish in Austin?

Blue catfish fishing in Austin, Texas, involves employing a variety of effective techniques tailored to the behavior and preferences of these formidable freshwater predators. One popular method for targeting blue catfish is bottom fishing with natural baits. Anglers typically anchor their boats near deep holes, channel edges, or underwater structures where blue catfish congregate, presenting their baits on the bottom using heavy tackle and sturdy rigs. Cut shad, live bluegill, chicken liver, and other natural baits are commonly used to entice blue catfish into biting. Anglers may also employ scent-based attractants or chum to enhance their chances of success.

Another effective technique for blue catfish fishing in Austin is drift fishing. Anglers drift along river channels, flats, or other productive areas while dragging baited rigs along the bottom behind their boats. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover a large area of water and locate active blue catfish, making it an ideal technique for exploring expansive river systems like the Colorado River or fishing in reservoirs such as Lake Travis. Anglers can adjust their drift speed and direction to optimize their presentation and increase their chances of enticing blue catfish into biting.

Night fishing is also popular among anglers targeting blue catfish in Austin, as these nocturnal predators are often more active and aggressive after dark. Anglers may anchor their boats near deep holes, bridges, or other structures and fish with natural baits or prepared stink baits during the night hours. Using specialized lights to attract baitfish can help draw in blue catfish and increase angler success rates. With its diverse fishing opportunities and abundance of blue catfish, Austin offers anglers a wide range of techniques to pursue these prized freshwater fish amidst the scenic waterways of Central Texas.

What other species are popular in Austin?

Aside from blue catfish, anglers in Austin, Texas, have an abundance of other species to target, providing diverse and exciting fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass are among the most sought-after species in Austin's lakes and rivers, known for their aggressive strikes and impressive fighting ability. Anglers can target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques, including casting topwater lures, flipping jigs into heavy cover, and fishing with soft plastics or crankbaits along submerged structures. With abundant bass populations and scenic fishing locations like Lake Travis and Lady Bird Lake, Austin offers anglers ample opportunities to reel in trophy-sized bass.

White bass are another popular species for anglers to target in Austin's waterways. These hard-fighting fish are prolific in the area's rivers and reservoirs, particularly during their spring spawning runs. Anglers can target white bass using techniques such as jigging, casting spoons or spinners, or fishing with live bait such as minnows or worms. The spring white bass run, often referred to as a "white bass blitz," provides anglers with action-packed fishing experiences and the chance to catch large numbers of fish in a short period.

In addition to bass and white bass, anglers in Austin can also pursue a variety of other species, including crappie, catfish, sunfish, carp, and freshwater drum, among others. Whether fishing from the shoreline, a boat, or a kayak, anglers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities that Austin's lakes and rivers have to offer. With its picturesque landscapes, abundant fish populations, and year-round fishing opportunities, Austin remains a premier destination for anglers seeking thrilling adventures on the water.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic. Cory and Kevib wer both great.

    Dale K. with Kevin O. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Kevin was an awesome guide! I took my 10 year son and we were able to catch almost 30 fish, mostly perch, sunfish but did catch some big black drum and catfish. We caught fish almost the whole time we were out which is what I was looking for since we are both inexperienced, my son had a great time and made good memories.

    Diana T. with Kevin M. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide and great guy. I definitely recommend Aaron!

    Dan with Aaron L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Aaron knows the lakes around Austin and has plenty of material onboard. We catched several fishes while weather conditions where difficult. Additionaly he was flexible and changed the trip date to get a better weather window. Aaron fits your expectations and is very friendly. I definetly recommend.

    Pierre-Alain S. with Aaron L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Kevin was fantastic! We had a cold day but spirits were high and fishing was great!!! Caught 7 fish! Kids had a blast and adults enjoyed seeing the lake real estate!

    Leah K. with Kevin M. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience with Captain Kevin. He has a great rig, great personality and put us on enough Large Mouth to please me. I took my 10 year old son because he said he wanted to catch a large mouth. Kevin came through with an extra life jacket too (I forgot one for my son). One hiccup was we were going to meet at different lake but they closed it due to the horrible drought we are in. Kevin audibled and we meet at Lake Bastrop which was more convenient for me anyway. I would definitely recommend this easy to use app and would definitely hire Captain Kevin again. He had everything we needed and got us catching fish quickly. He is really good with kids too!

    Robert B. with Kevin M. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Kevin was awesome and so was his boat

    George P. with Kevin M. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    My experience was wonderful with Captain Kevin! He texted a couple days before the trip to ask if we could head out earlier than our scheduled time due to the heat and go try to beat the weekend rush of recreational boaters. So I met him at the boat ramp, which was very easy to find, at 6:15 and we headed out. The first place we fished was where we caught the biggest fish, pictured below, in the first 20 minutes of fishing. Things were a little slow the rest of the day, but we caught probably around a dozen fish, targeting and catching a variety of different species. . Captain Kevin was extremely friendly, and knows more about fishing than just about anybody I’ve met. He knew I’m a beginner, and was very kind and patient in teaching me and explaining everything to me. We swapped stories, got to know each other, and had the most wonderful time. I would highly recommend fishing with Captain Kevin.

    Chad G. with Kevin M. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Grant was a very pleasant and helpful guide for my daughter and me. Fishing was slow, on a very hot day. We both caught some nice bass, despite being on the river with several hundred July 4th weekend kayakers and paddleboaters, as well a bat watchers under the bridges. Grant is very knowledgeable and great fun to fish with. Highly recommend.

    Bill I. with Grant L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time out on Lake Travis with our guide Captain Aaron. Aaron reached out to us before our trip to check in and answer any questions we had. He provided great directions to the floating dock to meet him. We had a super fun morning out on the lake fishing for Bass. We got to try several different Rod & Reel combos, and various spots on Lake Travis. At the end of our trip he gave us a tour of Lake Travis! We will definitely book with Captain Aaron again.

    Jane I. with Aaron L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Grant is awesome and very knowledgeable.

    Ryan F. with Grant L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time, Grant was very knowledgeable. He had the proper gear, and knew how to use it. He also was great to talk to. I would recommend him highly.

    James F. with Grant L. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I recently went on a guided trip with Derek and we could not be happier! Originally we were scheduled for Lake Austin, but Derek had gotten some news that we should hit Lake Travis instead, and it definitely paid off! His knowledge of the lake and guidance with us novice fishermen (and just a good guy all around) led to some fun results!

    Logan . with Derek R. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Derek did a great job. Even though the weather was a little cold and the fish weren’t too hungry, we hit multiple different spots and everyone on the trip landed something! We also nearly landed a 25 pound mega catfish that would’ve been a personal best! All in all, awesome day, awesome guide.

    Ian O. with Derek R. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Kevin is a great guide and super passionate about putting you on your biggest fish. Mother nature worked against us on my trip but I was still able to learn a lot about fishing in Texas as I’m new here. Even though the bite was hard and we got snunked I would go out again with Kevin with full confidence.

    Grizz J. with Kevin O. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Carson is the man 10/10!

    Joey B. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great friendly guide. Worked hard to find fish

    Logan H. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Captain Carson. It was our first time bass fishing outside the Midwest and he was an excellent guide and great at teaching us some new techniques. He was very knowledgable about the area, and has experience with all sorts of fishing from river and lake to offshore. Shared some great stories, had an awesome experience, and plan to be going out again! Thanks again Carson!

    Shawna S. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

Other Hunting Species in Austin

What's biting in Austin?

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