2-Day Kayak Fishing & Camping on Calaveras Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Two-day kayak fishing adventure targeting trophy catfish and redfishOvernight lakeside camping combines fishing with complete outdoor immersionGuided instruction on stable Hobie kayaks for groups of 2-5 anglers
Looking for more than just a day trip? This 2-day kayak fishing and camping adventure on Calaveras Lake gives you the full Texas fishing experience. We're talking two solid days of targeting trophy Redfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish, plus overnight lakeside camping that lets you really disconnect and focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. Perfect for groups of 2-5 anglers who want to level up their kayak fishing game while enjoying some quality time together on one of San Antonio's most productive waters.
Calaveras Lake isn't your average Texas fishing hole – this power plant lake stays warm year-round, creating perfect conditions for monster catfish and surprising Redfish populations. You'll be paddling stable Hobie Outback kayaks that give you the mobility to hit structure and drop-offs that boat anglers can't reach. We start early at 6:30 AM (weather depending) to catch the morning bite, then work the lake's sweet spots throughout the day. The overnight camping piece isn't just about convenience – it's about being on the water when the fish are most active, including those prime evening and early morning windows that day-trippers miss. Plus, there's something special about swapping fishing stories around camp after a full day of hauling in catfish and working topwater for reds.
We'll rig you up with everything needed for multi-species success on Calaveras. For the catfish, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and cut bait – these blues and channels can push 20+ pounds, so you need gear that won't fold under pressure. The Redfish require a different approach entirely – we'll have you throwing soft plastics and topwater lures around the lake's numerous points and shallow flats. The Hobie pedal drive system is a game-changer here, letting you keep your hands free for casting while maintaining perfect position over structure. Throughout both days, you'll learn water reading skills that translate to any lake – how to identify drop-offs, recognize feeding activity, and adapt your presentation based on conditions. This isn't just guided fishing; it's hands-on education that makes you a better angler long after the trip ends.
Redfish in a Texas lake might sound crazy, but Calaveras has a healthy population that fights like their saltwater cousins. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-25 inches and love to ambush baitfish around the lake's structure. Fall and spring are prime time when they're most active in the shallows, often giving away their location with explosive topwater strikes. What makes lake reds special is their unpredictability – they'll hit everything from spoons to soft plastics, keeping you on your toes all day.
Channel Catfish are the lake's bread and butter, with plenty of 3-8 pounders that make for consistent action. They're most active during warmer months and love the lake's deeper channels where they school up in impressive numbers. What anglers love about channels is their willingness to bite – once you find them, you can often catch fish after fish using the right cut bait presentation. They're also excellent eating, making them a favorite for groups planning a fish fry.
Blue Catfish are the trophy hunters' dream on Calaveras, with specimens pushing 30+ pounds lurking in the lake's deeper water. These giants are most active during cooler months and require patience and heavy tackle to land successfully. Blues are pure power – once hooked, they'll test every knot and drag setting you've got. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back, along with the bragging rights that come with landing a true Texas trophy. Peak times are early morning and late evening, which is exactly when our camping setup puts you in position to connect.
This 2-day adventure fills up fast, especially during prime catfish season when the big blues are most active. At $550 per angler with a maximum of 5 guests, you're getting incredible value for two full days of guided fishing plus the camping experience. Don't forget your Texas fishing license – it's required and strictly enforced. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family adventure, or just want to seriously improve your kayak fishing skills, this is the trip that delivers. The combination of productive waters, quality instruction, and that overnight camping element creates something special that day trips just can't match. Ready to experience Calaveras Lake the right way?
The Hobie Outback puts you right where the fish are on Calaveras Lake. This pedal-powered kayak lets you keep both hands free for casting while the MirageDrive propulsion system moves you silently through the shallows where trophy catfish and redfish hang out. Built for stability, you won't be wobbling when you hook into something big. The hands-free pedaling means you can work lures precisely around structure, back-paddle to stay in the strike zone, or hold position in current without grabbing a paddle. Perfect for accessing those skinny water spots that bass boats can't reach. Whether you're sight-fishing or working deeper drop-offs, this kayak handles like a dream and gives you the stealth advantage that catches more fish.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the giants of Calaveras - we're talking 15-40 pound fish that'll test your drag system. They have that slate-blue color and squared-off anal fin that sets them apart from channels. These bruisers hunt deep water drop-offs and channels, especially where creek arms meet the main lake. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes blues special is the sheer power - once hooked, they'll make long, determined runs that'll have you holding on tight. The meat is excellent eating, firm and mild without that muddy taste. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, live shad, and even crawfish. Look for them in 15-25 feet of water near structure. Local secret: fish fresh-cut gizzard shad on a three-way rig right at the thermocline during summer - that's where the big ones patrol.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats in Calaveras are scrappy fighters that average 2-8 pounds, though we see plenty in the 10-15 pound range. They've got those signature forked tails and long barbels that help them hunt in deeper water along drop-offs and creek channels. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during summer nights when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is the steady action - channels are aggressive biters that'll take cut bait, chicken liver, and stinkbaits. They put up a solid fight with strong runs and head shakes. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for a fish fry back at camp. Best fishing happens in 8-15 feet of water near structure. Here's a local trick: use fresh-cut shad on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near those deeper points - the scent trail draws them in.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish in Calaveras Lake run 20-35 inches on average, with that distinctive copper-bronze color and black eyespot near the tail. These fish cruise shallow flats and hunt around structure like fallen trees and rocky points. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, spoons, and soft plastics with authority. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they nail your lure - they'll peel drag and give you a real fight on light tackle from a kayak. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps are up and they're actively feeding. Pro tip: work your lure slow and steady around cover - these fish like to ambush prey rather than chase it down.
Calaveras Lake