Texas Fishing Reports ยท West Texas Region
In Big Bend, the Rio Grande runs through deep canyons with catfish and native fish, mostly reached on multi-day float trips.
Looking for the latest Rio Grande river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Rio Grande (Big Bend).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Rio Grande fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are low.
Most anglers fish for catfish in the slower holes.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Big Bend, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Crayfish #4-6, Egg #14-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Rainbow Warrior #16-18, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Rio Grande details
| Access | River access in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 1,800 to 2,200 ft |
| Nearest town | Terlingua, Texas |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Catfish, carp, native fish |
| Regulations | A National Park Service permit is needed for river trips. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before you go. A Texas fishing license with a freshwater endorsement is required for anglers 17 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 1X to 3X |
| Camping | Rio Grande Village and backcountry river camps |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | International border. Very hot in summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Good float season.
Spring
Good.
Summer
Hot.
Fall
Good.
How to get there
From Alpine, take State Highway 118 south to Terlingua and Big Bend.