TPWD releases trout in Guadalupe River

by Paul Heidelberg

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recently released 17,176 trout for sport fishing into the Guadalupe River in Canyon Lake and there is free access to the river at some points.

The Canyon Tailrace area is one of 87 locations in Texas to be stocked with fish and it receives more trout than any other area, which include Garner State Park, Tyler State Park, LBJ State Park and Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, which gets 2,500 trout. Trout fishing in Brackenridge Park began Dec. 13 and continues through Jan. 10.

Stocking began at the Canyon Tailrace area Dec. 8 and more stockings are planned for Friday, Dec. 29, Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and March 1.
The Canyon Tailrace-Guadalupe River area is located in the River Road area between the Canyon Lake dam and the City of New Braunfels.

Free access is provided at the tailrace area just below the dam. In addition, free access began Dec. 8 for trout anglers at Camp Hueco Springs and Rocky Beach and will continue through through March 9.

There is also free access at the Action Angler Outdoor Center (also known as The Cliffs) that continues through March 11.

Special regulations are in effect from the second bridge crossing on River Road upstream to the easternmost bridge crossing on FM Road 306.

In this area, there is an 18-inch minimum size limit, a one trout daily bag, and the restriction that only trout caught on artificial lures may be harvested. Anglers may fish with all other legal means and methods, and may harvest all fish except trout.

Also, at more than 70 state parks, the TPWD is waiving fishing license requirements for families as part of the Family Fishing Celebration. There will also be events throughout the year – from kids’ fishing derbies to “Learn to Fish” seminars. Some parks will be providing loaner equipment and bait: just call ahead to ask. The event will continue through Aug. 31, 2007.

For more information on these programs, including a map that shows the free access locations on the Guadalupe River, visit the TPWD website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us; you can also contact the TPWD by calling 1-800-792-1112.