Rivers around San Antonio for bass and catfish (early fall edition)
The San Antonio area offers several solid river options for both species. Here are the main ones you’ll be targeting, plus practical tips for early fall conditions (cooler mornings, warm afternoons, clear to slightly stained water):
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San Antonio River — urban-to-suburban water with strategic bends, eddies, and deeper pockets below bridges. Bass tend to hug structure and shade, while catfish cruise deeper holes and undercut banks.
- Techniques: bass with Texas-rigged plastics, small swimbaits, and topwater at first light; catfish with cut bait or stink bait near deeper drops.
- Tips: walk the river below dams or bridges after a rain for fresh current; public park access points are common along many segments.
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Guadalupe River (Seguin to New Braunfels) — classic bass and catfish corridor with clearer water and defined riffles, runs, and deeper pools. This is one of the most reliable rivers near SA for through-season action.
- Techniques: for bass, spinnerbaits, diving crankbaits, and plastic worms around riprap and undercut banks; for catfish, use cut bait or chicken liver near deeper holes and slower current seams.
- Tips: public accesses near Seguin and New Braunfels are hot spots; mornings can be productive before it heats up.
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Medina River (Bandera area, southwest of SA) — slower sections with scenic banks and slower current that still hold both species in the right spots.
- Techniques: slow-rolled plastics, jigs, and light topwater for bass; cut bait or stink bait for catfish around bends and deeper pockets.
- Tips: good option when you want a shorter drive with less crowded water; scout deeper holes near bends.
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Comal River (New Braunfels) — spring-fed, generally clearer and cooler water with pockets of structure that hold fish; smaller than Guadalupe but can produce solid bass and some catfish.
- Techniques: finesse baits, small swimbaits, and topwater early; catfish are typically near deeper bends and off-channel pockets.
- Tips: early fall is prime here; watch for low, clear water and adjust line to avoid spooking fish.
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Optional nearby shout-outs: consider the San Marcos River and nearby creeks if you’re willing to drive a bit further for variety; they can also hold bass and catfish though conditions vary seasonally.
Weather and season notes for early fall:
- Temperatures typically in the 70s–80s °F; mornings are cooler and fish tend to be more active after first light.
- Water temps in these rivers are usually in the 70s °F range early in fall, which favors shad- and baitfish-driven bass activity and steady catfish biting near deeper seams.
- Light winds and some days with intermittent cloud cover can improve topwater and long- range casts.
Helpful links to get you prepped:
- YouTube fishing inspo:
Gear ideas you can grab quick:
- TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits
- TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks
- TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Fishing Lures
- Rapala Bass Boom Box
Pro tips:
- Target structure: look for undercut banks, logs, and riffles that hold bait; bass stack near these, catfish use them as ambush routes.
- Be mindful of safety in river currents; wear a PFD when wading or drifting, especially in swift sections.
- Vary your retrieve with the light and variable fall weather; start with slow presentations and adjust to wind or cloud cover.
Stay hydrated, stay patient, and keep a strong line. With early-fall conditions, these rivers are ready to reward patient anglers. Tight lines and welcome back to the river! 🐟🎣
