Urban Fishing in San Antonio: Bass on the River Walk, Guadalupe Bass at the Missions, and Power Plant Redfish 20 Minutes from Downtown

San Antonio has a river running through its tourist district. Not next to it. Through it. The San Antonio River winds under bridges, past restaurants and shops, through the Alamo grounds, and south through the historic Spanish missions — and the entire time, it holds fish. Largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass (the state fish of Texas, found almost nowhere else), channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish, and Rio Grande cichlids swim under the feet of 15 million tourists a year who have no idea they are there.

Beyond the river, San Antonio has city park lakes stocked with rainbow trout in winter and channel catfish year-round through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Neighborhood Fishin' program. And just 15 to 20 minutes south of downtown, two power plant reservoirs — Braunig Lake and Calaveras Lake — hold red drum, hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish in warm water that produces year-round action.

This is fishing with the Alamo in your rearview mirror. No boat. No long drive. Just a rod and the knowledge of where to go.

The San Antonio River: Mission Reach and Beyond

The San Antonio River runs 240 miles from the springs north of downtown to its confluence with the Guadalupe River, but the best urban fishing is in the 8-mile Mission Reach section — a restored riparian corridor running from downtown south through four 18th-century Spanish missions (Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada). The San Antonio River Authority invested $380 million in restoring the Mission Reach, recreating natural meanders, planting native vegetation, and installing habitat features. The fish responded.

Where on the San Antonio River

Mission Reach (King William to Mission Espada): The premier urban fishing stretch. Walk-on and bike access from the Mission Reach Hike and Bike Trail, which runs the full 8 miles alongside the river. Access points at every mission. The restored sections with natural banks, riffles, and pools hold the best fish. Guadalupe bass and largemouth bass hold in the current seams and structure. Catfish in the deeper pools.

Espada Dam: A low-head dam near Mission Espada that concentrates fish in the pool below. Largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, catfish, and sunfish. Walk-on from the trail. One of the most productive spots on the river.

Brackenridge Park (North of downtown): A historic 343-acre park with 2.2 miles of the San Antonio River. The river here is slower and deeper, holding catfish, bass, and sunfish. Walk-on from the park's multiple entrances. Near the San Antonio Zoo and Japanese Tea Garden.

The River Walk (Downtown): You can technically fish the River Walk. People do. There are bass, catfish, and the distinctive suckermouth catfish (a tropical armored catfish that has established in the warm water). The logistics are awkward — tourist foot traffic, narrow walkways, restaurant patios — but the fish are real. Fish early morning before the crowds or in the quieter sections upstream of the commercial stretch.

San Antonio River Techniques

Guadalupe bass: The prize. Texas's state fish is a stream bass endemic to the Edwards Plateau, and the Mission Reach is one of the best places to catch them on foot. A 6-foot light spinning rod, 1000-size reel, 6-pound fluorocarbon. Small crankbaits (Rapala Ultra Light Minnow, Rebel Crawfish) cast to current seams, riffles, and bridge pilings. Or Ned rigs and small soft plastics bounced along the rocky bottom. Guadalupe bass are typically 8 to 14 inches — small but aggressive.

Largemouth bass: Texas-rigged soft plastics (creature baits, Senko worms) pitched to the deeper pools and overhanging vegetation. The largemouths in the Mission Reach are 1 to 4 pounds. Also respond well to topwater frogs and buzzbaits in the slower sections.

Channel catfish: Cut bait or nightcrawlers on a bottom rig in the deeper pools. Every section of the river holds channel cats. The deeper pools below dams and bridge pilings concentrate them.

Rio Grande cichlids: These colorful panfish are native to the river and aggressively hit small lures, flies, and bait. Fun on ultralight tackle.

Fishing the San Antonio Riverwalk — Urban Bass Fishing Texas Catching Solid Bass Sight Fishing Urban San Antonio River — Espada Dam Park

City Park Lakes: Stocked Trout and Catfish

San Antonio's city parks include several fishable lakes, two of which are part of the TPWD Neighborhood Fishin' program — stocked monthly with channel catfish and seasonally with rainbow trout for easy, accessible urban fishing.

Top Park Lakes

Woodlawn Lake Park: A 30-acre lake in a 62-acre park just north of downtown. The lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and is stocked with rainbow trout in winter (December-March). Walk-on with paved paths around the lake, a pier, and park facilities. One of the best urban fishing spots in the city.

South Side Lions Park Lake: Part of the Neighborhood Fishin' program. Monthly catfish stockings May through October, rainbow trout stockings December through March. Walk-on with parking, piers, and picnic areas. Family-friendly.

Millers Pond Park: The second Neighborhood Fishin' lake in San Antonio. Same stocking schedule — monthly catfish and seasonal trout. Walk-on with a fishing pier. Located on the east side.

