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Texas · Fishing
Bandera sits in the Texas Hill Country where the Medina River cuts through limestone terrain at around 1,320 feet elevation, and that geography shapes what fishing here actually looks like.
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Bandera sits in the Texas Hill Country where the Medina River cuts through limestone terrain at around 1,320 feet elevation, and that geography shapes what fishing here actually looks like. The river access at the Bandera city reach gives you a shot at guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, and channel catfish in moving water — a mix that rewards anglers who know how to read current seams and rocky structure. Guadalupe bass are native to the Hill Country and tend to hold near faster riffles and submerged rock, which makes the Medina a more technical wade than a casual bank-fishing trip. For calmer water, New Langford Lake and T S Clements Lake round out the local options and are better suited to anglers who want to fish from shore or a small watercraft without dealing with current. None of the three sites are remote — you're fishing within or just outside a small town — so expect some weekend foot traffic, especially in warmer months. That said, early mornings on the Medina in particular can be genuinely quiet and productive. With three accessible spots covering both river and lake fishing, Bandera is a reasonable base for a Hill Country fishing weekend without requiring a long drive to reach the water.
The listed species for this stretch are guadalupe bass, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, and channel catfish. Guadalupe bass are the most Hill Country-specific of the group and tend to be smaller but scrappy fighters that hold near rocky current breaks. Channel catfish are your best bet if you're fishing bait on the bottom, especially in deeper pools.
The Medina River at the Bandera Access is rated moderate difficulty. You don't have to wade, but wading gives you better access to the productive mid-river structure where guadalupe bass hold. Felt-soled or rubber-soled wading boots are worth bringing — the limestone bottom can be slick. Bank fishing is possible but limits your range considerably.
Medina River — Bandera Access
~2 min drive
Moderate
New Langford Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
T S Clements Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Roden Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Thompson Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Lake Oz
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Lakeside Acres Club Lake
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Frio River — Garner State Park
~1h 10m drive
Easy
Ballasetal Lake
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
Cranes Mill Park
~1h 24m drive
A worthwhile stop near TX.
For the Medina River, a light to medium spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range works well for targeting bass and sunfish with small lures like inline spinners, soft plastics, or small crankbaits. If you're after catfish, bring a heavier rod and cut bait or chicken liver. For New Langford Lake and T S Clements Lake, the same light spinning gear covers most situations, though a simple bobber-and-worm rig is perfectly effective from the bank.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, particularly on the Medina River before foot traffic and heat pick up. In summer, bass and sunfish tend to go deep or slow down by midday when water temperatures rise, so plan to be on the water by sunrise and wrap up by mid-morning if you're fishing June through August. Fall mornings can extend that productive window considerably.
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older at all three locations. You can purchase one online through Texas Parks and Wildlife or at local retailers before your trip. Check the current TPWD regulations for any size or bag limits on guadalupe bass specifically, as they are a native species with their own rules in some Hill Country waters.
