Guide Report - Jeff York April 2009 E-mail
Sunday, 12 April 2009 10:58

Report: Kayak fishing the Guadalupe River this winter has been consistently productive even though river flow continues to be very low. I'm often asked; is there enough water to paddle/fish? I recommend the following measurements as minimum rates for a successful day on the water.

Gauge heights of 2.0 or higher AND Stream flow rates of 30 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) or higher. It is possible to paddle/fish at lower levels but expect to spend an excessive amount of time portaging. Additionally, the risk of damage to kayaks is significantly increased due to constant contact with the rocky bottom of the Guadalupe. For real-time Guadalupe flow information visit: http://southtexaskayak.com/river-weather-conditions.html

Equipment - Nothing exotic is needed for successful fishing on the Guadalupe. Short rods (ultra-light) are perfect for short casts and working the some of the tighter places on the Guadalupe. Due to the gin-clear clarity and shallow depth of the Guadalupe, light test (4-6 lbs), low visibility line is a must. Small spinner baits, worms, lizards, jigs, and top water plugs are all great choices.

Technique - lures always look more natural if retrieved from upstream. For hard structures such as rock ledges, logs or boulders which cross the current flow, a retrieve parallel to the structure can be very productive. Another good approach is to retrieve the lure down current and cross over where the current meets slower downstream water. Dropping a jig or worm over a drop-off, into holes under structures or into underwater depressions will also initiate smashing strikes.

Largemouth Bass: Good to 4 lbs. Focus on deep slow moving water (eddies and coves). 

Spotted Bass: Good to 3 lbs. Focus in or just of the faster moving water (rapids). 

Guadalupe Bass: Good to 3 lbs. Focus behind or around river cover that provides protection from the river current.

Channel Catfish: Fair to 3 lbs. May be caught with lures or "stink bait", day or night. Activity seems to increase 3 days to week after a rise in river levels.

White Bass: Excellent to 2 lbs. slow troll white or chartreuse lures where the river runs into Canyon Lake.

Perch: Fair on live crickets or red worms. 

 

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