San Antonio, Texas is a premier destination for anglers looking to reel in a variety of freshwater fish species. With numerous lakes, rivers, and parks offering excellent fishing opportunities, it can be challenging to decide where to cast your line.
- San Antonio offers diverse fishing spots for anglers of all skill levels
- Top locations include Braunig Lake, Calaveras Lake, Guadalupe River, and more
- A valid Texas fishing license and applicable permits are required
- License fees support vital conservation efforts to maintain healthy fisheries
- Anglers should follow local regulations on catch limits and fishing methods
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the top 10 best fishing spots in San Antonio for 2024, helping you plan your next angling adventure and ensure you have the proper fishing licenses and permits.
1. Braunig Lake
Braunig Lake, located just 17 miles south of downtown San Antonio, is a popular fishing spot known for its excellent catches of largemouth bass, catfish, and red drum. This 1,350-acre reservoir is a power plant lake that offers year-round fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shore or launch their boats from one of the many ramps available. Be sure to obtain a valid Texas fishing license and a permit from CPS Energy before fishing at Braunig Lake.
2. Calaveras Lake
Another power plant lake, Calaveras Lake, is situated adjacent to Braunig Lake and offers similar fishing opportunities. This 3,624-acre reservoir is known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, catfish, red drum, and hybrid striped bass. The warm water discharged from the power plant attracts fish year-round, making it an excellent spot for winter fishing. As with Braunig Lake, a Texas fishing license and CPS Energy permit are required.
3. Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River, located just north of San Antonio, offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the state. The river below Canyon Lake Dam is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and is home to native Guadalupe bass. Anglers can access the river from several parks and public access points along its length. A Texas fishing license is required, and special regulations apply to certain sections of the river.
4. Woodlawn Lake Park
Woodlawn Lake Park is a 62-acre park located just north of downtown San Antonio. The park’s centerpiece is a 30-acre lake that offers excellent fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout during the winter months. Anglers can fish from the shore or from the fishing pier. A Texas fishing license is required, and the park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Miller’s Pond Park
Miller’s Pond Park is a scenic 42-acre park located in southwest San Antonio. The park’s 10-acre pond is regularly stocked with channel catfish and rainbow trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The park also features a walking trail, picnic areas, and a playground. A Texas fishing license is required, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
6. Southside Lions Park
Southside Lions Park is a 600-acre park located in southeast San Antonio. The park features several small lakes that offer good fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. The park also has a 2.5-mile paved trail, picnic areas, and sports fields. A Texas fishing license is required, and the park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7. Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park is a historic 343-acre park located just north of downtown San Antonio. The park features 2.2 miles of the San Antonio River, offering excellent fishing opportunities for Guadalupe bass, catfish, and panfish. The river is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter months, providing an additional fishing opportunity. Anglers can fish from the shore or from one of the many bridges that cross the river. A Texas fishing license is required.
8. Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake, located about an hour north of San Antonio, is a popular destination for both fishing and water sports. The lake covers over 8,200 acres and offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, and catfish. Anglers can fish from the shore, rent a boat, or hire a local guide. Several parks and campgrounds around the lake provide amenities for visitors. A Texas fishing license is required.
9. Medina Lake
Medina Lake, located about an hour northwest of San Antonio, is a scenic reservoir known for its clear waters and excellent fishing. The lake covers over 5,400 acres and offers good fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and panfish. Anglers can fish from the shore, rent a boat, or hire a local guide. Several parks and campgrounds around the lake provide amenities for visitors. A Texas fishing license is required.
10. Elmendorf Lake Park
Elmendorf Lake Park is a 30-acre park located just west of downtown San Antonio. The park features a 20-acre lake that offers good fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, and panfish. The lake is surrounded by a walking trail, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it an excellent spot for a family fishing outing. A Texas fishing license is required, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
Before heading out to any of these top fishing spots in San Antonio, it’s essential to obtain the proper fishing licenses and permits. In Texas, anglers aged 17 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or at various retailers throughout the state.
In addition to a state fishing license, some locations may require additional permits. For example, fishing at Braunig Lake and Calaveras Lake requires a permit from CPS Energy, which can be obtained online or at the lake offices.
It’s also crucial to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations for each location, including daily bag limits, size restrictions, and catch-and-release requirements. These regulations help maintain healthy fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations.
Supporting Conservation through License Fees
When you purchase a Texas fishing license, you’re not only gaining access to incredible angling opportunities but also supporting vital conservation efforts. License fees help fund the state’s fish stocking programs, habitat restoration projects, and research initiatives aimed at maintaining healthy fisheries.
By obtaining a fishing license, you’re directly contributing to the long-term sustainability of Texas’s aquatic resources and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same fantastic fishing experiences. So, not only will you be able to explore the best fishing spots San Antonio has to offer, but you’ll also be playing a crucial role in preserving these resources for years to come.
Conclusion
San Antonio offers a wealth of excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From the power plant lakes of Braunig and Calaveras to the scenic Guadalupe River, there’s no shortage of great spots to cast your line. By obtaining the proper fishing licenses and permits and following the regulations for each location, you can enjoy a successful and sustainable fishing experience in the Alamo City.
So grab your gear, head out to one of these top 10 fishing spots, and get ready to reel in some unforgettable catches in 2024! And remember, by purchasing your fishing license, you’re not only investing in your own angling adventures but also supporting the vital conservation efforts that keep Texas’s fisheries thriving for generations to come.
