Top-Rated Calaveras Lake Fishing Charter | SAction

Calaveras Lake Fishing Guide | 4 Hour Charter

Looking for some serious freshwater action just outside San Antonio? Our 4-hour charter at Calaveras and Brauning Lake delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers talking long after they head home. Whether you're chasing hard-fighting redfish in spring or tangling with monster catfish when the water cools down, these warming lakes offer year-round opportunities that most folks never even know about. We've got two departure times daily - 7:30am for the early birds and 1:30pm for those who prefer a more relaxed start. With all your bait and tackle covered, plus professional filleting service at the end, you can focus entirely on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.

What to Expect on the Water

These power plant lakes are something special - the warm water discharge creates a unique ecosystem that supports incredible fishing year-round. Calaveras and Brauning aren't your typical Texas lakes. The consistent water temperatures mean active fish when other lakes are slow, and the structure from old roadbeds and creek channels holds plenty of cover for our target species. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat with up to three other anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to fresh bait that these fish can't resist. The lakes aren't huge, so we can move around quickly to find the most productive spots. Expect to cover water efficiently while learning about these unique fisheries from someone who knows every submerged stump and drop-off.

Techniques and Tackle

Fishing these warming lakes requires different approaches depending on the season and target species. For redfish, we'll use everything from live bait rigs to artificial lures, focusing on areas where the warm water creates current breaks and feeding zones. These aren't your typical saltwater reds - they've adapted to freshwater and fight just as hard with some unique behaviors. When targeting catfish, we'll deploy multiple rod setups with proven baits, often anchoring on productive structure or drifting along channel edges. The tackle we provide is matched specifically to these waters and species - medium to heavy action rods that can handle the fight but still give you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites. We'll adjust techniques throughout the trip based on conditions, fish activity, and what's working best that particular day.

What Anglers Are Saying

"My son and I had a great time today. We were extremely fortunate to have found Mr. Solis who turned out to be perfect person to take us out. He was very patient and informative as we aren't very experienced in the fishing department. He knew exactly where to go, for how long, and when to move on. We caught some red drums, channel catfish, and blue catfish. Upon completion of fishing, Mr. Solis cleaned and filleted all of the fish we caught. I would highly recommend Mr. Solis as I know we intend on booking him again in the near future." - Eric

"It was easy to book with Joe and to locate the meeting point. Joe was friendly and professional. He was informative of the area, the fish we were after, and provided helpful tips to help with our trip. We attended with our 11 y/o daughter. He was patient and encouraging of her fishing skills. We had a time, caught a good number of fish, and Joe did a good job cleaning them for us at the end. We will definitely book with Joe again!" - Matthew

"Trip was great, limited out on reds then got on catfish. Captain was super cool laid back guy willing to answer questions and very patient to more experienced and newer fisherman. Plan to go back in a few weeks. Definitely the best was to fish in San Antonio. 10/10 boat t& experience." - Kevin

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of these lakes, and they're unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in Texas. These freshwater reds have adapted completely to lake life, growing fat and strong in the warm, nutrient-rich waters. March through May represents prime time when these fish are most active and aggressive, often schooling in shallow areas and around structure. They'll average 5-15 pounds but can push much larger, and their fights are legendary - powerful runs and head-shaking battles that test your drag and your patience. What makes these fish special isn't just their size, but their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials. They've developed feeding patterns unique to these lakes, often relating to the warm water discharge areas where baitfish concentrate.

Hardhead Sea Catfish might not sound glamorous, but don't let the name fool you - these fish provide fantastic action, especially during cooler months when redfish are less active. Along with channel cats and blue cats, they make up a diverse catfish population that keeps rods bent year-round. Blue cats can reach impressive sizes in these waters, with 10-20 pound fish being common and much larger specimens always possible. They're bottom feeders that love the deeper areas and channel structures, providing steady action when you want to fill the cooler. Channel cats are everywhere and always hungry, making them perfect for kids or anyone wanting consistent bites. The catfish bite stays strong even when other species slow down, giving you backup options that can save the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 4-hour charter delivers everything you need for a successful day on the water without breaking the bank or eating up your entire day. With morning and afternoon departure times, you can easily fit fishing into your schedule whether you're a local looking for a quick trip or visiting San Antonio and want to experience some unique fishing. The combination of redfish and catfish means productive fishing regardless of season, and having all gear and cleaning services included makes this a hassle-free experience from start to finish. These lakes don't get the fishing pressure of more famous Texas waters, so you'll often feel like you have the place to yourself while still being just minutes