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Images from past trips
Float and Fish the South Llano River near Junction Texas
Fish for guadalupe bass, rio grande perch, and tons of bluegill on the South Llano river near Junction Texas. The current plan for this trip is to float from KC150 down to the South Llano State Park on Saturday with a shorter float from the State Park down to Flat Rock on Sunday. As always we will make the final decisions based on the conditions, a tactic the Aussies refer to as 'suck it and see'. The Saturday trip is about 8 river miles so it is a full day. Last year the group I was with pulled off the water at about 7.00 pm although we did get a late start. The Saturday trip includes some long sections of flat slow water so remember that sage advice 'Moma shouldn't allow no pontoon or kick boats' offered by one of our members after 2006's trip. The Sunday float is a little bit more than 4 miles so if we start early we can finish early and get back to Houston at a decent time.
We will not have a guide on this trip.Fishing a new spot can pose some challenges. Give me a call, 832.755.6857, or drop me an e-mail if you have any questions about the trip.
June 21st and 22nd, 2008
Club members typically travel up on Friday so that they can get a full day of fishing in on Saturday. Most will leave mid to late Sunday afternoon for the drive back to Houston.
We will work out of the South Llano State Park located about 5 miles from Junction. Take I10 West all the way to Junction at exit 456. At the end of the exit ramp turn left under I10 onto US 377 and go straight into Junction. 377 is the main street in Junction and you will cross over the North Fork of the Llano River first (KOA is located here) and the South Fork is located at the other end of town. In the middle of town, at the only traffic light, 377 turns right and will take you to the South Llano River State Park (there is a big sign to this effect just before the light). It's about 5 miles to the Park Entrance on the left of 377.
The following maps may be useful in your planning. The South Llano River Map near Junction and the South Llano State Park Map.
You pay your own way for transportation, lodging, meals, canoe or kayak rental, and flies. The club will provide water and soft drinks for both days. I know that this is a departure from past trip where the club provided the 'fixins' for lunch but I would like to get on the water earlier and I think that everyone bringing their own lunch will help expedite our start.
Motels
There are a number of places to stay in town and there are camp sites available in the state park. Here are a few recommendations from past trips:
Comfort Inn 325.446.3572
Days Inn 325.446.3730
Hills Motel 325.446.2567
La Vista Motel 325.446.2191
Lazy T Motel 325.446.2565
Slumber Inn 325.446.4588
Sun Valley Motel 325.446.2505
The Legends Inn 325.446.8644
We will meet Saturday morning at 7.30 am in the South Llano State Park day parking area that is on the other side of the river inside the park. Based on the number of people we will put together a shuttle plan. We will leave most of the cars in the day parking area which will cost $3.00. A parking pass can be obtained from the Park headquarters (follow the signs) that opens at 8.00 am.
Your safety is paramount, so make sure that you ask questions before the outing if this is your first trip down the Llano. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the right gear and are physically prepared to safely participate in the outing.
The water level in the river can change rapidly based on rainfall in the catchment area so be aware of water level and check the weather forecast. To get an idea of the impact of rain in the catchment area here's the river flow graphic after the rains on Thursday and Friday the 24th and 25th of May Llano USGS 08150000.
Watch out for low branches hanging over the river, not so much because you will get hurt, but because they will sweep your gear into the river never to be found again. Remember to stay hydrated and to use sunscreen. Be sure that you know the benefits of and the legal requirements for PFDs. Do not drink the water from the river - it may look clear, but it can contain microbes such as giardia that can cause severve illness.
Rods 2 to 6 weight with floating lines
Consider a back-up rod inside your yak in case your primary rod can't swim.
A valid fishing license as we will be fishing outside the state park boundaries.
A waterproof dry bag for your wallet, keys, camera, and phone.
A small ice chest for water, soft drinks, lunch, and snacks.
Some rope for bow and stern painters for dragging and lining shallow rapids.
Life jackets - see the Texas requirements at PFDs.
Print out the waiver that follows, complete, and bring it to the outing to save time. You need the Texas Flyfishers Hold Harmless Form.
Your standard panfish and bass flies work - don't forget a 'miss prissy' if you like topwater action.
I called a couple of these rental services and it looks like you can rent either a canoe or yak for about $25.00 to $30.00 per day, including delivery to the state park. It is your responsibility to make the arrangements for a yak or canoe. According to one shop they will deliver the canoes or yaks to the river on Saturday morning but you should consider picking them up on Friday night so you are ready to go. I found the following details on the internet:
SOUTH LLANO RIVER CANOES - 325.446.2220 or write Curtis Thomas P.O. Box 372, Junction, TX. 76849. Located 6 miles south of Junction off Highway 377 on the South Llano River. Day trips or weekly rates. Drop off and pick up. Call for further information.
SONNY'S CANOES - 325.446.2112 or 214 Patricia, Junction, TX. 76849. Canoe rentals. Will pick up and deliver. Shuttle Service Available. Reservations should be made for the period July through Labor Day to guarantee availability of canoes.
FOX HOLLOW - 325.446.4267. Old Town canoe rentals. Shuttle available. Options of 2 1/2, 3, 4, or 7 hour trips. Owners Traci & Wayne Walker
PEACEMAKER RIVER EXPEDITIONS - "Kayaking the Rivers of Texas". You are yet to believe the fun, the challenge, the beauty, and the peace you are going to find on the Texas Rivers. Kayaks for Rent. Owner: Jay Murr. 126 Flatrock Lane, Junction Texas, 76849. 325.446.2363, 325.446.3695, 325.446.6272