The Concho River is a warm-water fishery that flows through San Angelo and holds catfish, bass, and sunfish year-round

The Concho River runs about 90 miles from its source near Paint Rock down to San Angelo, where it meets the Colorado River. Within the city limits and just outside them, you'll find a mix of slow pools, rocky runs, and deeper holes that hold fish in every season. The water is typically clear to slightly stained depending on recent rain, and the current is gentle enough that you can wade most sections without fighting the flow.

This is not a trophy fishery, but it is consistent. Channel catfish run 2 to 8 pounds and bite reliably from May through September. Largemouth bass in the 1- to 4-pound range are scattered throughout, especially around submerged logs and the undercut banks that form where the river bends. Bluegill and other sunfish are abundant and make for good sight-fishing on calm mornings. The Concho also holds some smallmouth bass, though they're less common than largemouths.

Key Takeaways

  • The Concho River holds catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish year-round, with catfish most active May through September.
  • Public access points exist at several parks in San Angelo, including the Concho Park area and downstream sections near the confluence with the Colorado River.
  • Summer heat can push fish into deeper holes and under cover during midday, so early morning and evening trips are most productive.
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations require a valid fishing license for anyone 17 and older, and there are no special restrictions on the Concho within city limits.

Where to Access the River in San Angelo

The easiest public access is at Concho Park, located on the north side of San Angelo where the river is wide and slow. There's a parking area, a boat ramp, and wading access along the banks. This section holds catfish and bass and gets moderate pressure on weekends.

Downstream from Concho Park, the river narrows and picks up pace slightly. You can access this section from several points along River Road on the south bank, though parking is limited and some spots require walking through private property—always ask permission first. The rocky runs in this stretch hold smallmouth bass and are good for sight-casting with topwater lures early in the morning.

The confluence area where the Concho meets the Colorado River, south of downtown, offers deeper water and is worth exploring if you have a small boat or kayak. This section holds larger catfish and is less crowded than Concho Park. Access is from the Colorado River boat ramp area; check with the San Angelo Parks and Recreation Department for current conditions and any seasonal closures.

What Fish to Target and When

Channel catfish are the most reliable target. Fish cut bait—shad, mackerel, or chicken liver—on the bottom in deeper holes from late afternoon through the night. May through September is prime time, though catfish will bite in cooler months if you fish the deepest pools. Expect fish in the 2- to 5-pound range most often, with occasional larger fish in the 8- to 12-pound class.

Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures around structure. Early morning and late evening are best, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish into shade. The undercut banks and fallen trees along the bends hold the most fish. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons, though bass are present year-round.

Sunfish bite readily on small jigs, crickets, or flies and are a good option if you want action without much planning. They're most active in spring and early summer and provide good sight-fishing opportunities in the shallower, clearer sections of the river.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring (March to May) brings rising water levels after winter rains and runoff. The river can be stained and swift during this period, but catfish and bass feed aggressively. Fish the slower eddies and deeper holes where current breaks.

Summer (June to August) means low, clear water and warm temperatures. Fish early and late in the day; midday heat pushes everything into deep holes and under cover. Catfish become nocturnal, so night fishing is productive. The river can drop significantly if there's no rain, concentrating fish in the deeper pools.

Fall (September to November) brings cooler water and more consistent fishing throughout the day. This is often the best season for bass and catfish alike. Water levels are usually moderate, and clarity is good.

Winter (December to February) slows the bite, but catfish in the deepest holes will still take bait. Bass are less active but can be caught on slow-moving lures in the afternoon when water temperature peaks.

Gear and Tactics for the Concho

For catfish, a medium-heavy spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament works well. Use a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker above a barrel swivel, with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook. Cast into deeper holes and let the bait sit on the bottom. Circle hooks often hook themselves, so you don't need to set hard.

Bass fishing calls for a medium spinning rod and 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braid. Soft plastics in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon) work year-round. Crankbaits that dive 4 to 8 feet are effective around structure. Topwater lures produce strikes early and late in the day, especially in summer.

For sunfish, a light spinning rod and 4- to 6-pound line are enough. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), crickets under a bobber, or small dry flies all work. Sight-casting to visible fish in shallow water is the most fun and often the most productive approach.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring plenty of water—San Angelo summers are hot and dry, and the river offers little shade in most places. Sunscreen and a hat are essential. Wear wading shoes with good grip; the bottom is rocky and can be slippery. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish into the evening or night.

Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for current regulations before you go. You'll need a valid fishing license if you're 17 or older. There are no special restrictions on the Concho within San Angelo city limits, but regulations can change, and it's worth confirming before you fish.

Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish. The Concho's catfish are good eating, and the river is generally clean enough for consumption, though you may want to check local fish consumption advisories before keeping anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Concho?

No. Most of the river in and around San Angelo is wadeable, and you can reach good fishing spots on foot from the public access points. A kayak or small boat opens up more water, especially the deeper confluence area, but it's not required.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon through dark) are most productive, especially in summer. Catfish bite well at night. In cooler months, midday can be good too, particularly for bass around structure.

Are there any fish consumption warnings on the Concho?

Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife fish consumption advisory page before keeping fish. Advisories can change based on water quality testing. Generally, the Concho is considered safe for consumption, but it's worth confirming for your specific section of river.

Can I fish the Concho year-round?

Yes. The river holds fish in every season, though the bite is slower in winter. Fall and spring are the most consistent times. Summer requires early and late fishing to avoid heat, and winter demands patience and deep-hole fishing.

What's the biggest fish caught in the Concho?

Channel catfish over 20 pounds have been caught, though they're rare. Most catfish run 2 to 8 pounds. Largemouth bass over 5 pounds are uncommon but possible. The river is more about consistent action than trophy fish.