Who's gonna be making a trip to check on the White Bass run?

It might be a little early. I plan on checking it out in early January. The river should be in good shape now. However, if we don't get rain soon I would expect shallow water conditions come Febuary/March when it heats up.

Yeah probably a little early yet. I remember last year some were catching them in December. Seemed like an early start last year. I may make a run down some time during the Holidays..

Some local fishing groups on facebook have been whacking them pretty good for the past 2-3 weeks

Yeah I've seen some of that. Weird thing is, they are saying up by Airport, I figured you'd find them at 59 bridge long before they showed up at airport....

We've caught them during this time of year at the mouth of the River and in the river as they stage to start the run. Did good in the river around 59 bridge on up after that. If they are catching them up by airport already-- it must be global warming

Last year they were catching them at airport same time as now. Last years post

Yeah just saw a couple reports of limits out of 59 area. Time to plan a trip.

What local fishing groups on Facebook? I haven�t seen anything. What are the pages called?

There are fish in the river from the airport down to the lake. Not in big numbers, but if you know what you are doing you can pick up a limit of fish!

I live on the river and there are fish but the run hasn�t even began to start yet. Not worth all the gas to fish right now in my opinion. Doesn�t cost me much but for someone coming down from San Antonio or something I think January would be better. Like I said just my opinion but I�ve lived here 32 years. If you can�t catch 75 or more fish an hour then run isn�t spot on.

Main one is 210 Fishing

Buddies still limiting out, but did say it is more males than females so I agree with jlfish, probably another week or two.

Howdy,
I'd love to get some info on this Nueces River run. Not looking for anyone's secrets, just some basic info, like where to launch, etc. I live on Canyon Lake, and am ready to tow the boat somewhere else! Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance!
Lindsay

Head south on I-37, exit onto 59 towards George West. 59 will cross over the river, there is a boat ramp under the bridge, travel down river a few miles and start trolling.
Oh and a friend is doing good and whites and stripers there on Canyon lake, they're there, just a tough lake to learn.

I went to the Airport on Tuesday.....fished about 3 hours and caught one male. Met some kayakers who also caught one, and another group that caught five. Finally some guys who went towards the 59 and caught 13. Nice to be out fishing but it was slow.

Thank you! That's what I needed. Yes, I've been doing OK on Canyon. Some days I find the schools and hammer em' pretty good. I just want a change in scenery. Thanks again for the info!

What and where is this "Airport" y'all keep talking about?

It's a boat ramp just north of George West on 281. It's at the end of airport road where it meets the Nueces. Many people launch there heading upriver to the rapids where they find the fish.

Google Earth the river, follow it till you see a boat ramp up river. The road leading to it is called airport rd, hence airport boat ramp. It's a crappy luanch, can be shallow at times, if you have a shallow jon, boat, kayak then you can get in. Running up river can get really dicey if your in a deep running rig like that Triton.

Hey maybe this year the folks launching can have their rigs ready to luanch before occupying a boat luanch lane, those loading can finish loading (tieing down ur kayak) off the luanch, the end of the boat luanch isn't where you park your rig either and turn off your lights as well. This stuff ain't hard folks.

Thank you wgpj and Alumacraft 14.

I was down in Matthis last week deer hunting. I shot my deer early in the hunt and we took a day to go explore the Nueces. We put in at 59 and went all the way N past airport to the big bend everybody seemed to be fishing. Watch out for sandbars as you get upriver, it's sketchy in a few places if you don't know where you are going. Found some moving water abut couldn't buy a bite and the people fishing the sandbar in the big bend didn't seem to be catching either. At the ramp at 59 a guy told me he went south and by trolling filled up the cooler. I won't be back to fish the run on the Neueces this year as it's a 6 hour drive for me, but tight lines to all who are. I'm glad I got to see the river.

Nothing up river yet? I want to say they were killing it this time last year.

It's going to be interesting to see what this year is going to compare to last year.
Last year was the worst year as far as crowds go, and limits upon limits taken out daily.
It was a circus, and I've not seen it like that in my 50 years of fishing that river.
I remember years back when the Game Warden caught some guys using chicken wire stretched across the rapids to net the fish and fill up three ice chests.....That would be nothing compared to what was caught out of there in one day by all the guides and others....All legal I might add!
I hope that it didn't hurt the population, and we end up catching nothing but undersized juvenile fish.
I guess we shall see!

Get ready guys!....The fishing hasn't picked up yet, and already almost 2,700 views. ...Walking boat to boat without getting your feet wet! LOL!

