San Marcos River Fishing
Access, live flow and bait shops on the San Marcos River.
- 17access points
- 4counties
- 3flow gauges
Photo: TexasExplorer98, CC BY 2.0
Fishing the San Marcos River in Texas
The TPWD layer puts 17 public access points along the San Marcos River, in 4 counties.
The counties leading for access are Hays (8), Caldwell (5), Guadalupe (3) and Gonzales (1).
TPWD leases 3 private access sites on this river for public walk in or paddle access: San Marcos River Retreat, Scull Rd. Bridge Access and River Grove Get In.
San Marcos River data: TPWD public water access layer and USGS gauges.
Today's flow, San Marcos River
Gauge by gauge flow for the San Marcos River, updated hourly.
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| San Marcos Rv At San Marcos, Tx | 88 cfs, 3.69 ft gage height | Oct 10 7:45 am |
| San Marcos Rv Nr Martindale, Tx | 110 cfs, 7.46 ft gage height | Oct 10 7:45 am |
| San Marcos Rv At Luling, Tx | 87 cfs, 3.69 ft gage height | Oct 10 7:45 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 10, 2026 8:15 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Mapped access on the San Marcos River
- Hays County8 access points on the San Marcos River
- Caldwell County5 access points on the San Marcos River
- Guadalupe County3 access points on the San Marcos River
- Gonzales County1 access point on the San Marcos River
Paddle and wade sites on the San Marcos River
| Site | Segment | County | Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos River Retreat | – San Marcos River | Caldwell | through August 31, 2027 |
| Scull Rd. Bridge Access | Leased River Access – San Marcos River near Martindale | Guadalupe | through August 31, 2027 |
| River Grove Get In | Leased River Access San Marcos River near Fentress | Guadalupe | through April 30, 2026 |
San Marcos River lease sites: TPWD River Access and Leasing Program. Your fishing license is the entry pass.
Lakes near the San Marcos River access points
Lake Gonzales (H-4)
696 acres, 7 miles from San Marcos River access.
See detailsLake Wood (H-5)
229 acres, 10 miles from San Marcos River access.
See detailsLakes within 15 miles of a San Marcos River access point that TPWD rates good or excellent, by species.
Communities near the San Marcos River
- San MarcosHays County, under a mile from the nearest San Marcos River access
Tackle stores by the San Marcos River
- Matts Bait and TackleSan Marcos, (512) 216-6298
- Academy Sports + Outdoors San MarcosSan Marcos, (512) 558-5300
Shops within 12 miles of a San Marcos River access point; OpenStreetMap contributors and store lists.
Asked often about the San Marcos River
What is the access count on the San Marcos River?
TPWD shows 17 public access points on the San Marcos River.
What counties does the San Marcos River run through?
Hays County, Caldwell County, Guadalupe County and Gonzales County have the most mapped access.
Where can I check the flow on the San Marcos River?
See the flow table here, fed by 3 USGS gauges.
Can I use TPWD lease sites on the San Marcos River?
Yes, with 3 sites in the River Access and Leasing Program.
Where can I stay near the San Marcos River?
San Marcos.
Where can I pick up bait for the San Marcos River?
Matts Bait and Tackle, in San Marcos, is one of 2 listed shops near the access points.
What still water sits near the San Marcos River?
Try Lake Gonzales (H-4), 7 miles from a San Marcos River access point, followed by Lake Wood (H-5).
What do TPWD ratings show near the San Marcos River?
Lakes nearby score good or excellent most often for largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish.
How long is the San Marcos River public access stretch in Texas?
Access spans 4 counties, from Hays down to Gonzales County.
What time of year fishes best on the San Marcos River?
Spring and fall are best, when the San Marcos River runs clear at moderate flow, so check the flow table since high, muddy water shuts the bite down.
Where can I legally wade the San Marcos River?
Wade from a mapped access point and stay in the bed, as San Marcos River banks are usually private.
Do I need a license to fish the San Marcos River?
A Texas license with a freshwater endorsement covers the San Marcos River for anyone 17 or older.
More rivers to fish
Beyond the San Marcos River, every Texas river with access has a page.