Fly Fishing in Texas: Knowing the Right Spots

Fly fishing in the state of Texas doesn't have the common popularity as a location of choice when it comes to experienced fly fishers. Many people think the rivers and streams of classic mountain country are the better choices. The truth is that you can find some amazing fly fishing in Texas - when you know where to go.

Texas contains approximately 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, comprising forty-one major waterways. These waters range from clear, fast-flowing hill country streams to turbid, slow-moving bayous. Fishing success often slows on Texas reservoirs during the summer, but may remain excellent on Texas rivers.

Rockport, Texas, is a great place to fly fish in salt water. There are seven major bay systems that dot the Texas coastline which makes it a great fly fishing destination. Sea grass carpets much of the shallows in the bay system providing an ideal hiding place for fish as well as acting as an incubator for new fish. It also acts as a filter draining out impurities and making the living environment perfect for fish like speckled trout, red fish, black drum, and flounder.

You will find some amazing trout fishing along the Guadalupe River. This river is located between Austin and San Antonio and is the southernmost fresh water trout fishery in the United States. The river is stocked with many varieties of trout. They have a catch and release regulation on the river to help keep the trout plentiful from year to year.

When fishing the Guadalupe, keep in mind that many of the best spots are accessible only by crossing private lands. You can often find people who are more than willing to allow you access, but be prepared to pay a small fee to do so. There are some public access points you can take advantage of, however, so look for these first.

The Blanco River is a classic hill country river varying from a deep, wide river to merely a trickle in places. The banks are lined with cypress trees which makes the scenery along this river absolutely beautiful. Species you can fish for here include a variety of bass and perch. Access is easy and the fishing is good year-round.

The major drainage flowing through Texas hill country is the Colorado River located about 60 miles north of Austin. During the winter and the spring, the bass are plentiful as they migrate out of Lake Buchanan and up the river. You will have to pay a small daily fee to fish the Colorado, but it's well worth your time and money!

While many people don't think of Texas as prime fly fishing country, it actually is a great place to fish for bass and trout. Once the word gets out about the great fly fishing in Texas, it's only a matter of time before it ranks right up there with Colorado and Washington in popularity.