AUSTIN — Texas anglers are in for a treat this winter as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announces a “no fee” access lease on the Guadalupe River, providing prime fishing opportunities during the peak of the winter stocking season.

Camp Huaco Springs, situated between New Braunfels and Sattler, offers nearly half a mile of bank access along the Guadalupe River. This area features alternating pools and riffles, perfect for anglers. The gently sloped, rocky bank allows for easy access, and wade fishing is possible both upstream and downstream. Anglers can also launch non-motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, or other floatable devices for fishing.

Public access to Camp Huaco Springs opens on December 6 and will be available through March 3, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

“This lease location provides great bank angler access to river trout fishing coupled with gorgeous Guadalupe River scenery,” said Patrick Ireland, TPWD Inland Fisheries Division San Marcos and Austin District Supervisor.

TPWD plans to stock this section and other parts of the Guadalupe River, also known as the Canyon Reservoir Tailrace, with over 20,000 rainbow trout through weekly stockings from early December to late February. Stocking locations include Guadalupe Park at the dam, the fourth and third river crossings on River Road, and Camp Huaco Springs.

The Guadalupe River Unlimited Chapter (GRTU), a TPWD partner, also stocks rainbow trout throughout the river during the colder months. GRTU trout are typically larger than those stocked by TPWD. Anglers are encouraged to check the 2024-25 Trout Stocking Schedule online before fishing to confirm dates and find other winter trout stocking locations and tips.

Regulations at Camp Huaco Springs fall under statewide trout rules, allowing anglers to keep up to five trout per day with no minimum length limit. Anglers aged 17 and older need a valid fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement.

Other public access points along the river, including Guadalupe Park operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are also being stocked with trout. Special regulations and limits apply starting 800 yards downstream from the Canyon Dam release to the second bridge crossing on River Road.

Camp Huaco Springs is located at 4150 River Road in New Braunfels. For more information or to find other leased River Access and Conservation Areas (RACA) in Texas, visit the RACA program website.