Damn Good River Fishing Guides In Austin

The best river fishing trips in Austin are:

• Austin Bass Guides / Nelson's Guide Service, guided by Aaron L. with 14 years of experience
• Uncharted Fishing guided by Jake K. with 17 years of experience
• Bass Tours ATX guided by Wyatt R. with 7 years of experience
• Austin Carp Anglers guided by Kevin O. with 10 years of experience
• Captain 512 guided by Derek R. with 24 years of experience

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 21 river trips in Austin, and the most popular trips in the area are Lake Travis Bass Fishing guided by Aaron, Private Bass "Tournament" Trip guided by Aaron, and Bass Fishing Lake Austin guided by Derek.

Our guides in Austin are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 7440 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 river guides / fishing lessons in Austin? Check out our beginner and family friendly river guides in Austin.

The most commonly sought after species for river fishing are: 1. largemouth bass, 2. carp, 3. smallmouth bass, 4. smallmouth buffalo, and 5. guadalupe bass.

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

Prices for river fishing in Austin can range anywhere from about $400 to $679, but the average price for a half day trip for river fishing in Austin is $438. The average price for a full day trip for river fishing in Austin is $585.

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.

The most popular season for river fishing in Austin is spring, and most anglers book their trips 19 days in advance.

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 guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in Austin.

River fishing in Austin is a popular pastime, drawing anglers to its scenic waterways like the Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake. The region is well-known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, a favorite among local fishermen. These bass thrive in the clear, rocky waters and are often found near submerged structures such as fallen trees, rock piles, and aquatic vegetation. Anglers typically use a variety of lures, including plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits, to entice these aggressive predators. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for bass fishing, as the fish are most active during these cooler parts of the day.

Another sought-after species in Austin's rivers is the Guadalupe bass, Texas' state fish. These bass are smaller than their largemouth cousins but are known for their spirited fights and beautiful markings. Guadalupe bass prefer the faster-moving sections of the river with clean, gravelly bottoms. Fly fishing is a particularly popular method for catching them, with anglers using streamers and nymphs to mimic the aquatic insects these fish feed on. Lightweight spinning tackle with small jigs and live bait can also be effective. The pursuit of Guadalupe bass provides a unique challenge and adds to the rich diversity of Austin's fishing opportunities.

Catfish are also a common catch in Austin's rivers, with channel catfish and flathead catfish being the primary species. These bottom-dwellers are typically found in deeper holes and slower-moving sections of the river. Night fishing is often the best time to target catfish, as they are nocturnal feeders. Baiting with cut bait, chicken livers, or stink baits can yield impressive catches. Catfish fishing is accessible and enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels, offering both a reliable fight and a delicious reward for those looking to cook up a fresh catch. Austin's rivers, with their variety of fish species and picturesque settings, provide an excellent fishing experience for both residents and visitors.

River fishing in Austin is a year-round activity, with each season offering unique opportunities and challenges. In the spring, as water temperatures begin to rise, fish become more active, and this is an excellent time for targeting largemouth and Guadalupe bass. These species move into shallower waters to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. Spring is also a great time for fly fishing, with many insects hatching and providing a natural food source for fish. The pleasant weather and increasing daylight hours make for enjoyable fishing trips.

Summer in Austin can be hot, but it’s still a good season for river fishing if you adjust your tactics. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish, as the heat of the day can make fish less active. Targeting deeper, cooler waters during midday can also be productive. Catfish are particularly active in the summer, and night fishing becomes popular as these fish are nocturnal feeders. Using live bait or smelly attractants can help draw in catfish from their hiding spots in deeper holes and shaded areas.

As fall arrives, the temperatures begin to cool, and fish become more active again, feeding heavily in preparation for winter. This makes fall an excellent time for catching bass, which can be found in both shallow and deeper waters as they follow baitfish. The fall season offers comfortable fishing conditions, with cooler air and water temperatures creating a pleasant experience. Winter fishing in Austin can be slower, but it’s still possible to catch fish if you focus on deeper waters where fish tend to congregate during colder months. Adjusting your techniques to slower presentations and using smaller baits can increase your chances of success. Despite the cooler weather, dedicated anglers can enjoy the quiet, less crowded waterways that winter offers.

River fishing in Austin offers a variety of types and techniques tailored to the diverse aquatic environments and species found in the area. One popular type is fly fishing, particularly in the clear waters of the Colorado River and its tributaries. Fly fishing enthusiasts use lightweight rods and artificial flies to mimic the insects that fish feed on. Techniques such as dry fly fishing, where the fly floats on the water's surface, and nymph fishing, where the fly is submerged, are effective for catching species like Guadalupe bass and sunfish. Fly fishing requires patience and skill, especially in casting and presenting the fly naturally.

Another common type of river fishing in Austin is spin fishing, which is versatile and accessible for anglers of all skill levels. Spin fishing involves using spinning reels and a variety of lures or live bait. Techniques can range from casting and retrieving lures to entice predatory fish like largemouth bass, to bottom fishing with bait to target catfish. Soft plastic baits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are popular choices for bass, while worms, minnows, and cut bait are effective for catfish. Spin fishing can be done from the riverbank, wading in the water, or from a boat, making it adaptable to different fishing conditions.

Kayak fishing has also gained popularity in Austin due to the accessibility of its rivers and the unique experience it offers. Fishing from a kayak allows anglers to reach secluded spots and navigate shallow or narrow sections of the river that are inaccessible to larger boats. Kayak anglers use both fly and spin fishing techniques, depending on their target species and personal preferences. The stealth of a kayak can be advantageous for approaching fish without spooking them. Additionally, kayaks provide a platform for sight fishing, where anglers visually locate fish and cast directly to them. This type of fishing is particularly exciting and rewarding in the clear waters of the Hill Country rivers.

River fishing in Austin offers a diverse range of fish species that cater to anglers of all preferences and skill levels. One of the most sought-after species in the area is the Guadalupe bass, which is native to the Texas Hill Country rivers, including the Colorado River and its tributaries. Known for its spirited fight and striking appearance, the Guadalupe bass is a favorite among fly fishers and spin anglers alike. This species can be caught using various techniques, such as casting small crankbaits, soft plastic lures, or flies that mimic local insect life.

Largemouth bass is another popular target for river anglers in Austin. These fish are well-known for their aggressive strikes and robust battles, making them a thrilling catch. Largemouth bass are typically found in slower-moving waters with ample cover, such as submerged logs, vegetation, and rock structures. Anglers often use a variety of lures to entice largemouth bass, including spinnerbaits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics like worms and crawfish imitations. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for bass fishing, as these fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day.

Catfish species, such as channel catfish and blue catfish, are also prevalent in Austin's rivers. These bottom-dwelling fish are often pursued by anglers who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience, as catfishing typically involves using bait like worms, cut bait, or stink baits placed on the riverbed. Catfish are known for their size and strength, providing a rewarding challenge for those who hook into a larger specimen. Night fishing can be particularly productive for catfish, as they are nocturnal feeders. Whether fishing from the bank or a boat, targeting catfish in deeper holes and around underwater structures can yield impressive catches.