Elmendorf Lake: A neighborhood lake in front of Our Lady of the Lake University on the west side. Holds bass, catfish, and panfish year-round. Walk-on from the park. Less crowded than the Neighborhood Fishin' lakes.

How to Fish Stocked Park Lakes

Rainbow trout (December-March): PowerBait on a bottom rig or small spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail 1/16-ounce) retrieved slowly. Fish within 48 hours of stocking for the best action — check the TPWD Neighborhood Fishin' stocking schedule.

Channel catfish (May-October stocking, bite year-round): Nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or stink bait on a bottom rig. Cast to the deeper sections and wait. Catfish run 1 to 4 pounds in these lakes.

Largemouth bass (year-round): Senko worms (wacky rig), small Beetle Spins, or Texas-rigged soft plastics. Fish the shoreline structure — docks, fallen branches, any shade.

Elmendorf Lake — An Urban Fishing Gem in the Heart of San Antonio

Power Plant Reservoirs: Redfish and Hybrids

Two coal-fired power plant cooling reservoirs sit just 15 to 20 minutes south of downtown San Antonio, and they hold fish species you would not expect to find 150 miles from the coast.

Braunig Lake

A 1,350-acre reservoir 17 miles south of downtown. CPS Energy uses it as a cooling pond, which keeps the water warm year-round — and that warm water supports an unlikely mix of species.

Red drum (redfish): Yes, redfish in a freshwater lake near San Antonio. Stocked by TPWD, they thrive in the warm water and grow to 30 inches. The most popular sport fish in the lake. Catch them on cut bait (shrimp, mullet) or artificial lures (gold spoons, soft plastics). Daily limit: 3, minimum 20 inches, only one over 28 inches.

Hybrid striped bass: Active fighters that school in the open water. Cast white or chartreuse swimbaits or trolling spoons. Best in cooler months.

Largemouth bass and catfish: Also present and catchable year-round.

Access: Shore fishing from the park areas. $5 per person entry fee. Boat access available but not required — the shore fishing for redfish is productive.

Calaveras Lake

A 3,624-acre power plant reservoir 20 minutes southeast of downtown. Similar warm-water fishery.

Red drum: Same stocking program as Braunig. Redfish are the primary draw.

Largemouth bass: Healthy population. The warm water keeps bass active year-round.

Channel and blue catfish: Abundant. Cut bait on bottom rigs.

Access: Shore fishing from the park. Entry fee applies. Both lakes are run by CPS Energy with park amenities (piers, restrooms, parking).

San Antonio's Hidden Bass Fishing Sweet Spots — Urban Fishing Gold

Fishing Licence and Regulations

Texas fishing licence: Required for anyone 17+. Resident freshwater annual $30. Nonresident freshwater annual $58. One-day all-water $16. Buy at txfgsales.com, Walmart, Academy Sports, or any licence vendor.

Red drum (Braunig/Calaveras): Daily limit 3, slot size 20 to 28 inches, only one over 28 inches. Same regulations as coastal redfish.

Largemouth bass: Daily limit 5, minimum 14 inches.

Guadalupe bass: Part of the black bass daily limit (5 combined). Minimum 12 inches. Catch and release encouraged — they are a conservation-priority species.

Channel catfish: Daily limit 25, no minimum size.

San Antonio River: Open to fishing year-round. Standard TPWD inland regulations apply.

When to Fish

March-May (Spring): The best season. Bass spawn on the Mission Reach. Catfish become aggressive. Redfish active at Braunig and Calaveras. Comfortable weather before the summer heat.

June-September (Summer): Fish early morning or late evening — San Antonio summers hit 100°F+. River fishing for catfish peaks at dawn and dusk. Redfish still active in the warm reservoir water. Catfish stocking at park lakes.

October-November (Fall): Excellent all-around fishing. Bass feed aggressively. Redfish schooling. Cooling temperatures make all-day fishing possible.

December-February (Winter): Trout stocking at park lakes. River fishing slower but catfish still bite on warm days. Redfish still active at the power plant reservoirs — warm water means year-round fishing.

Practical Details

Getting there: San Antonio is a car city. Most fishing spots have free parking. The Mission Reach trail is bikeable from downtown (VIA Metropolitan Transit has bike racks on buses). The River Walk is walkable from any downtown hotel. Braunig and Calaveras Lakes require a car — 15 to 20 minutes on I-37 South.

Gear that travels: A two-piece 6'6" medium spinning rod covers everything — river bass, park lake catfish, and reservoir redfish. For Guadalupe bass on the Mission Reach, a light or ultralight rod is more fun. For Braunig/Calaveras redfish, a medium-heavy rod handles the bigger fish.

Tackle shops: Bass Pro Shops (The Rim, northwest SA), Academy Sports + Outdoors (multiple locations), Tackletarts (local shop with river and reservoir intel).

