The fish of Texas.

10 species in Rivers

• Native★ State fish

  Guadalupe Bass

  Micropterus treculii

  The official state fish and found only in Texas. Small, scrappy, and always near current and limestone.

  Hill Country CreeksRivers
• Native

  Largemouth Bass

  Micropterus salmoides

  Texas reservoirs are known for big fish. Look for them around grass edges, laydowns and shade.

  Stock Ponds & TanksLakes & ReservoirsRiversHill Country Creeks
• Native

  Spotted Bass

  Micropterus punctulatus

  Common in East Texas rivers. Hits hard and likes rocky banks with current.

  RiversLakes & Reservoirs
• Native

  Bluegill

  Lepomis macrochirus · “Bream, perch”

  The classic tank fish. In late spring, look for their spawning beds in the shallows.

  Stock Ponds & TanksLakes & ReservoirsHill Country CreeksRivers
• Native

  Longear Sunfish

  Lepomis megalotis

  Bright orange and turquoise. Possibly the best-looking fish in Texas, and it fits in your palm.

  Hill Country CreeksRivers
• Native

  White Bass

  Morone chrysops · “Sand bass”

  In late winter they run up the rivers to spawn. Every Texas fly angler should fish the sand bass run at least once.

  Lakes & ReservoirsRivers
• Native

  Rio Grande Cichlid

  Herichthys cyanoguttatus

  The only cichlid native to the United States. Covered in turquoise spots, and picky.

  RiversHill Country Creeks
• Native

  Longnose Gar

  Lepisosteus osseus

  An ancient fish. Use a frayed rope fly that tangles in their teeth.

  RiversLakes & Reservoirs
• Introduced

  Common Carp

  Cyprinus carpio

  Sometimes called the freshwater bonefish. Sight-fish them while they tail in the shallows.

  Lakes & ReservoirsRiversStock Ponds & Tanks
• Stocked

  Rainbow Trout

  Oncorhynchus mykiss

  Stocked each winter in the cold tailwater below Canyon Dam on the Guadalupe.

  Rivers