I agree the crowds were horrible last year. Manners and common courtesy were in short supply. How many fish do u reckon were taken home? 20,000? 30,000?

First off I just want to apologize for ever posting a pic of my catch on here 3 years ago if I would have know it was going to lead to all this caos would've never have. As a local to the nueces river last year was the first time ever not fishing the white bass run and it was sad all the horror stories I heard of how people treated each other on the river trashing people's property along the bank showing no respect and trashing the river, pulling guns out on other people cause it's their spot, fighting over the boat ramps no respect towards kayakers so on and so forth. From what I have been told from a buddy of mine that's a game warden they are cracking down this year on fisherman that are not even from this area that think they own the river sorry fellas nobody owns the river not even locals , it use to be fun this time of year but is it worth the risk with how crazy individuals can get I might give it one shot maybe just to get one limit and back to saltwater I don't feel like getting hit by a boat on a narrow river !! Remember fishing on the river would be fun if everyone respected each other one more thin PICK UP YOUR DAMN TRASH !!!!!SEMPER FI

I didn't really have many issues last year except at the boat ramps, boat ramp etiquette needs to be taught to a lot of folks. Other then that I was greeted and treated well by the majority of the fisherman. I did get a few stink eyes the closer I got to the rapids, but I'd drop my trolling motor, swing wide around their area, I learned by simply say how ya doing? or Sry I'll be out of your way soon. That was all they needed to wave and put their stink eye away.I pulled a few kayaks up river and helped a guy out having a hard time catching whites by giving him 2 of my lures to help him and his little girl. Had a dude help return a net that drifted down river without me knowing.

A lot of folks think that white bass care if boats are running their outboards, well they don't. I've landed white bass after white bass with boats trolling by as I stayed in one spot and casted. No one owns anything on that river as far as the water goes, there is only so much room. So the general fishing etiquette of maintaining a proper distance is impossible to keep. It's a freaking white bass run!! Being within talking distance of another boater isn't uncommon and has never stopped me from bagging my limit. I don't know, I look at it as a big party, where you can shoot this shi*, catch fish and basically have fun.

Decent common courtesy basically will go a hell of a long way out there, some folks are just as*holes and nothing you can do about it, but be friendly and move on. Anyways I won't be going upriver this year, selling my jon boat and no way I'd take bay boat. So you guys have fun w/o me.

how much? pics?

I will give it a try maybe one or two times this year just like last year, and then I'll leave to everyone else to fight it out.....I won't be missed, that's for sure, but it's not the peaceful river I once knew, and the genie is out of the bottle.
There are a lot of decent folks, and many, many acts of kindness that I've personally witnessed, but it's that small percentage that are always going to show up and ruin what would be a beautiful day on the river. If you get a chance to fish there at the peak of the run, you will be introduced very quickly to that small percentage of folks who completely have no respect for others, and you'll just sit there shaking your head in disbelief......Fun times!

Listed here

To those I may offend on the river this year!


Let me start out by saying I�m a 70 year old man and my partner is closer to 90. Yep, I�ve been fishing the river for a few years to say the least.
That said, I don�t move as fast as I once did, or as fast as I would like, so excuse me if it takes me a little longer to launch and retrieve my boat, but I promise to have everything ready before I ever back down into the launch. I always try to pull my boat to one side so as to allow others to back in while I�m parking the truck.
Also pardon me if I hug one side of the river where the water is deeper, as there are many changes in depth, and there are very shallow areas that extend all the way across the width of the river channel, all but for maybe three to four feet from the bank. Unfortunately there will be some boaters that will tie up on those deeper channels, and any boats that wish to venture up river or come back down from upstream, will have to rub your boat with little control since the water is usually moving, and thus not having total control being pushed by the faster moving water.
I will promise to try and not tie up directly across from you if there is a space open, because of last year when the kind lady asked me if I was intending to tie up to that stump which she couldn�t even reach casting with all her might, and I will also try not to intentionally be on your spot as you come around the bend, and I hear you ye�ll over the sound of your outboard to your partner, �that sob is on our spot!� so please forgive me again if I�m that guy.
I will also meekly back away if you pull into the spot next to me with your pontoon boat with eight people, a boom box, and two dogs, and four people on the rear deck closest to my boat all casting in front of me tangling my lines and me having to wait between casts to get my line back in the water. I will also take along and wear my ear plugs this year, and I promise not to be offended by the loud upbeat music that gave me a headache.
I would also like to ask the kayakers and waders, and those with the bay boats that were all blocking the sharp bend in the river to be patient with me as I made my way back downstream back to the ramp. I hope you excuse me as my little 14� fiberglass jon boat is hard to control when in the moving water and it kind of has a mind of it�s own being pushed by the fast moving water. Again, it�s usually the deepest part of the channel, and I know that is why you are anchored there as well, but I�ve got to get through so excuse my rudeness.
And then there�s the ramp. I just ask that the kayakers who are lined up across both ramps, and talking and giving high fives, and taking pictures to be patient with me, and others, while there are vehicles at the top of the ramp waiting for the pictures and stories to be told so that they can back down and retrieve their boats. I know kayaks are light and can be easily moved to one side, or pulled up on the bank, as I�m also a kayaker, and I have owned a few over the years so I know what it takes, so please don�t be offended, but be patient with me as I wait for you to do your thing.
So all that said, I�ll gladly give up my spot if you show me you are packing heat, and I�m more than happy to move along if you curse me out because I�m in your spot.
As someone mentioned it�s just one big party, and I promise I don�t want to spoil it for anyone!

