2-Day Kayak Fishing & Camping at Calaveras Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Twoday kayak fishing adventure targeting trophy catfish and redfishOvernight lakeside camping combines fishing with complete outdoor experienceGuided instruction on stable Hobie kayaks for groups of 25 anglers
Picture this: two full days of prime kayak fishing on one of San Antonio's most productive lakes, with your crew camping lakeside between sessions. This isn't your typical day trip – it's a complete fishing immersion that gives you time to really dial in your technique and connect with the water. Calaveras Lake serves up some serious action for Redfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish, and when you're out there for 48 hours, you'll have multiple shots at trophy fish in different conditions. Whether you're planning a guys' weekend or want to introduce the family to kayak fishing, this extended adventure lets everyone settle into the rhythm and really learn the ropes.
You'll be fishing from stable Hobie Outback kayaks – these boats are game-changers for anglers who want to cover water without fighting a tippy ride. The beauty of a two-day setup is that day one becomes your learning curve, and day two is where everything clicks. We'll start each morning around 6:30 AM when the fish are most active, though I'll adjust based on weather and what the lake's telling us. Calaveras has diverse structure – from shallow flats where Redfish cruise to deeper channels where the big cats hang out. You'll learn to read the water, understand how fish relate to structure, and pick up techniques that'll serve you on any lake. Between the guided instruction and extra time on the water, most anglers leave feeling like they've leveled up their entire approach to kayak fishing. The camping component adds a whole different dimension – there's something special about falling asleep to the sound of water lapping and waking up steps away from your next fishing spot.
We'll cover multiple approaches depending on what species we're targeting and where the bite's happening. For Redfish, we'll work shallow water with topwater lures early, then switch to soft plastics as the sun gets higher. The key is learning to position your kayak quietly and make accurate casts to structure – something that takes practice but pays off huge. When we're after catfish, it's a different game entirely. We'll set up in deeper water with cut bait or live offerings, teaching you how to anchor properly and manage multiple rods from the kayak. The Hobie drive system lets you keep your hands free for fighting fish while staying positioned over productive spots. Throughout both days, you'll get hands-on coaching with knot tying, bait presentation, and reading your electronics. We'll also cover kayak-specific tactics like stealth approaches, how to land bigger fish without a net, and managing your gear in the limited space. By the end of the trip, you'll understand not just how to catch fish, but how to adapt your approach based on conditions and species behavior.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Calaveras Lake and what gets most anglers fired up. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-28 inches here, with some pushing into the 30+ range that'll test your drag system. They're most active in early morning and late evening, cruising the shallows and ambushing prey near structure. What makes Redfish so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll strip line and make multiple runs that'll have your arms burning. Spring through fall offers the best action, though winter fishing can be productive during warm spells when they move into deeper water.
Channel Catfish are your bread-and-butter species that'll keep the action steady throughout both days. They're abundant in the 2-8 pound range with occasional fish pushing double digits. These whiskered fighters are most active during low-light periods but will bite throughout the day if you put bait in the right spots. They love structure like submerged timber, drop-offs, and creek channels. What anglers love about Channel Cats is their reliable bite and excellent table fare – they're perfect for a fish fry after the trip. They're active year-round, making them a dependable target regardless of season.
Blue Catfish are the heavyweights that can turn a good day into an epic one. While less common than Channels, Blues in Calaveras can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. They prefer deeper water and stronger current areas, making them a perfect target for the kayak angler who wants to explore different water. Their fight is legendary – long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment and technique. Blues bite best during cooler months from fall through early spring, though dedicated anglers catch them year-round by adjusting their approach and bait selection.
This two-day adventure fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. At $550 per angler with a maximum of five guests, you're getting premium instruction, top-quality kayaks, and an experience that goes way beyond a typical day trip. The camping aspect means you're not rushing back to shore – you can fish prime evening hours and be on the water again at first light. Most anglers tell me this extended format is what finally made kayak fishing click for them. Don't forget your Texas fishing license, and remember I can adjust start times based on conditions to give you the best shot at success. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target trophy fish, or just spend quality time outdoors with your crew, this trip delivers on all fronts. Contact Scientist Kayak Fishing to lock in your dates and get ready for two days of serious fishing action on one of South Texas's top lakes.
Your fishing platform for this San Antonio adventure is the Hobie Outback, a pedal-driven kayak that'll keep your hands free for casting while you work the productive waters of Calaveras Lake. This single-angler craft uses a unique pedal system that lets you position quietly over structure and move efficiently between fishing spots without disturbing the water. The stable design handles choppy conditions and gives you confidence when fighting those trophy Redfish and hefty Catfish that call this lake home. Built for shallow-water access, you'll reach areas larger boats can't touch, giving you first shot at prime holding spots. The quiet movement keeps fish calm while you dial in your presentation, and the precise control means you can hold position in current or wind while working your bait through productive zones.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of Calaveras Lake, averaging 10-20 pounds with trophy fish over 40 pounds always possible. They patrol deeper water along main lake points and channels, typically 15-30 feet down near muddy bottoms. Spring through fall produces the best action, especially during overcast conditions. Anglers love targeting blues because they're powerful fighters that make long runs and test your equipment. The meat quality rivals any freshwater fish - firm, white, and perfect for frying or grilling. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, live shad, or even crawfish. Here's what works: fish fresh cut herring or shad on the bottom near deeper structure. Blues are methodical - when you feel that steady pull, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook hard.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats in Calaveras Lake typically run 2-8 pounds, though we regularly see fish pushing 15+ pounds that'll test your drag. They hang around deeper structure like submerged trees, ledges, and channel bends in 8-20 feet of water. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed actively. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the steady, powerful fight they give from a kayak. They're also fantastic eating - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. These fish have incredible senses of smell and taste, so fresh cut bait works best. Pro tip: let your bait sit still on the bottom near structure. Channel cats are patient hunters, and that first gentle tap usually means they're inspecting your offering before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish in Calaveras Lake average 15-25 pounds and put up serious fights on kayak tackle. You'll spot them cruising shallow flats and around structure in 2-6 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and submerged timber. They're most active during cooler months from October through March when water temps drop. What makes them special is that distinctive black spot near the tail and their copper-bronze coloring. They hit topwater lures hard at dawn and dusk, creating explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly near cover and be ready - when they decide to eat, they commit fully and the fight is on.
Calaveras Lake