Hays, TX Fishing: Experiencing Great Angling Adventures

Nestled in Edwards Plateau is one of America’s fastest-growing large counties, Hays, TX. Hays County is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area with a total area of 680 sq mi, 1.9 sq mi of which is covered by water. This makes it a hotspot for visiting anglers.

Hays County has been inhabited for thousands of years with evidence that traces back from the Paleo-Indian community dating to 6000 BC. In addition, archeological evidence of native agriculture in this area can be traced back to 1200 AD. Fast forward to the 20th century, agriculture and stock raising continued to undergird the county’s economic success. Combined with education, tourism, and light manufacturing, Hays continues to prosper up until today.

Hays County was named after Captain John Coffee “Jack” Hays, a legendary Texas ranger and one of the best-known and well-respected Texans. As legendary as Jack, Hays county has been best-known to locals and tourists alike. Not only because of the scenic views and historical sites, but also because of its rich marine ecosystem which makes it a must-visit angling location to anglers. 

Hays Fishing

Hays County, TX, is home to 82 lakes, rivers and many more freshwater fishing spots. Most of the angling opportunities in Hays county would be freshwater angling. The county does not have access to oceans and seas. However, with the numerous fishing spots in the county, anglers will still be able to experience a variety of angling methods. 

Fly fishing is the sport of angling using a rod and an artificial fly as bait as a way for anglers to challenge themselves with a more difficult form of fishing. Hays is just one of the many states that offer different opportunities for fly fishing.

First on the list is the San Marcos River which starts at the San Marcos Spring in Hays County. This is particularly on the Texas State University campus which is home to five threatened species including Texas wild rice and the Texas blind salamander. The San Marcos River flows about 8.5 miles through Caldwell and Guadalupe Counties to the confluence of Gonzales County. 

San Marcos is one of the best places for anglers to catch a good size of bass through fly fishing. A good number of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass and hybrids nestle in the river. Likewise, a good amount of Rio Grande perch and several species of carp, sunfish, gar and catfish can also be caught in the river.

The deep cut banks and constant insulated spring waters of the stream make it fishable year-round. If you are targeting smallmouth bass, these species lurk along the moving water. However, if you are looking for largemouth bass, you can target them underneath the lily pads, grass beds and bush piles. Meanwhile, Guadalupe bass are mostly found taking cover under large rocks and stumps, and cypress trees. Using 6-7wt fly rods, and casting them over heavy streams and wind-resistant water poppers is a great way of catching these species. 

Next is the Little Blanco River. The Little Blanco River is located just 8.4 miles from Woodcreek in Hays County near Pleasant Valley Crossing. 

The river crosses an area of the Balcones Escarpment which is characterized by flat to rolling terrain. The area also has shallow depressions and generally shallow to deep loamy soil with rock outcrops. With vegetation consisting of live oak and ash juniper woods, the stream is an ideal environment where bass and catfish would thrive. Some of the best-caught species here are the largemouth bass, channel catfish, and spotted gar. 

Anglers visit the Little Blanco River in search for bass of good size and fishing tournaments. One of the biggest catches would be a largemouth bass which is 22.24 inch in length, and a green sunfish that is 8.07 inches long.

Another great fly fishing destination is Scrutchin Lake. The lake is a reservoir located just 2.1 miles from San Marcos in Hays County. Some of the best catches here include black bass, blue catfish, crappie, catfish, panfish, carp, sunfish, bigmouth buffalo, bluegill, and white bass. The lake is also a great place where one could explore baitcasting, and spinning.

Another fishing method anglers can try is baitcasting. It is a fishing sport where anglers use single-handed rod casting of a relatively heavy and usually artificial bait that carries out with it the soft and light line from a spool reel. This method is most popularly used in North America for freshwater lure casting. 

One of the most known destinations for baitcasting is Scrutchin lake which is also known for a great fly fishing experience. 

Next on the list will be Reeves Lake. Reeves lake is a reservoir located just 6.6 miles from Dripping Springs, near Henley, TX. Some of the best catches here are rainbow trout, striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass and crappie.

Another fishing destination would be the Winters-Elm Creek Reservoir. The reservoir’s predominant fish species are the crappie, and catfish. However, a fair number of largemouth bass and sunfish can also be found in the area. Largemouth bass are caught by fishing minnows, crank baits, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and top-water baits. These species normally nestle around areas with rocks, flooded terrestrial vegetation or drop-offs. Meanwhile, catfish are caught all over the reservoir and best caught using live or prepared baits. Crappies, on the other hand, are caught with minnows and small jigs along steep drop-off and rock ledges.

There are a lot more fishing opportunities that await anglers when in Hays. But, something that anglers must keep in mind when visiting texas is to check for the fish seasonality, weather and open season. This will help anglers achieve a fun and memorable angling trip. 
 

Top 10 Fish Species in Hays, TX

The top 10 fish species in Hays are: bluegill, green sunfish, largemouth bass, blue catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, striped bass, bigmouth buffalo, ,spotted gar, and white bass.

Hays Fishing Seasonality

Fishing opportunities in Hays, TX are year-round. However, if you are a visiting angler who wants to experience the best of Hays, then going on a certain month based on your target species is most recommended. 

Texas becomes cold and chilly in the first few months so It would be best to go ice fishing in areas where temperature drops as these are the areas where some reds and specks can be spotted off the pier. During the Spring Season, cobia, pompano, Jack Crevalle, flounder, and mackerel become abundant. However, these species are not that abundant in Hays due to its geographical limitations. 

Come summer to fall months, anglers might target some bull, hammerhead and blacktip sharks, gafftop catfish, speckled trout, red, and black drum, flounder, Pompano, cobia, sand trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Rays in the ocean. 

Since Hays, TX is composed of freshwater, fishing in this county is year-round as trout and other species are being restocked every once in a while. Though one must take note that there will be months allocated for catch and release season, so make sure you are aware of when you plan your next angling trip in Hays.
 

Create the Best Experience in Hays

1.Book a Fishing Charter

Hays is one of the top fishing destinations in Northern America, and here you’ll find some of the best local guides who can bring you to the city’s best spots.

2. Visit the Tierra Prometida

Visit the Tierra Prometida in Hays and look at some of the Alpacas. Who knows, you might be bringing one home. Tierra Prometida is a working alpaca ranch where one can buy alpacas, alpaca fleece, roving, yarn, and finished products like sweaters, scarves, hats, and rugs.

3. See the Fort Hays State Historic Site

If you are interested to read more about the history of Hays, visiting Fort Hays might be for you. With well-placed plaques, one could travel down history on their own.