Don't know ya personally Jimbo, but read allot of your post over the years and you seem seasoned, respected and taught me a few things. I get what you are saying 100% and it's true. From my perspective though, I grew up fishing the Guadalupe run and it was always packed with boaters. So I have never known a white bass run where dealing with 50+ boats wasn't the norm. I think the days of having light traffic during spawn runs are over, mainly due to the internet. That's why I have started to fish saltwater more, lot more water and way less boats, though I hear rap blaring across the bay at 5:30am some days....

Yep, you are spot on, and I realize it will never be the same, as I said, the genie is already out of the bottle.
I'm just grateful for all the years and memorable trips I had, and the solitude and beauty of that river.
I also fished the Guadalupe and Medina over the years, and I always realized that even on those hill country rivers you had to deal with crowds, although they were never like they are now, and it's just the fact that there are more people than in years past, and that isn't going to change, but just increase.
You might find weekdays to be a little less crowded, but even weekdays can be a challenge.
50+ boats on a narrow winding river can be dangerous and people need to be on the lookout on those bends as close calls are getting more and more common, especially when there are some who speed to get to up river. Mix in some alcohol, and it can be deadly, and kayakers need to be especially careful.
I'm fortunate that I can fish during the week, and I've noticed one thing about white bass fishermen, and that is they like to sleep in, and get breakfast and most don't show up until around 10:00 a.m.
That is changing especially with all the guides that get out there and go up river to beat folks to the bend, well before daylight.
People just need to stop and think, and as it's been said, try to be more respectful of others.
If anyone thinks they own the river they are in for a shock, and finding a spot that you can fish without anyone around is going to be a bonus, and not the norm.
Stay safe, and good luck!

I started fishing the Nueces back in 1979. Ive been blessed to fish it every year-since then- except for last year due to taking care of my elderly mom and getting her situated in a care facility. I kept up with the posts and was smiling at the success this river can provide during the good years as last season was providing. I was saddened to see the posts and hear from close friends about how crazy it got with all the already mentioned "bad experiences". As Jimbo reported -the internet let the "Jeanie out of the bottle" on what this river can provide during the White Bass Run. In previous years- we would share our reports (in detail) and enjoyed watching fisherman come down and have a great time. I especially enjoyed watching the young kids catch fish. Some fisherman would show up with the wrong lures not catching many fish. I would paddle over and give them some of my double jig sets then watch them hammer the whites. It was good times. I turned 55 yesterday - and carefully read Jimbos previous post because I realize I will be his age not to far down the road and wonder where the river will be by then ?? Anyhow -now that my mom is in good care - I will be back on the river soon like Jimbo and some other old timers that enjoy the beauty of this river ! AND- I will keep only a few fish that i can put in the grease and provide fishing reports like I've provided in the past. Hope all have a good- safe and ENJOYABLE White Bass season ! RIO

Happy birthday Rio!...

Glad to see you'll be able to get the old stump jumper out on the river this year.
I'm still trying to fill a tag so it will be at least two or three weeks before I can get a chance to catch some whites.
Had the flu bug during the holidays so it set me back a couple of weeks.
Hope to see you out there!
Jimbo

Sorry about the Flu Jimbo. Seeing a lot of it this season. Well I went to the ranch and picked up "Stump Jumper". As usual- time for new trailer tires and to work on boat lights. I did manage to get another doe for some meat ! Now its time to put the hunting gear away and get ready for the river. I have a good bud thats heading down there today to check it out around the 59 Bridge. Hes on the forum as well- Will give an update. Rio

Went Wednesday afternoon from 3-6. Put in at 59. Got 27 from 11-13.5". Only 2 under 12". Hit pretty solid and fought good on our ultra lights. Threw them all back so everyone one else can keep them next time.

