MONTHLY MEETINGS: 700-900pm (social hr from 6-7), Last Tues of the month. St. Thomas Presbyterian Church; CONTACT US via email: texasflyfishers@gmail.com WHY JOIN: Dedicated to the promotion of fly fishing education, conservation, and outdoors ethics. Detailed benefits below.
Q and I decided that we just had to get out on the water, and do a little fishing. Most of our favorites were rained out, or muddy, so we decided that Damon 7 Lakes was just the ticket.
Matt had moved the john boat over to another, smaller, lake which was perfect for blocking the expected wind. For the first hour the catch rate was very low (zero) until we found feeding fish.
And it rained. Multiple times.
Bluegill, redear, and LMB came to hand.
Flies that worked: Sam’s one bug, VIP, STP Frog, Squirmy, Hare-E, C-Ant
Last auction, John Staigerwald bid on and won the fly fishing trip to the Arroyo Colorado with guide extraordinaire Andy Pfannkuche. Fortunately for me, John invited me to go along with him.
On Sunday, 10/27/24, we drove down to Rio Hondo and stayed in a wonderful house right on the Arroyo Colorado. Andy picked us up at the dock on Monday morning and we headed out to a lake just north of where the Arroyo Colorado empties into Laguna Madre. The conditions were almost perfect – one of those days where the clouds are few and the wind is less than 5 mph. Andy immediately put us on a school of redfish. Then another. Then another. Then another 6 times. Both John and I had never seen that many schools of happy, tailing redfish – it was almost too easy to get a hook up. Trout to 17 inches and redfish to 27 inches were brought to the boat.
But a good thing doesn’t last forever and the sun got high and the fishing got tougher after about 11:00 am. Then the wind started to pick up. By the next morning, the wind was blowing 20-25 mph with showers looming on the horizon. Andy took us back to the same lake, but the clear water had turned to chocolate – and then it started to rain on us.
After a good 15-minute soaking, the storm blew over and we begin to look for the schools of redfish so plentiful the previous morning. Nothing – the fish had disappeared. Andy tried another area with the same results.
By the time we started fishing the third lake of the morning, it was pretty obvious that the lakes were all blown out. So we decided to head back in early to get a jump on the 6-hour drive home. As we were floating the last section of the lake, I began blind casting and practicing Belgium casts in the high wind.
Much to everyone’s surprise, I hooked up on what we thought was a good-sized redfish. After fighting the fish for several minutes, it came close enough to the boat that we saw it was a very large trout. Panic ensued when we realized the boat Andy had borrowed for this trip (his motor was in the shop) had no net! Andy, being the very experienced guide, was able to get a Boga on the lower jaw and carefully hoist the trout into the boat – whew!
After a quick measurement and a few pictures, the big sow trout was released to go back into the gene pool. The measurement – right at 31 inches. I never thought I’d get a trout that big – a once-in-a-lifetime fish. I can’t thank John enough for inviting me, and Andy for putting us on so many fish.
If you haven’t fished with Andy before, he is one of the most laid-back, amiable and kind fly fishing guides you’ll ever meet. He knows the Arroyo Colorado area very well and will put you on fish. I highly recommend fishing with Andy and I’m very glad he has continued to support the Texas Fly Fishers. I can’t wait to get back to the Arroyo Colorado. Good fishing everyone. Ron Mayfield
Due to early voting at Trini Mendenhall center, this will be a ZOOM ONLY meeting. Log in details are below.
This Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 6pm CDT: Greg Atkins from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be our guest speaker discussing the state of Texas fisheries and other topics.
We will also have guest from the Aggie Fly Fishers giving us an update on the Good Fly event that will be in College Station November 9.
The mission of Reel Recovery is to help men cope with the impact of cancer by introducing them to the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer with others who share their stories.
What a fun time with TFF members! Ten of us made the outing to Spivey Crossing RV Park on the Brazos River near Aquilla, Texas, this past weekend. Jerry Hamon was the host along with his friend and neighbor “John”. That made twelve folks in all who camped, fished, ate good food, and swapped stories …..along with some lies around the camp fire each night. 😊
It was a pure pleasure to see several of our “younger” members show up and to enjoy this event with us older guys. I hope this trend continues so that our club can grow and prosper. If you missed this trip, then you missed a great outing.
Weather:
The weather was great for this outing with warm, sunny days and nights in the mid 60’s. Nobody got overheated during the fishing day and all slept cool during the nights. There were neither mosquitos nor biting flies which made things even better!
Camping:
The RV Park and camping area was in an old growth tree bottom with plenty of shade and grass underneath the feet. We used 2 expanded RV spaces to camp that were adjacent to Jerry’s RV with water and electricity available. This reminded me of a Boy Scout encampment with all the tents set up. Wildlife was in abundance with coyotes, deer, and furry ground critters. We also had some Hereford cattle that shared space with us. They were quite gentle and just part of the landscape.
Food was provided by the members each night, and we didn’t go hungry. Plenty of good food to go around, and everybody helped out with the cooking and serving. There were no slackers on this trip.
Fishing:
We had access to about 1.5 miles of the Brazos River. The water craft access point was fortunately up river at “John’s” private residence where we could easily launch our boats and safely park our vehicles. We usually paddled upstream during the light flows in the morning and then drifted back down to the takeout. Evenings was wade fishing below the RV park where the water was shallow with many riffles. The fish count was well over 300 fish with nobody being skunked. Small bass and panfish were the usual targets. No large fish came to hand on this trip. The only real downer to the whole trip was that the river algae was in bloom and came up around noon through the evening. We still caught fish, but it was a little tedious to keep your fly and line clean.
The End:
Puck will be adding another post on this trip with many video links and several topics that we discussed.
A very special thanks to Jerry Hamon for being our host and sharing his many stories with us. Jerry is also having surgery this week and please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.
*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 3rd. 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 21st. 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.
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….
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.
Spivey Crossing RV Park
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.
Come enjoy all things fly fishing featuring Casting, Tying, Fishing, B/CS Local and Industry Vendors, Live Music, Food Trucks, Silent Auction and Fall Fun! This event is FREE admission and FREE parking.
New to fly fishing? No problem! We will have free casting lessons open to all ages and skill levels!
🎉The VIP Afterparty – This event follows directly after the Round-Up! Purchase your Tickets or a Group
Table at Aggielandff.com. This will be an evening to benefit Good Fly, featuring a live auction with dinner, music and Fun!
The casting session and associated social has been cancelled for September 2024. In light of the October meeting scheduled to be held by Zoom, there being no meeting in November due to the Thanksgiving Holiday and the club Christmas Party being held in lieu of the monthly meeting, pre-meeting casting will not resume until the Spring of 2025. Details regarding the Spring 2025 Pre-meeting Club Casting and associated socials will be posted at a later date. Thanks to all members who came out to socialize and participate in the pre-meeting casting/socials held during 2024.
