Upper Comal River
New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas, United States
A spring-fed river drift through New Braunfels, from below the Wurstfest grounds to the Tube Chute. The water stays about 22°C all year. Depths are mostly 1 to 4.5 m.
The Comal River rises from Comal Springs on the Edwards Aquifer and runs about 2.5 miles through New Braunfels to the Guadalupe River. The water holds near 22°C year-round. Divers drift the upper river from just below the Wurstfest grounds. A common drift starts at Hinman Island Park and ends at Prince Solms Park, about 1,500 ft downstream. Exit before the city Tube Chute at Clemens Dam. Depths are mostly shallow, to about 15 ft (4.5 m). Water plants line the bed, with bass, sunfish, Rio Grande cichlids, tilapia, crayfish and turtles. The endangered fountain darter lives in the river. Landa Lake, the springs and the reach just below the lake are closed to all water activity under city code. Summer brings heavy tuber traffic. The city closes the river when flow reaches 600 cfs. Current and silt both rise after rain. River-access parking is paid from May 1 to Labor Day.
Marine life
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
- Rio Grande Cichlid
- Blue Tilapia
- Catfish
- Crayfish
- Turtles
- Fountain Darter
