Looking to get started fishing in Boerne but not sure where to go? We sat down with Jed Mazour — longtime Boerne resident, dedicated angler, and co-founder of the Boerne Bass Club — to create your ultimate guide to fishing around Boerne.

In this guide, we’ll go over where the best fishing spots are, what sort of bait to use, how to get your kids started, and more. So if you’re looking to go fishing in Boerne, Texas, read on!

Best Fishing Spots in Boerne

There are a few different bodies of water near Boerne and some great parks and natural areas. And while you might be tempted to start by casting a line in Boerne Lake or the Cibolo Creek, Jed’s go-to pick is the Guadalupe River – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler.

Where to Fish on the Guadalupe River

“Find any place you can park along the river low road crossings,” Jed told us. “Legally you can walk up and down the river anywhere you want to go.”

There are access points at various crossings such as the ones on 474 and Sisterdale Road. You can also access the Guadalupe at Guadalupe River State Park, or at the quieter, lesser known Kreutzberg Natural Area (one of our favorite hiking spots and a good spot for birding) out past Cave without a Name.

Jed recommends heading upstream when you can. Keep an eye out for fallen trees, rock shelves, and shaded areas.

A hidden gem Jed mentioned is Zoeller Lane Crossing. It’s an under-the-radar spot with clear, walkable water.

Why does he like it so much?

“Once you walk the river you’ll know… it’s extremely secluded and beautiful,” Jed said.

Another great spot a bit outside of Boerne is James Kiehl River Bend Park in Comfort. Jed noted that this is a great place to bring the family. In fact, if you’re looking for a good spot to teach your kids to fish, this would be his pick.

As for what sort of fish you can expect to find on the Guadalupe, bass are the trophy fish. However, you can come across some really beautiful longnose gar.

“They can get big and look really mean, but are completely harmless,” Jed said. “Kids see them and are like, HOLY MOLEY!”

If you’re fly fishing, you can also go for carp. They’re hard to catch and fight like a rocket.

Other Boerne Fishing Spots

Other than the Guadalupe, Joshua Springs Park and Preserve is an underutilized spot that Jed says “holds trophy fish.” There’s the main pond you see when you walk up, which has the fishing docks, but if you hang a left you can go down to the lower pond, which is where you’ll find the best fishing.

The lower pond is stocked with trophy fish. You can walk around the pond or kayak. From his experience, the fish there are “hard to catch, but very big.”

In early spring they’re spawning here. They’re building beds on banks in shallow gravel areas and quite easy to see. The male protects and cleans while the female stays out until she’s ready to lay her eggs.

Jed says the trick here is to catch one or two of the buck bass and remove them upstream. Then the female will come in quickly and you can catch her.

But be warned, Jed said. If you catch her take a pic, be gentle, and get her back in the water quickly so genetics carry on and we have quality fish in the future.    

What about Boerne Lake? It does have fish, but they aren’t as easy to get to as in the Guadalupe.

“There are a lot of big ones in there,” Jed said. “ But people don’t think so because in order to access you have to get out in deep water.”

That means getting in a canoe or a kayak and paddling out. He suggests using a drop shot rig with a trick worm. That’s the most successful technique for Boerne Lake in his opinion.

As for Cibolo Creek, Jed said it used to be the biggest trophy bass fishery for a long time. However, it’s not really holding water much these days. So while it’s the most convenient, it’s probably not your best bet.

That said, a local eagle Scout did recently install two little fishing libraries there at River Road park to make things easier for those looking to fish.

If you go down to the Cibolo Nature Center, you can fish, but with so many roots, trees, and brush along the creek, you may find it difficult to cast. If you’re going to give it a shot here, you’ll want to wade out into the middle of the creek.

Fly Fishing at Joshua Creek Ranch

If you’re looking for a more elevated fishing experience, Joshua Creek Ranch offers some of the best fly fishing in the Hill Country just outside of Boerne.

Each year, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout starting in the fall, and those fish can stick around into spring depending on water levels. As of now, conditions are strong, and there are still trout in the water, making it a great time to get out and fish.

The spring-fed waters of Joshua Creek are clear, calm, and easy to access, which makes it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. Whether you’re wading in or spending the day working different stretches of the creek, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down and really enjoy the process.

