Fly Fishing In Texas

If you haven't noticed, the art of Fly Fishing is becoming increasingly popular. The sport is more about the journey than actually catching sometimes. I find it much more rewarding to be out there among the flowing streams and rippling water, than stuck on the bank merely drowning a worm. The view, the crisp clean air, and the solitude is unparalleled and what I believe makes fly fishing so attractive.

But being from Texas, where does one go to practice the art of fly fishing? Some people seem to think that it can't be done. The common misconception is that fly fishing is only the pursuit of trout. That could not be more wrong. Just like regular fishing, a fly can catch any fish that is curious or hungry. I've fished with a shrimp pattern on my fly line in the Texas gulf.

When I want that typical fly fishing experience however, I personally love going to the Guadalupe River. It's only about 3 hours from where I live and anytime I'm in the area, I try to get out for an hour or two and do some fly fishing. Around the months of January and February, Texas Parks and Wildlife begins stocking rainbow trout in many areas including the lower Guadalupe River.

There are plenty of places to put in and most are free. I always try to go just below the Canyon Lake Damn and start there. It's free to fish there and you can wade for quite a ways. Another good spot is at the horseshoe. The horseshoe is a popular tubing spot crossing FM 306 near Canyon Lake. Obviously in the winter time, there are no tubers, so this is a great place to rip some lips.

The beautiful canyons and general hill country atmosphere is relaxing and yet at the same time invigorating. If you haven't tried fly fishing, don't be intimidated by the seemingly difficult casting procedure. It's really quite simple and does not require a masters in angling to conquer. And if you think you have to be up in the mountains of Montana to catch fish on a fly rod, take it from someone who has caught everything from trout to sun perch here in the great state of Texas. And I've done most of it using relatively inexpensive gear. The point is to get out there and see what this state has to offer, try something new, and discover places you've never been.