Damn Good Smallmouth Buffalo Fishing Guides

Check real-time availability and compare rates on smallmouth buffalo fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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5/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

You will only find quality, vetted guides on Captain Experiences, and we know them all on a first-name basis

Experts Available 24/7

Our US-based team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns

100% Weather Guarantee

We want to keep everyone safe, so in the case of inclement weather we'll work with you to reschedule at no cost

“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

Smallmouth Buffalo Fishing Guides

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Llano

FLYFISHING THE LLANO RIVER, TX!

NEW
1 - 2 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Austin

Carp On The Fly - Austin, TX

100% (8)
1 - 2 People From $300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Granbury

Brazos River Drift Trip

100% (3)
14 ft 1 - 3 People From $250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Liberty Hill

Central Texas Bowfishing

100% (9)
18 ft 1 - 12 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Austin

Carp And Buffalo On The Fly

100% (3)
1 - 2 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Tunica

Premier Guided Bowfishing

NEW
18 ft 1 - 5 People From $400
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Other Captain Experiences Trips

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Chatham

Early Season Cape Cod Flyfishing

100% (4)
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Chatham

Early Season Striper 33’

100% (4)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Chatham

Tuna Trip - 26' Regulator

100% (4)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Galveston

West Bay Trip

100% (6)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Galveston

Upper Galveston Bay Trip

100% (6)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Galveston

22' Whaler Inshore

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Texas City

22' Whaler Inshore - Texas City

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Galveston

Galveston Inshore Trip

100% (69)
26 ft 1 - 12 People From $525
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing in Galveston

Bay And Jetty Fishing

100% (35)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing in Galveston

Shark And Bull Drum Trip

100% (35)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Galveston

State Water Slam

100% (35)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Galveston

Going Deep - 35' Sea Hunter

100% (35)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,050

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip

What are the best smallmouth buffalo fishing trips?

What are Smallmouth Buffalo?

The Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) is a distinctive freshwater fish native to North America, especially prevalent in the United States. It is a member of the Catostomidae family, commonly referred to as the sucker family. Despite its name, it bears no relation to true buffalo, but rather is named for its robust, buffalo-like build.

Characterized by a streamlined body, the Smallmouth Buffalo typically sports a bluish or olive-gray hue with a paler underside. It's distinguished by its small, sucker-like mouth, aligning it with other species in the sucker family. As one of the larger members of this family, adults often reach lengths of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) and can weigh significantly, sometimes exceeding 30 pounds.

In terms of habitat, the Smallmouth Buffalo is mostly found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, favoring areas with slow-flowing or stagnant waters and soft bottoms. It is adaptable to various environmental conditions, often thriving in murky waters. As a bottom feeder, its diet mainly consists of benthic organisms like insects, crustaceans, and plant material, with its small mouth being particularly adapted for suction feeding.

Reproductively, the Smallmouth Buffalo spawns in the late spring or early summer, often migrating upstream to their spawning grounds. During spawning, females release eggs that are externally fertilized by males.

The Smallmouth Buffalo holds significance both commercially and recreationally. It's a popular target for sport fishing, though it's less commonly consumed than other fish. In terms of conservation, the species is not currently considered at risk. It is an abundant and widespread species throughout its native range in North America.

As a resilient species integral to the freshwater ecosystems of North America, the Smallmouth Buffalo plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in its habitats. Its adaptability and importance in the ecosystem highlight its significance in the biodiversity of North American water bodies.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an awesome time fishing with Kevin and Lee. This was our first time carp fishing and it didn't disappoint. These guys run a great program from setting up a nice camp (with fresh coffee) to cannonball launching multiple rods with their cornmeal balls that carp love. We had numerous bites on a quick trip and landed a giant! Kevin and Lee were first class handling the fish and got some great shots for us. – Jonathan with Captain Experiences

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Carp On The Fly - Austin, TX

  • ★★★★★
    I booked this trip for my husband and he loved it! His guide Cody was great, very communicative. My husband caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. Thanks Cody!

    Josh L. | October 21, 2024

    Trip: Brazos River Drift Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Real nice guy and he put me on fish no complaints

    Clayton C. | October 5, 2024

    Trip: Carp And Buffalo On The Fly

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great float trip! Our guides, Cody and Mitch were fantastic!! They were very knowledgeable of the river how to get us on fish. We had a beginner that had never fly fish before and Cody and Mitch were very patient with teaching him how to cast and catch fish on a fly rod. I would highly recommend these guys for fishing on the Brazos!

    Matt L. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Brazos River Drift Trip

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

    Dale K. | March 28, 2024

    Trip: Carp On The Fly - Austin, TX

Other Fishing Species

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View Smallmouth Buffalo Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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