South Texas Edge
Guadalupe River at Gruene
KayakingSwimmingFishing
South Texas Edge
The Guadalupe River at Gruene — a National Register historic district within New Braunfels — offers one of the most popular tubing and paddling stretches in Texas, flowing cold and clear through bald cypress-lined limestone bluffs after releasing from Canyon Dam about 14 miles upstream. Water temperatures run approximately 60°F in the tailrace below the dam, cold enough for TPWD to stock more than 18,000 rainbow trout annually from November through March — making this the only stretch of river in Texas that sustains a year-round trout fishery. The Guadalupe bass, Texas's state fish, is also present alongside largemouth bass and spotted bass. Tubing outfitters along the river rent tubes and run shuttles for $15–22 per person; the typical float from upper access points to Gruene takes 2–3 hours depending on water levels. The historic Gruene Hall, built in 1878 and the oldest operating dance hall in Texas, sits steps from the riverbank and is reason enough to linger after a day on the water. There are no lifeguards on duty anywhere along the river, and life vests are recommended for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Shade Details
Canyon walls and cypress trees provide intermittent shade on the river. More shaded than open reservoir paddling. Gravel bars and launch areas are fully exposed.
Conditions & Tips
Flash flood warnings close the river quickly — check TCEQ river levels before going. Summer weekends are very busy. Outfitters pull people off the water immediately at first warning.
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