Heat safety: Same as Houston — brutal summers. Fish early or late. Bring water. Sunscreen and hat mandatory. The Mission Reach trail has minimal shade in some sections.

Urban Fishing Downtown San Antonio TX Riverwalk

Top Fishing Guides in San Antonio

San Antonio fishing guides know the Mission Reach like the back of their hand — which riffles are holding Guadalupe bass, where the flatheads stack up below Espada Dam, and whether the redfish are schooling at Braunig this week. A river guide in San Antonio handles a unique challenge: putting you on Texas's state fish in a river that runs through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with tourists on one side and bass on the other.

Off the Hook Fishing Trips

San Antonio, TX, US

5.0 (19 reviews)

Off the Hook Fishing Trips, led by Captain Bryan Cantu, offers guided fishing experiences on Calaveras Lake in San Antonio, Texas. With over 11 years of specialized experience, Captain Cantu has perfected unique techniques for targeting freshwater red drum and catfish. He provides all necessary equipment, allowing anglers to focus entirely on the experience. Whether seeking a morning outing, afternoon adventure, or full-day immersion, Off the Hook accommodates both casual anglers and corporate groups. Captain Cantu's proven methods and personalized approach make each trip memorable, combining expert instruction with the natural beauty of Calaveras Lake.

Roatan Charter

San Antonio, FL, US

5.0 (11 reviews)

Roatan Charter brings years of expertise to the stunning waters surrounding Guanaja, Honduras, where anglers of all skill levels find unforgettable fishing adventures. The operation specializes in personalized guided trips targeting a diverse range of species, with knowledgeable guides committed to tailoring each experience to their clients' interests and abilities. The team operates comfortable, well-maintained boats and offers flexible trip formats—including half-day and full-day excursions—to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Whether visitors are seeking their first saltwater catch or returning to test their skills, Roatan Charter delivers the local expertise and attentive service that transform a fishing trip into a cherished vacation memory.

Bones Fishing

San Antonio, TX, US

4.9 (43 reviews)

Bones Fishing Bones Fishing brings over 14 years of professional expertise to San Antonio's premier fishing waters. Raymond "Bones" Esckilsen specializes in Redfish charters at Calaveras Lake, along with expertly guided trips to Braunig Lake, Canyon Lake, and the Nueces River. His deep knowledge of local conditions and species behavior—particularly Blue Cats, White Bass, and Stripers—ensures productive days on the water for anglers of all skill levels. Whether planning a family outing, group adventure, or corporate retreat, Bones Fishing delivers safe, enjoyable experiences centered around excellent fishing. Clients can expect engaging days filled with the opportunity to land impressive catches while taking in the natural beauty of the Texas landscape.

Affordable Guide Service

San Antonio, TX, US

4.9 (43 reviews)

Affordable Guide Service, led by Captain Alex Cruz, specializes in guided fishing trips throughout South Texas. Operating at premier locations including Braunig Lake, Calaveras Lake, the Bay of Corpus Christi, and Port Aransas, the service targets a diverse range of species including redfish, hybrid stripers, catfish, trout, black drum, sheephead, and flounder. Captain Cruz, a licensed Texas Coastal fishing guide, handles all the details so clients can focus on the experience. Each trip comes equipped with necessary gear and live bait, making Affordable Guide Service an excellent choice for families, friends, and co-workers seeking a hassle-free day on the water. Whether anglers are seasoned or casting a line for the first time, Captain Cruz is committed to creating enjoyable and memorable fishing experiences.

Fishing With Manny

San Antonio, TX, US

4.7 (31 reviews)

Fishing With Manny brings four decades of expertise to the waters around San Antonio, Texas. As a full-time, professionally licensed guide, Manny has mastered the art of targeting freshwater favorites including big redfish, stripers, bass, and catfish across premier local lakes—Calaveras, Braunig, and Choke Canyon among them. His deep knowledge of these fisheries ensures productive outings regardless of season or conditions. Operating a well-maintained 22ft Sea Pro boat, Fishing With Manny accommodates anglers of all experience levels with flexible trip styles tailored to individual goals. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to refine your technique or a newcomer eager to learn, Manny's patient instruction and proven methods create both memorable catches and genuine enjoyment on the water.

San Antonio Fishing Guides

San Antonio, TX, US

4.7 (31 reviews)

San Antonio Fishing Guides Led by Captain Steve Nixon, San Antonio Fishing Guides brings over four decades of expertise to the waters of Canyon Lake, Calaveras Lake, and Braunig Lake. Whether targeting bass, catfish, crappie, or trophy-sized striped bass, anglers of all skill levels will find themselves in capable hands at this premier guide service. Captain Steve has cultivated a welcoming, family-friendly approach to fishing that makes every outing enjoyable and successful. All necessary tackle, bait, and ice are provided, allowing guests to focus entirely on the experience. Each trip is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflecting the guide's commitment to delivering memorable days on the water.

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