TPWD
Guadalupe Bass
Guadalupe bass—our official state fish of Texas—are native to the clear, spring-fed rivers of central Texas, including portions of the Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, and San Antonio river basins.
Guadalupe bass are the state fish of Texas, but are threatened with local extirpation from habitat degradation, flow alteration, and hybridization with non-native smallmouth bass.
There have been concerted watershed-scale efforts to conserve this species since 1991, including instream and riparian habitat restoration, barrier removal, and flow restoration projects.
Because of these conservation efforts, Texas Parks and Wildlife and partners have restored or conserved fishable populations of Guadalupe bass in 15 central Texas rivers. Efforts to assess, monitor, or restore additional populations of Guadalupe bass are currently planned or underway in additional Hill Country rivers.
Although significant conservation outcomes have been achieved for Guadalupe bass, continued actions are needed to ensure that current and future generations of Texas anglers can experience this "endemic" (i.e. only found in Texas) freshwater fish.
To read more about Guadalupe bass conservation efforts read the report, Guadalupe Bass Restoration Initiative: Conserving the State Fish of Texas for Three Decades.
Read below about a few of the actions you can take to help Guadalupe bass...
Take action for Guadalupe bass
Guadalupe bass need cool, clean, fast-moving, spring-fed waters in Central Texas ©TPWD
1. Protect & restore riparian zones
Healthy "riparian" habitat (area along banks of rivers and streams) is crucial for Guadalupe bass. Ways to help:
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Plant native trees and grasses along stream and river banks to stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
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Remove invasive plant species such as giant reed (a.k.a. Arundo, carrizo cane) that choke waterways and displace native vegetation. Learn more at the TPWD Fighting Aquatic Invaders webpage.
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Prevent livestock overgrazing near streams to minimize sedimentation.
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Contact TPWD Inland Fisheries if you'd like guidance on riparian restoration.
Before and after photo of a giant reed control project.
Such habitat management leads to restoration of native plants and healthy creeks ©TPWD
Guadalupe bass require clean, cool, flowing water.
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Limit fertilizer and pesticide use near streams.
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Implement proper septic system maintenance to avoid leaks.
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Establish buffer zones of native vegetation between agricultural fields and water bodies.
Fly fishing on the Guadalupe river ©Chase Fountain
3. Remove or modify barriers to fish movement
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Replace or retrofit culverts that block fish movement with fish-friendly designs.
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Work with appropriate agencies/organizations to remove old or unnecessary dams that fragment habitat.
Guadalupe bass ©Chase Fountain, TPWD
4. Control non-native fish
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Avoid stocking, or releasing, non-native fish in streams or ponds that can connect to rivers during flood events.
Guadalupe bass resources:
- Guadalupe Bass Restoration Initiative: Conserving the State Fish of Texas for Three Decades - HERE
