Christmas Lists

This holiday season I’ve been surfing the net, doing some blog reading and have noticed a lot of them are putting out gear lists trying to give folks ideas of what to get the fly fisherman in their life. There is a lot of cool gear out there but I’m not going to sit here and give you a list of neat gadgets, reels, or rods. I figure if you’re reading a fly fishing blog then you know what’s out there and a pretty good idea of what gift you intend to purchase.

What I’d like to do is give you a list of fly fishing destinations. This won’t be your ordinary garden variety destination list though. This one is strictly for warm water species and some of them may not be locations that you’ve heard of.

South Llano River State Park This State Park is just south of Junction, TX. It’s a great river to float or wade and it’s where I caught my first Rio Grande Cichlid.

Brazos River Below Lake Whitney There are several access points to the river below the dam near Hillsboro, TX. This fishery provides chances for both small mouth and large mouth bass, white bass, bluegill and carp. It’s also a great river to float or wade. But, if you hear the horn at the dam signal an immanent water release, get out of the river. The water comes up quicker than you think.

If white bass are what you long for; this spring don’t overlook the Nolan River in Hill County, TX. It boasts an awesome springtime white bass run. It’s known by most Texas fly fishermen and nearly every spin caster so it gets a lot of pressure. But, there’s not very many things are as fun as tossing a Clouser at schooling sandies.

Most everyone knows that crappie make some of the best table fare. If you have a boat, Miller Creek Lake near Munday, TX is a great place to go. Bring at least a sink tip along and hit the brush piles.

I saved my favorite place for last. Caddo Lake in far East Texas is warm water heaven. All I can say about this fishery is I love it. Give Billy Carter a yell and he will put you on the fish. If you find yourself in Uncertain, TX (yes there is such a place) check out Johnson’s Ranch. It’s the epitome of a fish camp; nothing fancy but hey, you’re there to fish right?

Oh by the way, Merry Christmas.


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