Guadalupe River

Photo: Larry D. Moore Opens in a new tab. · CC BY 4.0

Should I go fishing?

Check the water temperature first.

Water temperature is unconfirmed. Use a stream thermometer; stop trout fishing at 70°F or warmer, or sooner if fish show stress.

Rating updatedRiver local time: Sep 22, 2026, 4:15 PM CDT

Why this recommendation?

The current NWS air forecast is about 96F, and the next 24-hour high reaches about 97F. This is an air forecast, not a water-temperature reading. Fish early and check the river with a stream thermometer.

Available live dataHighHow much of the live flow, weather, and alert data came back.

Confidence in this recommendationMediumWater temperature not verified; do not use this score to clear warm-water risk.

Usually checks again about every 45 minutes

If you go

Check first: Check TPWD Zone 1 and Zone 2 rules before fishing the tailrace.
Try: Fish small nymphs and midges first in clear trout-zone water.
Leave when: Skip trout-focused fishing when the trout-zone rules are unclear, water temperature is stressful, access is not confirmed, tuber traffic makes handling poor, or flow changes make wading unsafe.

Flow and weather

Showing server-checked river conditions while current readings refresh.

Flow: 151 cfs; Stable over about 6 hoursU.S. Geological Survey may revise this reading
Air forecast: 96°F
Next 24h high: 97.0°F
NWS air forecast near Sep 22, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT
Rain chance: 1%

This is an air forecast, not a river-temperature reading. Check the water with a stream thermometer before fishing in hot weather.

7-day U.S. Geological Survey chart

Recent flow

Discharge

154 cfs149 cfs

Sep 15Sep 22

Latest reading: 151 cfs. Stable over about 6 hours. Chart covers Sep 15 through Sep 22; readings are provisional and may be revised.

Latest stored weather check

Mostly Sunny

Wind: 5 mph
Weather checked: Sep 22, 2026, 3:00 PM CDT

More forecast and source details

Mostly Sunny

National Weather Service

Sattler and Canyon Dam tailrace, Texas

The National Weather Service forecast is temporarily unavailable.

Live data

Where these readings come from

Current U.S. Geological Survey gauge: Guadalupe River at Sattler

Stable over about 6 hoursU.S. Geological Survey may revise this readingObserved Sep 22, 2026, 3:50 PM CDT

Official U.S. Geological Survey station Opens in a new tab.Official NWS forecast Opens in a new tab.

These values are from the latest server-checked river data. JavaScript can refresh them with newer readings. Use the official links below for the newest readings before you fish.

Flies for this time of year

Seasonal starting points, not a live hatch report. Match what you see on the water.

See flies for every season

SeasonWhat to look forFlies to try

December to February

What to look forStocked trout, midges, tiny nymphs, scuds, and clear tailwater drifts

Flies to try

Zebra Midgepheasant tailPheasant Tail Nymph small eggEgg Fly Patterns micro buggerWoolly Bugger

Also try scud

March to May

What to look forMidges, caddis, small mayflies, warmwater baitfish, and bass activity

Flies to try

Midge pupaMidge Patterns by Stage caddis pupaCaddis Pupa Patterns BWO emergerBlue-Winged Olive Patterns small streamerTrout Streamer Patterns

Also try crayfish

June to SeptemberThis season

What to look forWarmwater forage, terrestrials, baitfish, and shaded bass water

Flies to try

PopperBass and Panfish Popper Patterns baitfish streamerBaitfish and Minnow Patterns foam hopperGrasshopper Patterns

Also try slider, crawfish

October to November

What to look forCooling water, early trout planning, baitfish, and low-light streamer windows

Flies to try

Olive buggerWoolly Bugger midgeMidge Patterns by Stage baitfish streamerBaitfish and Minnow Patterns soft hackleSoft-Hackle Wet Flies

Also try scud

Each fly name opens its matching Fly Box guide.

More fishing tips

Methods, fish species and trip notes

How to fish Guadalupe River today.

The Guadalupe is best when flows are safe, access is confirmed, and trout-zone rules are clear. In warmer seasons, shift expectations toward early starts, careful fish handling, and warmwater tactics.

Low clear flow

Use small nymphs, midges, scuds, and longer leaders in trout water.

Moderate flow

Cover seams and shelves with indicator nymphs or light streamers where legal.

Warm water

Use a thermometer and shift away from catch-and-release trout stress.

Busy recreation days

Fish early, pick quieter access, and expect tubes or boats in season.

Wading, bank fishing or floating?

Access choicesNo single best option

Wading, Bank fishing, and Floating have the same top score. Use current access, footing, weather, and local rules to choose.

Wading74/100

Wading is in play only where your chosen access has clear footing, legal entry, and no forced crossings.

Bank fishing74/100

Bank and edge fishing remains a practical low-commitment option if access is legal and footing is safe.

Floating74/100

A float is in play where this report supports boat access and wind, releases, and shuttle logistics are manageable.

Full river report

Is Guadalupe River worth the trip today? Check flow, weather, hatches, access, and rules for Texas before you go.

The Guadalupe is Texas' standout tailwater trout page, but the useful scope is below Canyon Dam through the special trout zones. Rules, access, and flows decide the plan before fly choice.

