Trout are present in Texas, offering unique angling opportunities. While the state’s naturally warm climate is not broadly suitable for widespread, self-sustaining trout populations, their presence is primarily due to strategic stocking efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These programs enhance fishing recreation during the cooler months.
Trout Species in Texas
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are the most common trout species found in Texas waters. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department extensively stocks these fish, releasing hundreds of thousands annually between November and March across the state. Rainbow Trout are favored for stocking programs due to their adaptability to varied water conditions and their growth rate, making them a popular target for anglers.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are occasionally encountered in Texas, though they are much rarer than Rainbow Trout. Brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer water temperatures than rainbow trout, but brook trout are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. “Speckled sea trout” are not true freshwater trout but are a distinct saltwater fish species found along the Texas coast.
Where to Find Trout in Texas
Trout fishing in Texas largely relies on “put-and-take” fisheries, where trout are stocked for anglers to catch, as they generally do not survive the warm summer temperatures in most Texas waters. Optimal trout survival requires water temperatures to remain below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with 75 degrees Fahrenheit being a lethal threshold. The only known self-sustaining trout population in Texas exists in McKittrick Canyon within the Guadalupe Mountains.
The most prominent location for trout fishing in Texas is the Guadalupe River, particularly downstream from Canyon Lake Dam. Cold water released from the bottom of the dam maintains average temperatures around 63 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for a year-round trout fishery in this section. This makes the Guadalupe River one of the southernmost trout streams in the U.S. and is recognized among North America’s top 100 trout streams.
Beyond this premier location, TPWD stocks rainbow trout in over 100 other sites statewide, including various urban community lakes as part of their “Neighborhood Fishin'” program and specific state parks. Accessible locations in cities such as Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth provide convenient angling opportunities. Other stocked rivers include sections of the Trinity, Frio, South Llano, and Llano rivers.
Trout Fishing Guidelines
Anglers interested in pursuing trout in Texas must adhere to specific licensing and regulatory requirements. Adults aged 17 and older need a valid Texas fishing license that includes a freshwater fishing endorsement. Youth under 17 are exempt from this requirement. A fishing license is not necessary when fishing from a bank, dock, or pier within a Texas State Park.
General statewide regulations for trout in Texas include a daily bag limit of five trout, with no minimum length requirement. Special regulations apply to specific sections of the Guadalupe River, including slot limits and minimum size requirements, sometimes requiring artificial lures only. When fishing in Community Fishing Lakes or from a dock, pier, or jetty within a Texas State Park, anglers are limited to using no more than two poles.
Recommended Gear
For successful trout fishing, light tackle is recommended, as trout are sight predators and can be spooked by heavy gear in clear waters. A light to ultra-light action rod, typically 5 to 6.5 feet in length, paired with a small spinning reel (2000-3000 series) is effective. Using 4 to 10-pound test line, with 6 to 8-pound test being ideal for balancing strength and low visibility, is advisable due to trout’s line-shy nature. Small bait hooks, such as #10 or #12 circle hooks, or longer shank hooks ranging from #4 to #8, are suitable. Common baits include worms, corn, commercially available pastes, and salmon eggs, while spinners, spoons, and flies are popular lure choices.
Best Times and Techniques
The cooler months, from late November through March, represent the peak trout fishing season in Texas due to the stocking schedule. Trout are most active when water temperatures are between 34 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, making early mornings a productive time, particularly as temperatures begin to rise. In “put-and-take” fisheries, anglers are encouraged to keep their catch within legal limits, as these trout will not survive the warmer summer conditions.