If you’re new to fly fishing, Joshua Creek Ranch offers instruction, guided trips, and even Orvis fly fishing schools to help you get started. More experienced anglers can opt for unguided access and spend a half or full day on the water.

Gear is available for rent, guides are available if you want them, and the entire experience is designed to be approachable while still delivering high-quality fishing.

Fishing with Kids

Some spots are just better for little anglers. As we mentioned above, Jed recommends James Kiehl for family fishing. It’s a great spot to take kids to practice their casting. There’s plenty of shallow water to wade out in.

You can also walk up the river when the water is down and there’s a nice bridge to walk under. If you walk up the river and find some deep pockets, the kids will have fun because “you will catch fish.”

He also recommends renting kayaks and getting kids started learning to float the river. If the water is up enough, James Kiehl is perfect for this, as you can float down calmly under the canopy of trees.

Another popular spot for kids learning to fish is Tapatio Springs. Here you’re allowed to fish the two main ponds, but you need to stay away from the golf course. He recommends using chatterbaits and swim jigs here.

If your kids are a little older, Jed recommends they attend one of the Boerne Bass Club’s monthly meetings at Boerne High School.

The Boerne Bass Club is open to students in grades 6 through 12, including homeschoolers. He and his wife, Denise, run the club. They also have a teacher sponsor, which allows them to affiliate with Boerne High School.

“It’s not just about catching fish,” he said. “It’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and finding community.”

They fish locally and across the Hill Country. It’s a great way to get your teen off the screen and into the outdoors.

What about Bait?

If you’re new to fishing in the Hill Country, Jed says don’t overcomplicate it. You can fish worms, but you’re going to go through them very quickly.

“I’d suggest artificial tackle for the Guadalupe,” Jed said. You won’t be spending money running through bait like crazy, and you won’t have to deal with all the mess and headaches of trying to get your worm on the hook and not lose it (which also makes it easier for fishing with kids).

He suggests going with Texas-rigged soft plastics, like a Senko or creature bait in watermelon red. For creature bait you can try grasshopper or crawfish lures.

“Find deeper pockets and run that stuff” and you’ll catch some fish.

And remember, try near rocks, brush piles, or eddies — bass love structure.

“Bass are there to ambush something to eat. They’re going to eat it.”

If you don’t want to listen to Jed and want to purchase live bait, you can get it at the Old Number 9 gas station, Taylor’s Ace Hardware, and a few other spots around town.

And yes — fly fishing is a thing here. Especially downstream from Canyon Lake, where the Guadalupe is cold enough for trout. Olive green streamers and woolly buggers are your best bet.

When it comes to gear, Jed says you don’t need to spend a fortune. Start with the basics at Bass Pro Shops or any solid outfitter — a simple spinning combo will take you far in most of our local waters.

What Time of Year Should You Fish in Boerne?

Fishing really heats up in the spring, with the prime time on the horizon. Early fall, before it gets too cold, is also good for fishing. Once it gets cold, the fishing will slow down dramatically.

In the summer, look for shaded banks and deeper water — and try early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler. Fish are going to try to get to cooler spots.

Do You Need a Fishing License?

If you’re 17 or under, you don’t need a fishing license. Adults do. And if you’re kayaking, wear a life jacket — not just because it’s smart, but because it’s required by law.

You can get a fishing license online here.

What About Snakes?

I will say, we saw multiple snakes swimming the banks at James Kiehl when we went fishing last year, but that’s part of the experience. Just be watchful (my youngest was not, ha).

Jed wants people to know: don’t worry too much about snakes. He’s been fishing here his whole life and never had a bad encounter.

Time to Start Fishing

Boerne might not top any national lists for best fishing towns, but locals like Jed know it holds more than a few secrets. Whether you’re throwing a fly, launching a kayak, or just spending a quiet morning with your kid teaching him how to get started, there’s something special about fishing in Boerne.

Want to hear from Jed? Be sure to read his column in The Kendall County Gentleman. You can also follow him on Instagram here.

And if you have a kid in grades 6-12, make sure to check out the Boerne Bass Club.

You might also be interested in our guide for where to swim in Boerne.