SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is set to kick off its annual rainbow trout stocking and more than 20,000 fish are expected to be stocked along the Canyon Tailrace of the Guadalupe River in the New Braunfels area.
Trout will be stocked just below the dam at Guadalupe Park, Whitewater Camp, 4th River Road Crossing, 3rd River Road Crossing and Camp Huaco Springs in New Braunfels, according to TPWD.
Free public access will be offered to anglers at Camp Huaco from Dec. 7 to March 7.
Tentative stocking dates for the tailrace are:
- December - 2, 9, 16, 22, 29
- January - 6, 13, 20, 27
- February - 17, 27
Rainbow trout are stocked as part of the Neighborhood Fishin’ program which encourages families to spend time together outdoors.
The statewide daily bag limit is five trout, with no minimum length. However, there are special regulations for two sections of the Guadalupe River.
TPWD officials state that in these two sections, all trout harvested must be caught on artificial lures and the following bag and size limits are in effect:
- Beginning 800 yards downstream from the Canyon Dam release gate and extending to the easternmost bridge on FM Road 306, there is a 12-to-18-inch slot limit. Trout 12 inches and under or 18 inches and longer may be retained. The daily bag limit is five trout, and only one can be 18 inches or longer.
- From the easternmost bridge on FM 306 downstream to the second bridge crossing on River Road, there is an 18-inch minimum size limit, and a one-trout daily bag.
Inland Fisheries officials with TPWD note that water tends to stay cool in the Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam.
“Trout in this river have been known to survive the summer and grow to impressive sizes. This is still the best spot for trout anglers who seek a true river fishing experience,” officials said.
Anglers ages 16 and younger fish for free in Texas but anyone over 17 must have a valid fishing license. More than 70 state parks offer free fishing year-round, although entry fees still apply as well as length and bag limits.