Texas Fishing Reports ยท Hill Country Region
The San Marcos River is a spring-fed river with steady flows, Guadalupe bass and sunfish, and good paddling below the city.
Looking for the latest San Marcos 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 San Marcos River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
San Marcos River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Spring flows stay clear and steady.
Streamers and poppers along the vegetation and cypress.
Load your fly box
Before you head to San Marcos to Martindale, bring: Clouser Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Crayfish #4-6, Popper #4-8, Damselfly Nymph #10-12, 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.
San Marcos River details
| Access | City parks in San Marcos and access near Martindale. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 550 ft |
| Nearest town | San Marcos, Texas |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Guadalupe and largemouth bass, sunfish |
| Regulations | Guadalupe bass are the state fish. 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, 2X to 4X |
| Camping | Camp near San Marcos |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Protected plants and fish live near the headsprings. Texas rivers are mostly bordered by private land. Wade or float only from public access points, and stay in the riverbed. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Slow and cold. Fish the deeper pools.
Spring
Bass spawn and white bass runs.
Summer
Hot. Fish early and late.
Fall
Bass feed hard as the water cools.
How to get there
From Austin, take I-35 south to San Marcos.