During spawning use spinnerbaits such as Jim Stewart’s Spin-N-Jim and the Buzz Bug.

Guadalupe bass prefer shallow flowing streams and rivers that are well oxygenated and the riffles and pools. These waters are commonly clear and flow from mountain or springs. Most of the rivers are relatively smooth flowing, though the water does get rough and choppy similar to a class 3 white water. However, when the water temperature heats up, the Guadalope Bass head to deep water such as the Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir.

Their natural food consists of water-bound insects, crayfish, minnows and gizzard shad. Effective lures include plastic grubs, streamers and small crank baits. Brand names that have proven themselves include Madam Xs, Convertibles, Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, Pencil Poppers and Prism Divers.

However, regardless of how good a particular lure is or how popular a bait is, if you do not pay attention to where the Guadalupe Bass spends its time during the day, the night or even in different seasons, you are unlikely to do well. For example, fishing the rivers during a heat wave, while relaxing, will not yield any strikes. During high heat, fish in deep pools and riffles in the rivers and focus on reservoirs and lakes as the offer the deepest water.

Spawning

During spawning use spinnerbaits such as Jim Stewart’s Spin-N-Jim and the Buzz Bug. These lures will cause the Guadalupe Bass to strike as the adult Guadalupe Bass are hungry after spawning, the males even more so having guarded the nest without food.

You can also use a rod in the four to six weight range, which is perfect for Guadeloupe bass of all sizes. Try a 7.5 foot 2X leader and a Teeny T-130 line.

Territorial

The Guadalupe Bass are very territorial during spring as it is spawning time and the males are very protective, even chasing off the female once she has laid her eggs. The best strategy is to appeal to the fish’s instinct to defend its territory and to cause it to strike out of anger. The best way to do this is to present lures and bait that capture their attention, with the use of spinners and spoons, by encroaching on their territory.

Guadalupe bass are also caught using flies. Excellent flies include the bass buddy with a long 6X hook with a flat silver tinsel rib, a white floss body and a red neck; the bass bugger with a pink tail, purple body on a straight eye hook are two examples of flies that work the rivers of Texas for Guadalupe.