Damn Good River Fishing Guides In Texas

The best river fishing trips in Texas are:

• Go Outside Expedition Company guided by Ryan S.
• 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
• Extreme Bowfishing guided by Hunter B.
• Texoma Outfitters guided by Tim H.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 64 river trips in Texas, and the most popular trips in the area are Austin Area Bass Fishing Guide guided by Bryan, Hill Country Bass Fishing guided by Jake, and Austin Bass "Tournament" Trip guided by Derek.

Our guides in Texas are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 8357 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 Texas? Check out our beginner and family friendly river guides in Texas.

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

The most common fishing techniques in Texas are artificial lure fishing, light tackle fishing, and fly fishing but heavy tackle fishing and live bait fishing are popular as well.

Prices for river fishing in Texas can range anywhere from about $424 to $4,000, but the average price for a half day trip for river fishing in Texas is $951. The average price for a full day trip for river fishing in Texas is $2,222.

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 Texas is spring, and most anglers book their trips 37 days in advance.

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

Texas boasts a diverse range of rivers that wind through its varied landscapes, offering both recreational opportunities and ecological richness. The Rio Grande, forming part of Texas' border with Mexico, is one of the state's most iconic rivers. It traverses rugged canyons and desert landscapes, supporting a unique ecosystem and providing opportunities for activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and river rafting. Anglers target species like largemouth bass, catfish, and various sunfish in the Rio Grande, using techniques such as bait fishing, fly fishing, and lure casting depending on the river section and target species.

The Guadalupe River, flowing through the Texas Hill Country, is renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. It's a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and fly fishing, particularly for rainbow trout stocked in colder months by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers here use fly fishing techniques such as nymphing and dry fly presentations to catch trout in its clear, spring-fed waters. The Guadalupe also supports populations of bass and sunfish, making it a year-round destination for anglers seeking both relaxation and adventure on its gentle rapids and tranquil pools.

East Texas is home to rivers like the Sabine and Trinity Rivers, which wind through piney woods and marshy terrain, providing habitats for a variety of fish species. These rivers are known for their excellent fishing opportunities, including catches of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and freshwater drum. Anglers use techniques such as bait fishing with live bait or cut bait, casting with artificial lures, and trolling to target these fish in their respective habitats. The Sabine River, in particular, supports a thriving bass fishery, attracting anglers from across the state for tournaments and recreational fishing throughout the year. Whether exploring the rugged canyons of the Rio Grande, tubing down the Guadalupe River, or casting lines in the Sabine River for bass, Texas' rivers offer a rich tapestry of outdoor experiences amidst some of the state's most scenic landscapes.

Texas' river seasons unfold with distinct opportunities and activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike throughout the year. Spring marks the beginning of the river season as temperatures warm and rivers swell with runoff from winter rains. This time is ideal for fishing as fish become more active in preparation for spawning. Rivers like the Guadalupe and Colorado Rivers see increased angler activity, with anglers targeting species such as bass, sunfish, and stocked rainbow trout using techniques such as fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure casting.

Summer in Texas brings hot temperatures and longer days, making it a popular time for recreational activities on the state's rivers. Tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are common along rivers like the Guadalupe and San Marcos Rivers, offering cool escapes from the heat amidst scenic landscapes. Anglers continue to pursue warm-water species such as largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish, focusing on early mornings and late evenings when fish are most active. Techniques vary from topwater fishing for bass to bottom fishing with worms or stink baits for catfish in deeper pools and eddies.

Fall brings a transition in Texas' river activities as temperatures moderate and foliage begins to change. This season offers excellent fishing opportunities as fish feed voraciously in preparation for winter. Rivers like the Sabine and Trinity Rivers see increased angler activity for species like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Techniques such as casting with crankbaits or jigging with soft plastics are effective for targeting bass, while live bait or cut bait is preferred for catching catfish. Fall also marks the return of cooler-water species like trout to rivers such as the Guadalupe, providing anglers with additional opportunities for fly fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of Texas' waterways. Whether tubing down the Guadalupe in summer, fishing for bass in the fall, or casting lines for trout in winter, Texas' rivers offer diverse and rewarding experiences year-round amidst its varied landscapes.

Texas features a diverse array of river types that cater to various outdoor activities and fishing preferences across the state. The Guadalupe River, flowing through the Texas Hill Country, is renowned for its clear, spring-fed waters and recreational opportunities. It's a popular destination for tubing, kayaking, and fishing, particularly for rainbow trout stocked during colder months. Anglers here use fly fishing techniques such as nymphing and dry fly presentations to target trout in the river's gentle currents and pools. The Guadalupe also supports populations of bass and sunfish, making it a versatile river for both relaxation and angling adventures.

East Texas rivers like the Sabine and Trinity Rivers wind through piney woods and marshy terrain, offering diverse fishing opportunities. These rivers are home to species like largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and freshwater drum. Anglers use techniques such as bait fishing with live bait or cut bait, casting with artificial lures, and trolling to catch these fish in their respective habitats. The Sabine River, in particular, is renowned for its bass fishery, attracting anglers for tournaments and recreational fishing throughout the year.

West Texas rivers, such as portions of the Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers, traverse arid landscapes and rugged canyons, offering unique fishing and outdoor experiences. The Rio Grande supports a variety of warm-water species like largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Anglers here employ techniques such as bait fishing with live worms or cut bait, casting with crankbaits or spinnerbaits, and fly fishing with streamers to catch these fish in the river's swift currents and deeper pools. The Pecos River, known for its desert scenery and historical significance, also provides fishing opportunities for bass and catfish, attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty in remote settings. Whether tubing down the Guadalupe, casting for bass in the Sabine, or exploring the scenic canyons of the Rio Grande, Texas' rivers offer a diverse array of outdoor adventures and fishing experiences amidst the state's varied landscapes.

Texas rivers offer a rich diversity of fish species that appeal to anglers throughout the year, providing varied opportunities depending on the region and season. In central and southern Texas, rivers like the Guadalupe and Colorado Rivers are popular destinations for trout fishing during the cooler months when these rivers are stocked with rainbow trout by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers often use fly fishing techniques such as nymphing or dry fly presentations to target these trout in the clear, spring-fed waters. The Guadalupe River, in particular, is renowned for its trout fishery and attracts anglers seeking a serene and scenic fishing experience.

For warm-water species, Texas rivers offer excellent opportunities to catch largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish year-round. The Sabine and Trinity Rivers in East Texas are known for their bass fisheries, with anglers using techniques such as casting with crankbaits or soft plastics to target these prized sportfish. Catfish are also abundant in many Texas rivers, including the Brazos and Red Rivers, where anglers often use bait fishing with stink baits, worms, or cut bait to attract these bottom-dwelling fish. Sunfish, such as bluegill and redear sunfish, provide additional recreational opportunities for anglers using small hooks and bait like worms or crickets.

During certain seasons, Texas rivers also host migratory species like striped bass and hybrid striped bass, which move upstream from reservoirs during spawning runs. The Trinity River, below Lake Livingston Dam, is renowned for its striped bass fishery, attracting anglers who use techniques such as trolling with large plugs or live bait fishing with shad or cut bait. Hybrid striped bass, a cross between striped bass and white bass, are also targeted in rivers like the Colorado and Brazos Rivers using similar techniques. Whether pursuing trout in the Hill Country, casting for bass in East Texas, or trolling for striped bass in the Trinity River, Texas rivers offer a wide range of fishing opportunities and outdoor adventures for anglers of all interests and skill levels.