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Guadalupe Bass

Guadalupe Bass

The Guadalupe Bass is the official state fish of Texas and is found nowhere else in the world. Endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau in Central Texas, earning them the nickname 'Texas Trout.'

Scientific Name: Micropterus treculii

Also known as Texas Trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • Guadalupe Bass are smaller than other black bass, typically averaging 8-12 inches and rarely exceeding 3.5 pounds, with the current record standing at 3.71 pounds caught in the Colorado River.
  • They're distinguished from other bass by their olive-green coloration that extends lower on the body than spotted bass, diamond-shaped lateral line markings, and a mouth that doesn't extend beyond the eye like largemouth bass.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Endemic to the northern and eastern Edwards Plateau in Central Texas.
  • Unlike largemouth bass which prefer still water, Guadalupe Bass thrive in flowing streams and are perfectly adapted to fast-moving water.

Key Locations

  • San Marcos, Colorado, Llano, and Guadalupe Rivers, plus smaller streams like Barton Creek, Onion Creek, San Gabriel River, and Comal River.
  • Guadalupe River State Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area, and numerous public access points along these rivers.
  • Headwaters of the San Antonio River, the Guadalupe River above Gonzales, the Colorado River north of Austin, portions of the Brazos River drainage, lower Colorado River, and introduced populations in the Nueces River system.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky ledges, fast-moving riffles, current seams behind boulders, deep pools with moderate current, areas with structure like large rocks, cypress trees, downed timber, and undercut banks.
  • Focus on feeding lanes near faster water where fish actively hunt.
  • During summer, target deeper, shaded pools.

Guadalupe Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Guadalupe Bass in Texas?

Topwater lures like poppers and sliders, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, crayfish imitations, Ned rig with rubber worms.

What flies work for Guadalupe Bass in Texas?

Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear Nymphs, Utah Killer Bugs, Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, crawfish patterns, poppers, deer-hair bugs, small streamers. The current state record was caught on a crawfish pattern fly.

When is the best time to fish for Guadalupe Bass in Texas?

Spring and fall provide the best action, with early morning and late evening being most productive during summer months. Peak fishing from late April through May.

How do you catch Guadalupe Bass in Texas?

Fly fishing techniques with movement being crucial - lift flies quickly through the water column rather than dead-drift. Ned rig with rubber worms bounced along the bottom is particularly effective. Practice catch-and-release, use barbless hooks, handle fish with wet hands.

What do Guadalupe Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish, aquatic insects and larvae, and smaller fish, with juveniles showing a strong preference for mayflies and other invertebrates. Adults particularly favor crayfish and shad.

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