The Comal River is a short, spring-fed stream that holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish year-round

The Comal River runs just 2.5 miles from its source at Comal Springs to where it joins the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. That short distance packs more fishing opportunity than most anglers expect. The water stays between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year because it emerges from underground springs, which means fish are active in every season — no winter slowdown like you'd see in most Texas rivers.

The river splits into two channels: the main channel, which is deeper and faster, and the slower, shallower side channels that branch off near the springs. Both hold fish, but they fish differently. The main channel is where you'll find the bigger largemouth bass and catfish. The side channels, especially where they widen into pools, hold good numbers of smaller bass and bluegill.

Access is straightforward. Comal Springs Park sits at the headwaters and allows wading and fishing. Downstream, you can wade or float from several public access points, and the Guadalupe River below the confluence offers additional options if you want to extend your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Comal River holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish year-round because spring water keeps temperatures stable between 68 and 72 degrees.
  • The main channel runs deeper and faster and holds larger bass and catfish; side channels near the springs are shallower and hold good numbers of smaller fish.
  • Comal Springs Park provides public access at the headwaters, and multiple downstream access points allow wading or floating the entire 2.5-mile run.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce better fishing than midday, especially during summer when tubing traffic peaks on weekends.

What fish live in the Comal River and what they eat

Largemouth bass are the primary target for most anglers. They range from 12 to 18 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. They respond to topwater lures early and late in the day, and to soft plastics and crankbaits during midday. The stable water temperature means they feed consistently year-round, but they're most aggressive in spring and fall when the water is slightly cooler than summer.

Channel catfish run 2 to 8 pounds and are most active at dawn and dusk. They hunt by smell, so cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits work better than lures. Fish the deeper holes in the main channel and along undercut banks where current slows. Catfish bite throughout the year, but they're easiest to catch in spring and early summer.

Bluegill, longear sunfish, and other panfish are abundant in the slower side channels and around submerged structure. They take small jigs, inline spinners, and live crickets. Kids and beginners often have their best success targeting sunfish in the shallower areas near the springs.

Tackle and techniques that work on the Comal

For bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Topwater plugs and poppers work well in low-light conditions. During the day, throw soft plastics like 4-inch worms or creature baits in natural colors — green pumpkin, watermelon, and brown work best in the clear spring water. Crankbaits that dive 4 to 6 feet cover the deeper main channel efficiently.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig is standard. Use a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and let the bait sit on the bottom. The springs keep the current gentle, so you don't need heavy weights — a quarter-ounce sinker usually holds bottom.

The water is clear, so lighter line and smaller lures often outfish heavier gear. Many locals use 6-pound test for panfish and even for bass in the side channels. The trade-off is that you'll lose more fish to snags on the occasional submerged tree, but you'll catch more fish overall because they're less line-shy.

Where to fish the Comal River

Comal Springs Park is the most accessible starting point. The springs themselves hold fish, but they're shallow and crowded with swimmers in summer. Fish early morning or wade downstream into the quieter water below the park. The main channel immediately below the park is deeper and less crowded, and it holds good numbers of bass and catfish.

The side channels that branch off near the springs are excellent for wading and for anglers who prefer smaller fish and less competition. These channels are 2 to 4 feet deep, slow-moving, and lined with overhanging trees that provide shade and cover. Early morning and late afternoon are best because midday sun drives fish deeper.

The lower river, from about halfway down to the Guadalupe confluence, is less crowded than the upper sections. You can wade this section or float it in a canoe or kayak. The current is gentle enough that floating doesn't require paddling constantly, and you can stop to fish promising holes. This section holds a mix of sizes and species.

Timing and water conditions

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to fish. Water temperatures are in the low 70s, the air is cool, and tubing traffic is lighter than in summer. Bass bite aggressively in spring (March through May) as they move shallow to spawn. Fall (September through November) brings another active period as water cools slightly and fish feed heavily before winter.

Summer (June through August) is hot and crowded. Weekends see hundreds of tubers on the river, which pushes fish deep and makes fishing difficult. If you fish in summer, go on weekday mornings before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. when tubing traffic dies down. The water temperature stays stable, so fish bite, but you have to work around the crowds.

Winter (December through February) is quiet and productive. Water temperatures drop to the low 70s, tubing stops, and you often have the river to yourself. Bass and catfish bite steadily, though not as aggressively as in spring. It's an excellent time to learn the river or to catch fish without fighting crowds.

Rules and access information

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations apply. You need a valid Texas fishing license to fish the Comal River. A freshwater all-water license covers you for bass, catfish, and sunfish. You can purchase a license online at tpwd.texas.gov, at most sporting goods stores, or at Comal Springs Park.

Bag limits are 5 largemouth bass per day (18-inch minimum length), 25 catfish per day with no size limit, and 25 sunfish per day with no size limit. These limits are standard across Texas and are designed to maintain healthy populations while allowing anglers to keep fish for the table.

Comal Springs Park charges a small day-use fee and has restrooms, parking, and picnic areas. Downstream access points are less developed but free. The Guadalupe River below the confluence is also open to public fishing and offers additional options if you want to extend your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I float the Comal River in a kayak or canoe?

Yes. The current is gentle and the water is shallow enough that you can wade if you get stuck. Most floats take 1 to 2 hours depending on where you start and stop. You can fish from a kayak or canoe, though wading is easier for casting and moving between spots.

Is the Comal River safe to swim in?

Yes, the water is clean and the current is mild. Comal Springs Park has a designated swimming area. If you're fishing, stay aware of swimmers, especially on weekends and in summer.

What's the best time of day to fish the Comal?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. If you fish midday, focus on deeper holes and shaded areas under trees.

Do I need a guide to fish the Comal River?

No. The river is short, easy to navigate, and well-marked. Wading is straightforward, and floating is simple. A guide can teach you specific techniques or help you find fish faster, but the river is beginner-friendly without one.

What should I bring besides a rod and reel?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a small cooler. The river has no shade in some sections, and the sun reflects off the water. Wading shoes with good grip help on the rocky bottom. A net makes landing fish easier, especially if you're floating.