Fishing words used on this page

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauge: A USGS gauge is an official river station that measures flow or water height.
Cubic feet per second (cfs): Cubic feet per second, or cfs, shows how much water passes the gauge each second.
Nymph: A nymph is a young water insect. Anglers also use the word for a fly that copies it.
Limestone stream: A limestone stream runs through mineral-rich rock and often has clear, cool water.
Seam: A seam is the line where fast and slow water meet.
Blue-winged olive (BWO): Blue-winged olives, or BWOs, are small mayflies that often hatch in cool or cloudy weather.
Caddis: Caddis are small water insects. The adults look a little like tiny moths.
Emerger: An emerger copies an insect as it rises from below the water toward the surface.
Indicator: An indicator is a small floating marker that can show when a fish takes an underwater fly.
Midge: Midges are tiny flies and a common trout food, especially in cold water.

Why this call

Why this score

HeatUse caution

FlowHelps

USGS shows 151 cfs. The flow has been stable over about 6 hours. USGS marks this reading provisional and may revise it. USGS records for this date (1964-2025, 62 readings) show a typical middle range of 73 cfs to 300 cfs. Flow is within the typical range for this date, so weather, temperature, and access become the next checks.

SeasonHelps

Fall: Cooling water makes trout planning relevant again as stocking season approaches.

Public alertsHelps

No active NWS alert was returned for this forecast point.

Fishing usefulnessHelps

Skip trout-focused fishing when the trout-zone rules are unclear, water temperature is stressful, access is not confirmed, tuber traffic makes handling poor, or flow changes make wading unsafe.

Trip notes

Check these before you choose a reach.

Best flows

Use USGS 08167800 at Sattler as the primary live flow signal. Stable, fishable releases support nymphing and light streamer work. Very low, warm, or crowded conditions should shift expectations toward short sessions or warmwater targets.

When to leave

Skip trout-focused fishing when the trout-zone rules are unclear, water temperature is stressful, access is not confirmed, tuber traffic makes handling poor, or flow changes make wading unsafe.

Local plan

Start with TPWD trout-zone rules and stocking context, then check Sattler flow, weather, and the exact access you plan to use. Carry small tailwater flies, a thermometer, and a warmwater backup rig.

Backup water

If the Guadalupe is too warm, crowded, off-color, or access-limited, compare the Colorado River below Austin, San Marcos River, or Medina River for a warmwater fly plan.

Guadalupe River access and rules.

Use these places as starting points. Open the access link below and check posted signs before you park or enter.

Before you go

Check TPWD Guadalupe River special trout zones, statewide freshwater rules, and current stocking information before fishing.

Where to access the river

Canyon Dam tailrace

Core trout-zone planning area. Verify current access and rules.

Sattler and River Road area

Useful orientation, but many banks are private or access-controlled.

New Braunfels downstream context

More warmwater and recreation influence as the river moves downstream.

TPWD trout-zone rules are section-by-section. Read the current wording before fishing.
Leased access, resort access, and camp access can change by season.
Tubers and warm weather can change both fishing quality and safety.

If this water does not fit the day, check another report before you start the drive.

TexasColorado River Below Austin fishing reportA warmwater bass plan downstream from Austin.

TexasSan Marcos River fishing reportA Central Texas clear-water warmwater option.

TexasMedina River fishing reportA Hill Country access-and-flow research option.

See all Texas fly fishing reports

Sources and report details

Official agencies and primary river operators come first. Secondary tools are labeled so you know what carries the most weight.

Rules and closures

Check what is allowed, where the rule applies, and whether the river is open.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyTPWD Guadalupe River fishing regulationstpwd.texas.gov (opens in a new tab)

Flow and weather

Check the latest river reading and forecast before you leave.

SafetyOfficial agencyNational Weather Service point near Sattlerforecast.weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Access and land

Check public entry points, land rules, and seasonal access changes.

Public accessOfficial agencyTPWD River Fishing in Texastpwd.texas.gov (opens in a new tab)

Rules and closures

Check what is allowed, where the rule applies, and whether the river is open.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyTPWD Guadalupe River fishing regulationstpwd.texas.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the current rules and check the river section, season, and special limits.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyTPWD Guadalupe River trout stockingtpwd.texas.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the current rules and check the river section, season, and special limits.

Flow and weather

Check the latest river reading and forecast before you leave.

SafetyOfficial agencyNational Weather Service point near Sattlerforecast.weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open this page and check the latest safety advice before your trip.

River readingOfficial agencyUSGS 08167800 Guadalupe River at Sattlerwaterdata.usgs.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open this river reading to check the latest level, flow, and update time.

Access and land

Check public entry points, land rules, and seasonal access changes.

Public accessOfficial agencyTPWD River Fishing in Texastpwd.texas.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the land or access page, then check signs before you park or enter.

Quick questions

What should I check first before fishing Guadalupe River?

Check TPWD trout-zone rules, USGS Sattler flow, stocking updates, access, weather, and water temperature.

Where should a first-time visitor start on Guadalupe River?

Start with the Canyon Dam tailrace and Sattler area, then confirm the access you plan to use.

Can I wade Guadalupe River?

Yes in some places at safe flows, but access and limestone footing are real constraints.

What flies should I bring for Guadalupe River?

Bring the seasonal fly box, then adjust size, weight, and color to the water level, clarity, temperature, and fishing pressure you find.

Guadalupe River

Check the water temperature first.

If you go