Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides In Austin

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Recently Booked Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides Near Austin, Tx

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Austin

Hill Country Backcountry Bassin'

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $150 / person

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Chasing Bassquatch Texas Bass Trip

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

Most Popular Types of Smallmouth Bass 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

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Austin

What are the best smallmouth bass fishing trips in Austin?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 smallmouth bass trips in Austin, and the most popular trips in the area are Hill Country Backcountry Bassin' guided by Carson and Chasing Bassquatch Texas Bass Trip guided by Ander.

Our guides in Austin are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2399 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.

Looking for kid friendly smallmouth bass guides in Austin? Check out our beginner and family friendly smallmouth bass guides in Austin.

What types of smallmouth bass fishing trips are common in Austin?

Lake fishing is the most popular for smallmouth bass in Austin as well as river fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Austin are artificial lure fishing, light tackle fishing, and topwater fishing.

How much does an Austin smallmouth bass fishing trip cost?

for smallmouth bass in Austin prices can range anywhere from an affordable $400 to $575, but the average price for a half day trip for smallmouth bass in Austin is $425. The average price for a full day trip for smallmouth bass in Austin is $563.

What month is best for smallmouth bass fishing in Austin?

The most popular season for smallmouth bass fishing in Austin is spring, and most anglers book their trips 26 days in advance.

Do I need a Austin fishing license for smallmouth bass and what are the bag limits for smallmouth bass 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 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    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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