Trout can be found in Texas, but their presence is unusual for a state known for its warm climate. Trout are cold-water fish and are not naturally widespread or native to most Texas waterways. Except for one small, isolated population in the far western mountains, their existence depends entirely on human intervention. High water temperatures prohibit self-sustaining populations, making their appearance localized and seasonal.
The Mechanism: Seasonal Stocking Programs
Trout exist in Texas primarily through “put-and-take” stocking, managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This program leverages the limited window of cooler winter temperatures to provide temporary fishing opportunities. Trout thrive best in water temperatures below 70°F and cannot survive the hot Texas summers in most waters.
The TPWD stocks hundreds of thousands of catchable-sized Rainbow Trout from late November through early March into various public waters. Since these stocked fish are not expected to survive past the spring, the program is designed for immediate recreational harvest rather than cultivating a long-term fishery.
Primary Trout Fishing Destinations
The most significant and consistent trout fishery in Texas is the Guadalupe River, specifically the tailrace section below Canyon Lake Dam. The dam releases cold water from the bottom of the lake, maintaining a year-round low temperature suitable for trout survival. This location is the only one in Texas with a consistent holdover population, meaning some trout survive through the summer and grow to larger sizes.
Beyond the Guadalupe River, most trout fishing occurs through the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program, which stocks trout in small, accessible urban lakes and ponds. These temporary winter fisheries are found in major metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Other rivers in the Texas Hill Country, such as the Frio and South Llano rivers, also receive seasonal stockings. Urban stockings are popular because they require simple gear and offer high success rates immediately following the release.
Specific Species and Angler Requirements
The primary species stocked across Texas is the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), valued for its sporting and eating qualities. Historically, Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) have also been stocked, mainly in the Guadalupe River, and they tolerate slightly warmer temperatures than Rainbow Trout. The Guadalupe River tailrace is the only place where Brown Trout have been recorded in the state, though they are not stocked as widely.
Any person 17 years of age or older must possess a valid Texas freshwater fishing license to fish in public waters. Anglers must also purchase a freshwater fishing stamp, or endorsement, which is often included in the license package. The statewide daily bag limit for stocked trout is five fish, with no minimum size limit. Special regulations apply on certain sections of the Guadalupe River, which have specific slot limits and require the use of artificial lures only to protect the larger, surviving trout.