On another note, regarding some other posts ive seen, i may not be quite as old as yall but ive been going to that river for whites since I was in diapers. There has been a noticeable increase in traffic these last few years. I went about 10 times last year and didn't run into any issues on the water with people. For the most part people slowed when passing and waved. The ramp would get congested at times though. Please don't leave your boat/kayak in the ramp spot when you go up to get your truck. My biggest issue is the trash in the parking and ramp area and fish carcasses in the water at the ramp. They stink and look bad. Please take your trash with you.

Well, I'm glad I read this string of posts. I was planning on heading down to try the run for the first time this year, but after reading all this, you can count me out! There is nothing I hate more than combat fishing. I'd rather peacefully fish all day and not catch a thing, than deal with a circus. I used to watch guys lined up shoulder to shoulder, salmon fishing in a river. I'd fish a few hundred yards downstream. They would catch twice as many fish, but I'd leave with my sanity. So, I'll be one less boat to deal with on the Nueces

We went yesterday, it started slow, but we ended up catching 62, and threw back 8 of those. River wasn�t very crowded and everyone we came across was friendly. I would not go down on a weekend.

EVERY white bass run on EVERY river in Texas is like this, (DFW area is 10 times worse) I have no idea why.......
Never in my life have I seen such levels of rudeness, over-limit cheaters, illegal gill-netters,
careless trashy people trashing up the place, etc. over a bunch of dang sand bass!!
I no longer fish the run, anywhere, because of these things. Sand bass just don't taste that good
to tolerate that chit anymore. the "people" that act that way during the run are the same jackwads
that act that way during the trout plants
4 years ago, I was working a previously-unknown creek feeding lake Lewisville, in DFW.
It was loaded with spawners, & limits took all of an hour to fill, usually. Then 1 fool posted about it here & facebook.
Literally the NEXT DAY, I head down & see people dragging nets. called the warden, they got popped.
The following day I found myself packing my CC pistol in my tackle bag. I stopped right there.
If I have to bring a firearm to feel safe while I'm "enjoying the outdoors", I'm doing it wrong.
put it all up, eventually selling all my SB gear, & never went back.

My hat is off to you Jimbo!

My sister and I fished the Nueces on Monday 1/15. Water temperature 53F.
We put in at 59 bridge. About 15-20 boats on the river. We went south towards
the lake to the next bridge about 5 miles down and started trolling back upstream.
Found fish about a mile upstream and started working area by casting. Lure
of the day was Mepps with silver blade #3 and #4. Caught 12 by 1PM and left.
All fishing was SLOW. When boats would pass we would exchange totals
and most were between 5 to 10.

I fished the Nueces on 01-12-18. We put in at the 59 and also headed south....we caught 13 total. Most other boats were about the same.

Looks like the effects of overfishing the last few years. This time last year it was kicking.

I�ve fished the Nueces for over 30 years and yes, the crowds have definitely changed that past couple years. I was hoping the Frio/99 would intercept some of these guys heading South this year, but no luck.
Luckily, we fish downriver from 59 99% of the time, so we have a wider and deeper river to help with the crowds and river novices. I can�t imagine the circus upstream. We�ve been once this year (caught about 35) and may try one more time, but it definitely won�t be a weekend.
Lots of good memories on that river.

Hello Gentlemen, I am new to the Forum but not new to the White bass run on the Nueces...I can remember fishing the banks on a friends property 50 years ago...We would go usually on a Friday evening, fish all day Saturday and never see a single person the entire time. Its been almost 20 years since I have been back simply because 30 years ago is when it started to get crowded and each year after that kept doubling until we could hardly cast a line without crossing 2-3 others. After reading many of the stories today regarding both crowds and disrespectful anglers (Or just Party hounds out to get drunk and raise Hell) I am now thinking twice about going and I was sooooo looking forward to strolling (Or trolling) down memory lane. I had already talked up this trip with a couple of friends telling them how we use to catch 2 at a time almost every single cast and the stringer of fish we had to lug up and down the banks. I will relay all I have read here to my companions and if they still want to go I guess I will as well. The land we access to camp and fish is about 2-3 miles after the BBQ place in George West, I think it was called Vans BBQ... Can anybody tell me what that section of river might be like as far as clarity or depth please?

another long time nueces river fisherman. first time up was 1968. the owner died quite a few years ago to that property, I went there bank fishing several times. unless you know other property owners, boat is the only way up there now. the clarity was good last weekend, fishing was spotty but find the right hole and you will catch. not sure how much rain that area received the last couple days.

sometimes we just need to ignore some people that show a little lack of respect......good luck if you go.

