TroutFest 2025 lures 4,000 fly-fishing enthusiasts to celebrate the sport in February
New Braunfels shines as a hotspot for summer fun. But it also sparkles in the winter months, when it becomes Texas’ top trout fishing destination.
Starting in November, the Guadalupe River here is heavily stocked with trout, turning it into one of America’s top 100 best trout streams and one of the best places in Texas for trout fishing. Trout fishing season continues as long as water temperatures stay cool enough to support the trout, usually well into April.
“Fly fishing is one of the best ways to fish for trout, and the sport is growing rapidly in New Braunfels,” said Tiffany Yeates, owner of Gruene Outfitters, a fly fishing and outdoor retail shop in the city’s Gruene Historic District. Women and young people are becoming more involved in fly fishing, she said, which she credits in part to the influence of social media and the desire to enjoy the outdoors.
“We’ve definitely seen growth in the fly fishing community,” said Yeates. “There are more people on the water and more guides than we’ve ever had. This is really the only river in Texas to fly fish for trout.”
Approximately 4,000 novice and advanced anglers alike will gather in New Braunfels in February for TroutFest, a 3-day event that includes presentations, fly casting lessons, watercraft demos, a vendor expo, speakers and more. The event takes place Feb. 21-23 at the Lazy L&L Campground, which features a one-mile stretch of riverfront property and serves as a trout release site.
In addition to family-friendly activities, TroutFest attendees can test the waters of fly fishing. “It’s a great place to learn more and see if it’s something you’re interested in,” Yeates said.
“Whether you’re a curious newcomer or already an expert, the best way to learn and grow in the sport is by connecting to your local fly fishing community,” said Yeates. Fly fishing shops like Gruene Outfitters and Action Angler & Outdoor Center in New Braunfels offer the best gear and flies for local conditions and freely share expert advice and instruction with customers.
“We see a lot of people who are learning, so we do a lot of education in the fly shop. We help people learn how to read the water, what flies to take, how to rig those flies for the water that they’re fishing,” said Yeates. “Your local fly shop is a good resource for all those things.”
Action Angler, a stream-side fly shop, also offers river access for wade-in fly fishing and guide services. Most land along the Guadalupe River is privately owned, but guests can pay for river access at sites such as Action Angler and Lazy L&L.
Texas Parks and Wildlife and conservation group Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited (GRTU) stocks the river between the Canyon Lake Dam and New Braunfels starting in late November and continuing until early March.
It’s the southernmost trout fishery in the U.S., thanks to the dam. Because water is released into the Guadalupe River from the cooler waters at the bottom of the lake, the Guadalupe maintains the right water temperature for the trout fishery to thrive in the cooler months.
GRTU is the world’s largest chapter (and the only one in Texas) of Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of trout and salmon habitats.
After a day on the river, New Braunfels offers plenty of ways to reward yourself. Swap fish tales over a pint of locally brewed craft beer or great food at a local eatery. Take in some live music before winding down the day at a cozy cabin or rustic lodge and get ready to tackle another day of fishing.
Plan your trout fishing adventure #VisitNBTX at www.visitnbtx.com.