Texas species

Guadalupe bass Fishing in Texas

Limits, state records, TPWD lake ratings and stocking for guadalupe bass.

  • 3.71 lbstate record

Photo: Nick Loveland, CC0 1.0

Texas freshwater

Guadalupe bass in Texas

Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii) is a freshwater species in Texas. The Texas rod and reel record is 3.71 pounds from Colorado River, set in 2014.

3.71 lbstate record
5daily bag
Season and habitat

When and where to find guadalupe bass in Texas

When

Spawning March through May-June; possible secondary spawn late summer/early fall

Where they hold

Flowing water of small streams; Endemic to Texas, northern and eastern Edwards Plateau; official state fish

Guadalupe bass facts from the TPWD species profile.

Statewide rules

Texas limits for guadalupe bass

RuleDaily bagMinimumMaximumNotes
Guadalupe bass55 combined for largemouth, smallmouth, Alabama, Guadalupe, spotted bass; no minimum length

Lakes with their own rules for this fish: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake, Lake Casa Blanca, Lake Conroe, Davy Crockett Lake, Fayette County Reservoir, Lake Fork, Lake Gilmer, Grapevine Lake, Houston County Lake, Lake Jacksonville, Joe Pool Lake and Kurth Reservoir.

Guadalupe bass limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).

Records

Texas state records for guadalupe bass

CategoryWeight (lb)Length (in)WaterYear
fly fishing3.7117.25Colorado River2014
rod and reel all tackle3.7117.25Colorado River2014

Guadalupe bass records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.

Answers

Questions about guadalupe bass in Texas

What is the Texas state record guadalupe bass?

3.71 pounds, caught at Colorado River in 2014, rod and reel all tackle.

What is the daily bag limit for guadalupe bass in Texas?

5 a day statewide.

When do guadalupe bass spawn or bite best in Texas?

Spawning March through May-June; possible secondary spawn late summer/early fall.

Where do guadalupe bass hold?

Flowing water of small streams; Endemic to Texas, northern and eastern Edwards Plateau; official state fish.

Do any Texas lakes have special guadalupe bass rules?

Yes: Alan Henry Reservoir, Lake Athens, Lake Bastrop, Caddo Lake and Lake Casa Blanca, among others.

Do I need a license to fish for guadalupe bass in Texas?

Yes. Anglers 17 and older targeting guadalupe bass need a license with the freshwater endorsement.

What is the scientific name of guadalupe bass?

Micropterus treculii.

Can I keep guadalupe bass caught in a Texas state park?

Yes, under the same guadalupe bass limits, and no license is needed inside the park.

Other Texas species

Compare guadalupe bass with the other Texas sport fish.