Bump, it's almost that time again...

how correct you are. the river was high and water was murky during thanksgiving. heading down to valley next week to visit family and will check and report back.

Has anyone tried their luck so far in 2019 on Nueces? Trying to see if it is worth the trip to go down there this weekend.

Im curious on river flow, and clarity.

Helotes, Josh,.... same.

water is murky up river and flowing pretty good. down stream water clears up a bit. fishing slow. downstream was better. will be there this weekend again.

Hopefully it clears up and fishing gets alittle better. I only make one trip a year and Im itching to go

can you launch a center console boat on the river?

Yes we have launched a 21ft center console, and have seen as big as a 25 ft launch.

Please, you guys launching and going up river be careful and courteous, as the river is narrow, and some tight blind corners, and barely wide enough for two boats in some places.
Most people fishing up river are in small boats, and now more kayakers are fishing than ever.
Those small boats and kayaks can't get out of the way very fast, and if you are running up on plane you have no brakes.....Just basic common sense should used.
I didn't even fish the river last year, and I used to fish it year after year just for the solitude....Not anymore!

Totally agree Jimbo! Many blind spots and have seen folks whipping up and down very fast. Be courteous and just take it slow and enjoy the river and all it has to offer. Also make sure your boat has all the items you need along with ensuring you have your licenses. Fish and game keep a really good eye out there (as they should) to ensure people are following the rules.

Done fishing the Nueces, just not worth it anymore, rather hit the coast then deal with the crowd.

I will be headed down to the coast this weekend for duck hunting and am thinking about stopping at the Nueces on the way down. Would u guys put in at the 59 or Airport? I have not heard much so far, but I�m thinking the fish may not be too far up river yet. I will provide a report regardless, but where would put in? This may be my only trip this year

We hit the 59 bridge at 7:30 on Saturday morning. Headed up river towards the lake and was impressed with how high the river is! That was the good news! The bad news...didn�t catch a single fish and didn�t see anyone else catching either. When we got out at 11:00 I counted 31 boat trailers under the bridge.

Either it hasn�t started or this is the result of overfishing over the last recent years, mainly last year.

That is sad, I cant stop people from fishing the river, but last few years this is the most boats I have ever seen

Not to hijack the thread.. But if any of you guys are close to Falcon.. Easy limits of whites here in the creek in Zapata.. Jigging spoons..

Call if you want more info..

I used to fish the Nueces too.. Back in the day.. It was way cool thirty years ago..

Pretty slow on Monday. Went downriver from 59. We ended with a dozen, one other boat had around 18 and the rest had maybe 5 at the most.

People running their mouths on Facebook, same thing happening with the 99 bridge.

Could be early. Could be too stained. Or maybe they've gone way upriver already with all the high water.

What's the water temperature at the 59 bridge? I don't have a thermometer, but it felt pretty cold still a few days ago, and this latest front (and the next) aren't helping any.

When went on the 21st it was around 54 degrees for the water temp at the bridge.

It was slow and our boat caught 6 and that seemed to be the average. We went south and north of the bridge and only saw our best luck on the south part by all the RV's, and even that slowed down after about 4 passes.

Water temp was 55 on Monday. Water was normal greenish color, not stained at all downriver from 59.

Im going to go try it in the morning. Hopefully the chance of rain keeps the crowd away. It might be my only chance to go this year.

Any reports for Hwy 99 on choke?

Yeah, don�t go. Not because they aren�t catching fish, because some are; but it�s all over Facebook and they say the parking lot gets to full to even park.

Any updates?

It's been quiet on this thread, was wondering if the run ever got going like previous years?

Too much fishing pressure the last 3 years took it's toll.

novato

Hit the Nueces on Thursday, launched at the Highway 59 ramp and ran down river. Only one trailer there when I arrived at 8:00AM. Only saw 4 boats on the river and fished until 3:00PM. Caught 13 white bass, 6 were keepers. No females, and the keepers were ~12". Water was high -- about 3-5 feet above last year. DIdn't see much bait in the water. Water temperatures at the ramp ~ 57 degrees, ~ 62 degrees downstream at the bridge.

The other boats I talked to had 1-4 fish, so overall a very slow day.

Looks like the run is pretty much over.