Best Fishing Spots near Bandera County

Boerne Lake (Boerne City Lake) in Boerne, Texas, covers over 180 acres and is around 42 feet deep. You can fish along its banks, by boat, or off a pier. Boats allowed on Boerne Lake include kayaks, canoes, and boats using electric-motors. Gas-powered motors are not allowed. A boat ramp is available for public use, and kayak rentals are offered. Note that, since Boerne Lake is not part of a state park, you'll need a fishing license to fish there.

Fish you'll typically find in Boerne Lake include largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill and sunfish, and channel catfish. Largemouth bass and channel catfish can reach up to 10-12 pounds. The most plentiful species in the lake is probably bluegill.

Boerne Lake is part of Boerne City Lake Park. The park offers a wide variety of amenities, including picnic areas, a volleyball court, hiking trails, and much more. Dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be leashed. There is a small fee (around $10) for non-resident parking.

Medina Lake, located in Bandera and Medina counties, is a reservoir that covers 5,426 acres, with a maximum depth of over 150 feet and around 110 miles of shoreline. A variety of fish can be found in the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Medina Lake has plenty of boat launches, and all types of watercraft are allowed in the lake. Boat rentals are also available. Note that water levels and fishing conditions at Medina Lake can fluctuate widely, depending on recent rainfall.

From the Pipe Creek area, you can access Medina Lake at Bandera County Park. This is a day-use park with a minimal entrance fee. When the park is open (day of the week and hours) depends on the season and on the lake's water levels. When levels are very low, the park can be completely shut down. Check the park's website prior to visiting. 

Joshua Springs Park and Preserve, located in Comfort, Texas, is a 400-acre secluded park, with wildlife observation blinds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a beautiful waterfall. This relatively unknown park also has a well-stocked fishing pond, with three fishing piers. Here, you'll find an abundance of catfish, as well as bass and sunfish. Kayaking and canoeing is allowed in the pond.

Lost Maples State Natural Area is a 2,900 acre natural area in western Bandera County, near Vanderpool, Texas. At Lost Maples, you can fish at a number of locations, including the Sabinal River, Can Creek, and two lakes. The park is mainly known for its colorful foliage, rather than its fishing opportunities. So, if you decide to give fishing a try, you won't have much, if any, competition.

At Lost Maples, you'll typically find largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass, channel catfish, bluegills, and sunfish. Trout are also stocked yearly in at least one of the lakes; however, they don't always make it through the year.

Since Lost Maples is the equivalent of a state park, you don't have to purchase a fishing license to fish there. You will have to pay a minimal entrance fee, though. Also, Lost Maples can be very crowded from October through November. If you plan on visiting then, consider getting a reserve pass online ahead of your visit.