I will be staying in San Antonio May4-8. Are there any good opportunities close to San Antonio? I will not have a boat and would like to tryn to catch something that I do not have the opportunity to catch in minnesota. Maybe catfish,striper, trout?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Minesota,
Hope you enjoy your stay in San Antonio. Give me a call if I can help you out if perhaps a short trip might fit into your budget. I only fish for black bass, catch and release only.

Deb's Guide Service http://www.geocities.com/fishnn592002

Email or give me a call when you arrive. www.canyonlakefishing.com...I'll try and point you in the right direction....

Man you came to the right place. You will not want to go back up north once you've sampled our fishing down here. Since you're not going to be in town but for a few days I'd strongly suggest that you look up the above post or search Texas fishing Guides on the net. Most around here guide for full day or half day trips especially on our two powerplant lakes, Braunig and Calaveras. You can catch anything from Black Bass, catfish and trophy redfish. They usually supply everything and all you do is bring yourself. Good luck and have a ball in good ole warm San Antonio. Jimbo

Welcome to Texas. For striped bass you will be near Canyon Lake. For great catfishing you will be near Calaveras Lake. Mr. Jim Files I believe is a guide on Canyon.

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Ed Utley

Decisions decisions. Thanks so much for the replies. This is a work trip so evenings will likely be my fishin time. I will be staying at a really nice hotel but sitting in a hotel bar or hotel room is not my style. I travel about 3-4 times a year and this will be my first trip to SA. I end up in Dallas 1-2 times a year for work. Whenever I travel I always bring some fishing stuff. I have tried Kansas City catfish (no luck) Destin Florida gulf fishing (tons of fun) and Portland Oregon Willamet river fishing (one bite he spooled me). While in SA I want to try to get to maybe Corpus Christi on a Saturday (no work conferences yet so I will be able to take some time to drive down there). I will otherwise try my chances closer to the hotel for freshwater fishing. I likely won't spend money on a guide being I have a new son and any $$ I have after bills is going to a fund for his education. Thanks again for the responses and if any of you ever come up Minnesota way let me know. I would be happy to share any knowledge I have.

Jimbo, Redfish you say. The only redfish I am familiar with are the saltwater variety. Is there a freshwater species?

No they are the same as the salt water reds. I've been fishing these local lakes before they had hybrid stripers (cross between white bass and stripers) and before the introducton of the redfish. It all started several years back I might be wrong but I believe in the 80's Texas Parks and Wildlife put them into Braunig as an experiment. I might be wrong but I think Braunig was the first powerplant lake to get them. They new that the lake was chock full of Shad and Talapia and the redfish could survive in fresh water, so the rest is history. Its been a good fit. The only grip I have is Calaveras used to be a top notch Crappie lake and ever since these species were introduced you can't find a Crappie out there on either lake. I contribute this to the fact that there is very little or no brush cover or weeds to protect the crappie. Canyon is a different story. Its a deep lake with rocky shores, brushy areas that offer excellent fishing. If your on a budget I'd try the two power plant lakes, They rent boats and have areas to wade fish and pier fish. Get yourself some cheese punch bait, shrimp, and chicken livers, and just give it a try. Those bank fishermen out there can hold their own against those in boats. Check out the bulletin board at the concession stand. I'm sure you will enjoy your stay in this great city. Good Luck Jimbo

Minnesota,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept stocked redfish in a few of the power plant lakes around the state and have they adapted quite well. They are the same redfish you have probably caught in saltwater and they do grow to very large sizes in these lakes (20+ lb fish are common).

Scott01 and Jimbo, how far are these resevoirs from the river walk in SA? Can you wadefish reds? What kind of bait do you need for Reds? What is the best species to fish for in may in waders? Thanks so much for the replies. I am already daydreaming about fishin.

Minnesota, I normally do not post when others are asked a question, but I will at least answer part of the question on location.

Both are Power Plant lakes

Braunig is approx 17 miles of SA and around 1300 acres

Calaveras is approx 20 miles of SA and around 3500 acres

Cost is $4.00 to get in the park and then the cost of your fishing license. They do have piers you can fish off of.

I will let the others answer your questions about the freshwater reds.

Erik, I sent you a map of the route to Calaveras. You'll notice on the map that Braunig is pretty close to Calaveras, follow the map and you shouldn't have a problem. As for what to fish for and bait. The locals use live crawfish (in season) for the reds and also live talapia that they catch by using a cast net around the boat docks and reeds. If you aren't proficient with a cast net I'd go with shrimp. Also get some chicken livers, and some punch bait. Those baits above should put something pulling on the end of you rod in short order. You've heard of people saying follow the birds! In this case follow the crowds. You'll notice the hot spots on the bank where the most people are fishing. Usually the long point on the other side from the boat launch is the best. Just look for the big dead tree sticking up a short distance from the bank. Hope I've been of help. Good luck Jimbo