Oct 2:

*Head count is now at 10 members.

*Weather forecast is still sunny with highs in the low 90’s and night time lows in the mid 60’s. Light winds.

*Puck’s Excel spreadsheet for meals and supplies is still needing some items. (Refer to his email that went out to the participating members.

*You can come tomorrow the 3rd if you choose. Tent sites have been arranged.

See you there. Safe travels and tight lines.

Tom

The Brazos River Outing with Jerry Hamon is fast approaching, and this post is to provide detailed trip information.  We are also sharing some good news that Jerry’s surgery has been postponed, and he will be more involved in the event.

Date:  Thursday Oct 3 through Sunday Oct 6.  The dates are extended as some of our members have indicated that they will be going over a day early on Thursday, the 3^rd.  There is no problem with this plan as the camping spots are available, and Jerry and I will be there on Thursday, also.

Registration closed on September 21^st.  The following 12 members are registered;

Tom Strawther, Puck, Steve Edwards, Paul Robertson, Larry McCarver, Antonio Torrealba, Grant Farrelly, Robert Cowan, Joshua Hare, Howard Finley, Benjamin Smith, and Scott Fossum.

Jerry Hamon is a TFF member and will be the Host.  He indicates that he will be bringing a fishing buddy to help with the outing.

Cost:  There are no event costs to the TFF members.  You will need to pay for your tent spot in either cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.  I will collect the money, and Jerry and I will pay the RV Park owner directly.

**Jerry is a licensed professional guide and works closely with Patriot Anglers, a veteran support group.  TFF will be compensating him for his time, but any voluntary donations from the attendees would also be appreciated.

Location and Directions:  Spivey Crossing RV Park, 151 FM-1304, Aquilla, Texas 76622. 

This is northwest of Waco and on the banks of the Brazos River.  GPS will get you to 151 FM-1304.  At that location you will see 2 gates side by side.  The gate on the left is marked “151”. Go through this gate and follow the dirt road until you come to another gate with a “STOP” sign posted.  Continue through this gate and follow the road until you see the RV park on the right.  Headquarters will be at Jerry’s RV location and should be evident to everybody.

!!!! The FM-151 gate should be open, but the second gate should be closed behind you upon entry.  Make sure the second gate is left closed as cattle run in that pasture.

This location is also a TPWD Lease Access Point.  If my directions are a little vague, you can go to the link below for waypoints and further directions.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/rivers/lease_access/spivey_crossing.phtml

Weather:  Current forecast has sunny days, highs in the low 90’s, and lows in the mid 60’s.  Sounds like perfect camping weather.

River Conditions:  Jerry reports that the water quality is great, and the flows are moderate.  The TPWD link has up to date water flows, currently at 67.8 ft/3s.  That is more than adequate to get up and down the river.

***Howard Finley and Robert Cowan just recently fished the Brazos on a float trip and added this comment with good info to the last newsletter update….

Howard Finley

September 25, 2024 at 9:31 PM

Scouting Report
Robert Cowan and I made a trip along this section of water with guide Shane Davies of River Run Guide Service 17-19 September. Here are my observations and opinions.
• Turn-off to camping site coordinates: 31.796528, -97.299428. Look for sign: McCready
• Water better suited for paddle kayak than pedal
• Topwater flies floating line better than bottom flies due to algae
• Weedless conventional using 5” Yum dingers rigged 1/0 hook will catch a lot of LMB
• I’m looking into flyfishing with short plastics 9’ 6 wt
• Message me if you have questions

Headquarters:  Jerry’s RV spot will be headquarters.  He has a fire pit, grill, and tables.  Bring your own chairs!

Lodging:  This is a private venue with RV and tent spots with either electricity and water or tent spots without electricity.  All of you have already requested your preference in tent spots so that will be honored.  The park is tree shaded.

Food and Beverage:  You are responsible for your own breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  Evening meals will be a group activity onsite with Puck organizing the details.  He has already sent out a spreadsheet so that you can indicate your contribution to the food fest.

*TFF will provide water bottles and some ice.  You should also bring your own water, ice, and personal beverages.

Facilities:  There is only a pit toilet on site and no shower facilities.  The toilet has been recently reworked and should suffice.  Hint…bring your own toilet paper!

Fishing:  This will be primarily an opportunity to wade fish for the numerous species of game fish in the Brazos River.  5wt to 8wt rods recommended.  Floating lines and the usual assortment of fresh water poppers and streamers are needed.  (Carp are also in abundance in this river and tend to be large.)

There is a takeout 2.2 miles downriver if you prefer to float the distance downstream.  We can figure out shuttling when we get there.

Equipment Suggested:  Kayak, canoe, or oar-powered inflatables.  These craft are mainly used to get up and down the river to access deeper holes and wading opportunities.

Safety Items:  Bring your PFD if you will be using a water craft.  Also remember all the stuff that you will need for warm/sunny days, and cool nights.

Additional Info:

Jerry is an accomplished fly tier and will be tying some of his favorite flies for this part of the Brazos River.  If you want to join in with him, then bring your own vise and basic supplies.  He has material to share.

Tom Strawther