What San Felipe Creek Offers

San Felipe Creek runs clear and cold from its springs near Del Rio, Texas, and holds smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in a narrow limestone canyon that feels remote despite sitting within sight of town. The creek flows roughly 30 miles before joining the Rio Grande, but the best fishing happens in the first 10 miles where the water stays deep enough year-round and the banks are accessible without a long hike. Most anglers fish the lower sections near the town of San Felipe or the middle reaches where the creek widens into small pools between limestone ledges.

The water stays cool because it emerges from underground springs, which means San Felipe rarely gets too warm even in July and August — a real advantage over other South Texas creeks that become sluggish in summer heat. The downside is that the creek is narrow and the current can be swift after rain, making it tricky to wade and easy to spook fish in the shallower sections.

Key Takeaways

  • San Felipe Creek holds smallmouth bass year-round in pools between limestone ledges, with the best fishing from October through May when water temperatures drop.
  • Spring-fed water keeps the creek cool even in summer, but the narrow channel and swift current mean you need to move slowly and cast accurately to avoid spooking fish.
  • Access is easiest at the town of San Felipe and along Ranch Road 2523, where you can park and walk to the creek without crossing private land.
  • Catfish bite well at night using chicken liver or stink bait, especially in the deeper pools where the creek bends sharply.
  • The creek is low-flow most of the year, so wading is possible but requires careful footing on slippery limestone rocks.

Best Times to Fish San Felipe Creek

October through May is prime time for smallmouth bass because the water temperature drops into the 50s and 60s, and the fish move into the deeper pools where they feed more actively. During this window, you can catch bass on small crankbaits, tubes, and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes, though overcast days often fish well all day.

Summer (June through September) is slower for bass but not dead — the spring-fed water keeps things cooler than you'd expect for South Texas. Fish the deepest pools in early morning and at dusk, and switch to lighter tackle and smaller lures because the fish are less aggressive. Catfish bite better in summer, especially at night when the water cools further and the creek quiets down.

Winter (December through February) can be excellent if you don't mind cold water. Bass concentrate in the deepest holes, and you can catch them consistently if you find the right pool. Water levels are usually stable, which makes wading safer than in spring when runoff from rain can turn the creek into a current.

How to Access San Felipe Creek

The easiest public access is at the town of San Felipe itself, where a small park sits along the creek and you can park and walk to the water without crossing private land. From Del Rio, take US 90 west about 25 miles to the town of San Felipe, then follow signs to the park. The walk from the parking area to the creek is short, and the water here is deep enough to hold fish year-round.

Ranch Road 2523 runs parallel to the creek for several miles and has pullouts where you can park and access the water. This road is rougher than US 90 and may be impassable after heavy rain, but it puts you on less-fished sections of the creek. Always ask permission before crossing private land, and respect any gates or "No Trespassing" signs — most of the land along San Felipe is private ranch property.

Wading is possible but demands respect for the limestone rocks, which are slippery even when they look dry. Wear wading boots with good grip, and use a wading staff if you're not confident on slick surfaces. The current is usually gentle, but after rain it can pick up quickly, so check the water level before you commit to wading deep.

What Fish Live in San Felipe Creek

Smallmouth bass are the main draw. They run 8 to 14 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 16 or 17 inches. The limestone environment and spring-fed water create ideal habitat — the bass hide in the deeper pools and around submerged rocks, and they feed on crawfish and small baitfish. They're not as aggressive as largemouth bass in warmer waters, so you need to fish slowly and present your lure carefully.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish both live in San Felipe Creek, especially in the deeper pools where they hunt at night. Flatheads prefer live bait — small sunfish or shiners — while channel cats will take chicken liver, stink bait, or cut shad. Night fishing is most productive, and you can catch catfish weighing 10 to 30 pounds if you're patient and fish the right holes.

Sunfish (bluegill, longear sunfish, and redear sunfish) are abundant and provide good action on light tackle. They're not the target for most anglers, but they're fun to catch and make excellent live bait for catfish. The creek also holds a few small carp, though they're not common enough to target deliberately.

Lures and Tackle for San Felipe Creek

For smallmouth bass, use light spinning tackle — a 6-foot medium-light rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Small crankbaits (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) that mimic crawfish or small baitfish are effective, as are soft plastic tubes and finesse worms worked slowly along the bottom. Jigs tipped with crawfish or small shad imitations also produce, especially in the deeper pools where you can feel the bottom and detect strikes.

For catfish, use heavier tackle — a 6.5- to 7-foot medium rod with 12- to 20-pound line and a basic slip-sinker rig. Chicken liver, stink bait, and cut shad all work. Fish the deepest pools at night, and use a rod holder so you can set the rod down and wait for a bite. Flatheads require live bait and a heavier setup, and you'll want to fish after dark when they're most active.

The narrow creek means you'll lose lures to rocks and snags, so bring extras. Avoid large, flashy lures — the water is clear and the fish are not aggressive, so smaller, more natural presentations work better. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the shallow sections and avoid spooking them before you cast.

What to Know Before You Go

San Felipe Creek is a desert stream, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. There are no facilities at most access points, so plan to bring everything you need. The nearest town is San Felipe itself, which has a few small stores but limited services — stock up in Del Rio before you head out.

The creek can be crowded on weekends, especially in fall and winter when the fishing is best. Weekday mornings are usually quieter. The water is cold year-round, so if you fall in, hypothermia is a real risk even in summer — wear a life jacket if you're wading in deep water or if you're not a strong swimmer.

Respect the land and the fish. Practice catch-and-release for smallmouth bass to keep the population healthy, and follow all Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations. A valid Texas fishing license is required, and you can get one online or at any sporting goods store in Del Rio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish San Felipe Creek?

No. The creek is narrow and shallow in most places, making it better suited to wading than boating. A small kayak or canoe could work in the deeper sections, but most anglers fish on foot from the bank or by wading.

What's the best bait for catfish in San Felipe Creek?

Chicken liver and stink bait work well for channel catfish, especially at night. Flatheads prefer live baitfish like small shiners or sunfish. Cut shad also produces, and you can catch your own sunfish in the creek to use as live bait.

Is San Felipe Creek good for beginners?

Yes, if you're comfortable wading and don't mind the cold water. The fish are not huge, and the creek is forgiving — you can catch smallmouth bass and sunfish without advanced technique. Just move slowly, cast accurately, and be patient.

Can I fish San Felipe Creek in summer?

Yes, though it's slower than fall and winter. The spring-fed water stays cooler than other South Texas creeks, so bass and catfish remain active. Fish early morning and at dusk, and focus on the deepest pools.

What should I wear when wading San Felipe Creek?

Wading boots with good grip are essential because the limestone rocks are slippery. Bring a wading staff or walking stick to help you balance on the uneven bottom. The water is cold year-round, so consider a wetsuit or waders even in summer.