Texas Fly Fishing

• Fly Fishing DVD
• Fly Fishing Flies
• Fly Fishing Vests
• Fly Tying DVD
• Fly Tying Supplies
• Montana Fly Fishing

Texas fly fishing used to be met with guffaws; some still say it’s a misnomer. In recent years, though, Texas fly fishing has come into its own particularly in the Hill Country around Austin. For those anglers willing to get past the Texas fly fishing stereotype casting a line here can be unexpectedly exhilarating.

Texas Hill Country marks the line between the grassy flats of the east and the hard scrabble land of the west; it may well be the very heart of Texas. When “Waylon, Willie and the boys” talk about going home, this is where they’re headed; and it is here where a fisher will find some of the best and truest Texas fly fishing. Texas has more than 75,000 miles of water and some of the best of it flows through the 14,000 miles encompassed by Texas Hill Country. The Blanco, Colorado and Guadalupe Rivers are all here along with the lesser known but locally renowned Sabinal, Nueces and Frio. Bass and carp, alligator gar, freshwater redfish and trout as far to the south as you’re likely to find them; they’re all here, too.

Take a nymph or popper and hit the Blanco River for a good chance of bringing in a bass in the three pound range. Lively perch who like a fly are found here, too. Lush vegetation and ample hiding spaces have made this river well populated. Float fishing is advised on this crystalline water as right of entry on the river banks and beds is limited.

Twenty-five pound bass can be pulled from the fast waters of the Colorado but fishing is spotty here. Great one day, not so great another. Lots of white bass in the area, small but fun to fish; take a heavy line and be open to using a sinker. Watch out for sudden onrushes when the spillways open.

Texas fly fishing for trout is a year round event in the cold, clear tailwaters of the Guadalupe. November through May are the best months but pull on some insulation under the waders during the winter months. With a nymph or a caddis an experienced angler might just pull out a twenty pounder. Midge on a still deep line can also be effective.

Many rivers here are cutting through limestone; the ledges and pools left in their wake make for hearty fish populations and great Texas fly fishing. However, limestone riverbeds can be slippery, consider fishing from a boat or a kayak and be sure to take along waders with studs. A lot of Texas Hill Country rivers are subject to sudden changes in depth and spill from dams; be sure to remain alert.

So, when the weather gets too cold at the old favorite stream, try Texas fly fishing in the Hill Country. Year round fishing, a limestone and vegetation environment that breeds a healthy crop of fish and easy access to the area make Texas fly fishing a convenient and rewarding retreat. There is a good chance that many anglers will find out that there are hidden treasures in the rivers that run through these hills.