Featured Catfish Charters in San Antonio
Expert captains ready to take you on your next catfish adventure.
Best Time to Catch Catfish
Catfish can be caught year-round in San Antonio. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Catfish
San Antonio offers some solid Catfish action, particularly in the Guadalupe River and the various reservoirs surrounding the city. For channel cats and blues, try drifting cut bait or stink bait along the bottom in deeper holes or near submerged structure. Summer nights are especially productive. Braunig and Calaveras Lakes, with their warmer waters, support a healthy catfish population. A local trick is to target areas near the discharge points of the power plants, as the warmer water attracts baitfish and, consequently, catfish. Medina River, closer to the city, also offers accessible bank fishing for smaller catfish. Be aware of local regulations regarding size and bag limits, and always practice responsible catch and release if you're not planning on eating your catch. The catfish here aren't particularly picky, but fresh bait is always best.
How to Catch Catfish
Catfish Fishing Regulations in Texas
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
25 per day (combined)
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
For blue and channel catfish, only one can be 30 inches or greater in length. There are special regulations for certain water bodies, so consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Texas state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the limit on catfish I can catch in San Antonio?
In Texas, you can keep a combined total of 25 catfish of any species per day.
Is there a minimum size requirement for catfish in Texas?
No, there is no minimum length requirement for catfish in Texas freshwater.
What kind of fishing license do I need to catch catfish in San Antonio?
You'll need a valid Texas freshwater fishing license to fish for catfish in freshwater areas around San Antonio.
What are some popular catfish baits to use near San Antonio?
Anglers often use stinkbaits, cut bait (like shad or perch), nightcrawlers, and chicken liver for catfish in the San Antonio area.
More Catfish Fishing in Texas
Other Species to Fish in San Antonio
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