Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk AL Fishing Talk Guadalupe Bass in TX

The Guadalupe Bass is a native black bass species native to the Hill Country of Texas. They thrive in the faster flowing spring-fed, limestone streams and creeks of the Edwards Plateau. While they do grow larger, they are often around 12-15". Like so many other native fish, habitat destruction and fragmentation along with the introduction of non-native black bass species almost wiped out the Guadalupe Bass from earth. Smallmouth Bass were introduced to "improve the fishing" in the Central Texas region.

Today, with efforts from Texas Parks and Wildlife and many other stakeholders, the Guadalupe Bass has been restored to much of its native range and is the State Fish of Texas. While in Texas last week for a black bass and fisheries conference, I knew I had to experience this fishery. Thanks to great information from fellow biologists/anglers and a car ride to the famed waters, I was able to experience them first-hand.

All I can say is that it is a wonderful fishery, from the surrounding scenery all the way to the beauty of the waters and the fish that reside in them. My first fish came quickly in some faster water, then another with a popper drifted along a current break. The fish went airborne and ate the popper before it even hit the water. I caught five more Guadalupe Bass that day along with some Rio Cichlids, Red-breasted sunfish, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass.

I also had a front row seat to numerous wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, axis deer, and a mayfly hatch. What an excellent experience! I need to go back for a cast and blast for turkeys!

Great pics! Thanks for sharing!

the hill country has a rugged beauty to it, no doubt 👍🏻

The Edwards plateau is one of my favorite places on earth. It’s the only place I’ve ever observed an actual browse line from deer.

Very nice!

Looks like another great trip! Most of the streams that I saw when turkey hunting the Midwest were not very impressive. That one looks like a lot of fun.