Rainbow Trout Fishing in Texas
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Thanks to the stocking efforts and an abundance of nice streams and river, the rainbow trout fishing in Texas is outstanding. The state of Texas stocks rainbow trout all over the place. City ponds, rivers, lakes, just about anywhere they can drop them. Stocking starts in November and runs through February. Bullfrog Pond, the Guadalupe River, Blue Hole Park Lake, and Blanco State Park are just a few of the locations for the 300,000+ rainbow trout to be released this season.
So why is the trout fishing season in the Winter? In Texas it’s the best time of the year for these non-native species. They can thrive in the cold water for a little while, in a few places where the water is cold enough from dam water they can live from year to year.
2024-25 Rainbow Trout Stocking schedule for the Texas Hill Country
- Bullfrog Pond Austin: 11/27/2024, 12/13/2024, 12/27/2024, 1/10/2025 1/24/2025, 2/7/2025, 2/21/2025, 3/7/2025
- Onion Creek – Upper Falls Austin: 1/12/2025 1/26/2025
- Canyon Tailrace – Guadalupe River, New Braunfels: 12/6/2024, 12/13/2024, 12/20/2024, 12/27/2024, 1/3/2025, 1/10/2025, 1/17/2025, 1/24/2025, 1/31/2025, 2/21/2025, 3/2/2025
- Llano River (Castell downstream) Llano: 12/3/2024
- Llano River Grenwelge Park) 2/2/2025
- Llano River at FM 2389 12/7/2024, 1/15/2025
- South Llano River State Park* Junction: 12/4/2023, 1/18/2024
- Garner State Park (Frio River) Leakey: 2/19/2025 *If construction is complete.
Check out The State of Texas website for the full Rainbow Trout Stocking schedule.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/management/stocking/trout_stocking.phtml
Top Spots for Rainbow Trout Fishing in Texas
The Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River just south of the Canyon Lake Dam is our favorite hot spot for rainbow trout and fly fishing in the region. Guided trips run about $500 for two people to float the river on a nice raft with and experienced fishing guide and gear. For those DIYR’s looking to paddle the river you must first make arrangements for your pull out location before anybody up river will let you launch and leave your car. The entrance to the river at the Canyon Lake dam is free and open to the public and you can fish from the bank with or without waders. For the high rollers there are many nice homes available with River Access on Air B and B. Lazzy L Campground is a good place to fishing from the bank if you are willing to pay a few dollars for a day pass to the grounds. You can fish without a kayak at most of the campgrounds for a small fee.
WinterFisch
This used to be one of the bigger festivals that is coordinated with a trout stocking. It’s held near Llano at the James River Crossing and is now more of a detonation that and festival. Camping, live music, and fly-fishing demos are all available on the fun menu. The festivals happens around the fish releases and they typically have 2 big ones each year. Click Here for Website
Small Rainbow Trout Ponds in Austin Texas
We have been to Bullfrog Pond in East Austin and didn’t catch a thing. Our trip was just a few days after the Texas Wildlife stocking, so we maybe didn’t get there before all the trout were taken. They also stock a pond near Camp Mabry, but those ponds are catch a release. If I’m going to land a Texas rainbow trout, I’m going to want it for dinner.
Onion creek upper falls trout fishing
This is probably one of the best places to fish for Rainbow trout within the Austin City Limits. It’s a very cool place to visit and fish. Located inside of McKinney Falls State Park this spectacular creek has several large waterfalls and other fishing areas, It’s a large part with hiking, camping, and other amenities. We have been bass fishing their numerous times but have not hit the rainbows here yet.
Local Links about Rainbow Trout Fishing
