Damn Good Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides In Austin

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Recently Booked Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides In Austin, Tx

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Top Types of Smallmouth Bass Trips in Austin

“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 Austin

What are the best smallmouth bass fishing trips in Austin?

What is smallmouth bass fishing in Austin all about?

While smallmouth bass are not as common in Austin, Texas, compared to their largemouth counterparts, they still offer exciting opportunities for anglers seeking a challenge. Smallmouth bass are known for their aggressive behavior and powerful fights, making them prized catches for freshwater anglers. Although they prefer cooler, clearer waters typically found in northern regions, smallmouth bass can be found in certain rivers and reservoirs around Austin, such as the upper reaches of the Colorado River and some smaller tributaries.

Anglers targeting smallmouth bass in Austin often use techniques similar to those employed for largemouth bass, such as casting with artificial lures or fishing with live bait. Small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics imitating crayfish or small baitfish are effective lures for enticing smallmouth bass to bite. Additionally, fly fishing with streamers or nymphs can be productive, especially in areas with swift currents or rocky structures where smallmouth bass are known to hide.

While smallmouth bass may not be as abundant in Austin as largemouth bass or other species, dedicated anglers can still find opportunities to pursue these elusive fish in the area's rivers and reservoirs. As with any fishing endeavor, understanding the habits and preferences of smallmouth bass, as well as the unique characteristics of the waters they inhabit, is key to increasing the chances of success. With patience, perseverance, and a bit of luck, anglers in Austin can enjoy memorable encounters with smallmouth bass amidst the scenic beauty of Central Texas.

What are the most popular months to fish for smallmouth bass in Austin?

In Austin, Texas, smallmouth bass fishing seasons are influenced by several factors, including water temperature, spawning behavior, and habitat preferences. Spring and fall are generally considered the prime seasons for targeting smallmouth bass in Austin's rivers and reservoirs. As water temperatures begin to rise in the spring, smallmouth bass become more active and move into shallower waters to spawn. Anglers can capitalize on this increased activity by targeting smallmouth bass near rocky structures, gravel beds, and other spawning areas.

Summer can also provide productive fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass in Austin, although anglers may need to adjust their strategies to account for warmer water temperatures. During the summer months, smallmouth bass may seek cooler, deeper waters during the heat of the day, making early morning or late evening fishing trips more successful. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass in the summer often focus on deeper pools, riffles, and areas with swift currents where these fish can find refuge from the heat.

In the fall, as water temperatures begin to cool, smallmouth bass become more active and feed aggressively in preparation for the winter months. Fall offers anglers the opportunity to catch smallmouth bass in a variety of habitats, including rocky banks, submerged structures, and along the edges of fast-moving currents. As water temperatures drop, smallmouth bass may move into shallower waters to feed, providing anglers with excellent opportunities to target these prized fish. With its diverse fishing opportunities and abundance of smallmouth bass, Austin remains a premier destination for anglers seeking thrilling encounters amidst the scenic waterways of Central Texas.

What techniques are popular for catching smallmouth bass in Austin?

Smallmouth bass 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 smallmouth bass is casting with artificial lures. Anglers often use small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics imitating crayfish or baitfish to entice smallmouth bass into biting. These lures are cast along rocky shorelines, submerged structures, or areas with swift currents where smallmouth bass are known to hide, allowing anglers to cover a lot of water and locate active fish.

Another effective technique for smallmouth bass fishing in Austin is fly fishing. Anglers use streamers, nymphs, or dry flies to imitate insects or baitfish, presenting them with delicate casts in areas where smallmouth bass are likely to be found. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass can be particularly productive in rivers and streams with clear, shallow water and rocky bottoms. Anglers may employ techniques such as drift fishing or sight fishing to target smallmouth bass in these environments, providing an exciting and challenging angling experience.

Bottom fishing with live bait is also a popular method for targeting smallmouth bass in Austin. Anglers use live bait such as minnows, nightcrawlers, or crayfish suspended below a bobber or fished on a Carolina rig near rocky structures or drop-offs where smallmouth bass congregate. This technique allows anglers to present natural baits in the strike zone of smallmouth bass, enticing them to bite. With its diverse fishing opportunities and abundance of smallmouth bass, 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 smallmouth bass, anglers in Austin, Texas, have a wealth 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

  • ★★★★★
    Had an awesome day on the water with Ray. Super experienced guide that took us to really cool spots where we caught Bass on several different techniques. Really nice boat and great fishing gear provided. Can only recommend!

    Kristoffer N. | November 18, 2025

    Trip: Hill Country Bass Trips

  • ★★★★★
    He had a wonderful trip with Captain Andrews he was very knowledgeable and professional. I caught seven fish so he must be really good at teaching LOL

    Joy B. | November 8, 2025

    Trip: Chasing Bassquatch Texas Bass Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We crushed it with Carson on the Colorado! Giant tank river bass all morning long. Carson knew where to find em and what to feed em! So much fun and can’t wait to do it again. - Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | October 15, 2025

    Trip: Hill Country Backcountry Bassin'

  • ★★★★★
    We had an epic time with Carson fishing Lake Austin. We caught on a mix of different baits to keep things fun with worms, swim baits, etc. Was awesome learning a new lake and Carson had the tips and tricks to keep us on fish all morning. Can’t wait to run it back. - Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | October 15, 2025

    Trip: Hill Country Backcountry Bassin'

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I had a great day of fishing with Ray. Hes very patient and very very knowledgeable about the Lake and what baits to use and how to use them super nice guy who really enjoys what he does and it chose.

    Brian C. | October 12, 2025

    Trip: Hill Country Bass Trips

Other Fishing Species in Austin

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