Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event: Harmon Creek upstream of Lake Livingston, White bass
Trip Description: Fishing for white bass as they run up Harmon Creek out of Lake Livingston on their spring spawn.
Q and I took a road trip with a few ideas in mind:
Here is what we learned:
Rawling Bait Camp is closed for some major renovations, so you cannot buy your required beach pass there. The renovations are looking good, from the road, but I have no idea when they will open again.
You can buy your beach pass ($10) from Matagorda Bay Nature Park. We visited there for a few minutes and it is a great place to stop in, even if you already have your beach pass.
Rawlings Cut, (28.626098994838287, -95.97050488400687) the way a lot of us used to get into the western edge of the bay, is no longer assessable. There is a cable strung up across the old kayak launch. The area we used to park is also now off limits.
There is a new(-ish) kayak launch point (East Matagorda Bay Paddlesports Park) in place a bit further north and is easy access. The distance to our fishing hole is a bit of a paddle. From my map spot it looks to be about 4 miles. Too tough to do in February, IMO.
By travelling down the beach we found a large cut through the dunes. This took us into the marsh, but it does open up into the bay. From that parking area to our marked spot is only a shade over 2 miles. With a south wind, in February, it should be an easy paddle.
By going down the beach a lot further, past “Hog Island” we came to another cut through to the north. We travelled about a half mile on this trail, before the terrain became too wet, and soft. The only way I could see getting to the fishing grounds here is to hike the remaining half mile or so to the bay. There is not enough connecting water to get to the bay in a kayak.
Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event: Day Trip to Lake Fayette
When: Wed, Oct 26; 630am meet at Park Prairie Park launch
Where: 1250 Park Prairie Road, Fayetteville 78940 (Park Prairie Park)
How to sign up: Contact John E. or use Evite link
When: Aug 21, 2022
Where: Drum Bay / Swan Lake
Load Out: Swan Lake Boat Ramp: 809 Bay Ave, Freeport 77541
Start Time: Sun, Aug 21 6:20 am
Return Time: Sun, Aug 21 afternoon
Trip Leader: Taylor Guest and Michael Quiqley
Phone: (nine zero three) seven three eight – zero three one eight: Taylor Guest
e-mail: taylorguest (at) msn (dot) com
Sign up: CLICK HERE FOR EVITE
This is a day trip to Drum Bay and Swan Lake. This area is just a quick drive from Houston, and an even shorter drive from Galveston. Great for both boaters and kayaks, the habitat type in this area is condusive for reds, specks, and flounder. Come join us for a day on the water!
The sun will rise around 6:50 AM, so let’s meet at the launch around 6:20 AM. I’ll be there a little earlier if anyone wants to get an early start.
The Swan Lake Boat Ramp is the best ramp for boaters, but still offers quick marsh access for kayakers. The ramp is located at 809 Bay Ave, Freeport, TX 77541. There is another kayak-specific ramp just up the road, which has even closer marsh access. It is located at 29°00’45.0″N 95°13’05.3″W.
Boaters and kayakers can launch from either location.
Before we launch I’ll go over the layout of the area and point the boaters and kayakers in the right direction.
No overnight accommodations will be scheduled for this, but you’re welcome to head down the night before. There are plenty of hotels in the area.
Taylor Guest will be the outing leader (taylorguest@msn.com)
See you there, and tight lines!
A great day at Blue Roan Bend. Fifteen kayakers and float tubers made it out to the 280 acre lake. We were met by our host, Newell Atkinson, and he gave us a history of the area and a perspective of the lake. Quite the Texas history surrounding this property and area – an incredibly nice ranch.
After the briefing, all boats and fisherman were on the water by 8 am. The lake has plenty of area, and our fifteen kayaks/tubes quickly spread out across the lake.
The weather cooperated nicely. Very little wind, but goes without saying, quite hot. The lake contains quite the fishing opportunities. Deep water, “sand islands”, and lot of shorelines to fish.
Quite the variety of fish were caught. Bass, gar, catfish, and sunfish. The favorite flies seemed to be clouser and wooly booger type patterns, but some fish were caught early on topwater. We even captured photos of deer swimming in the lake – perhaps to cool off.
The heat drove us all off the lake by early afternoon, with the last people leaving around 3. Newell was a great host, meeting us early and again as we wrapped up the trip. He is a wealth of knowledge, and his ranch is a top tier operation. He provided us with this fantastic opportunity, and it was a great time by all.
When: Sept 9-10 July 22-23, 2022
Where: Fulton / Rockport, Texas – Cavasso Creek
Load Out: Cavasso Creek Launch
Start Time: Sat, Sept 10 July 23, 6:00 am
Return Time: Sat, Sept 10 July 23 afternoon
Trip Leader: Taylor Guest
Phone: (nine zero three) seven three eight – zero three one eight
e-mail: taylorguest (at) msn (dot) com
Sign up: Register for this outing on the Cavasso Creek Evite CLICK HERE FOR EVITE
This is an overnight trip to Cavasso Creek and the greater St. Charles Bay area. We will stay in Fulton, Rockport, or Holiday Beach at an AirBnB. Anyone arriving early on Friday is welcome to check into the AirBnB and fish. I don’t have the AirBnB picked out yet, but I’m going to try and get a spot with a dock and lights for some night fishing fun. The launch location will be the Cavasso Creek launch. This is a small launch and is only condusive for kayaks and smalls boats. Here’s the lat/long to the launch location (28°13’02.4″N 96°59’15.9″W).
Again, small boats and kayaks can launch from this location. If you have a larger boat and you would still like to come, there is a proper boat launch in Lamar (Goose Island State Park). The run is a bit further to get to the spot (about 7 miles), but it’s doable. There is also lots of fishable water between the Goose Island launch and Cavasso, if you’d like to explore on your own.
The sun will rise on the morning of July 23rd around 6:46 AM, so let’s meet at the launch around 6:00 AM. That way we can have a quick meeting and hit the water as the sun is rising.
Before we launch I’ll go over the layout of the area and point the boaters and kayakers in the right direction.
Our annual South Llano weekend was a great trip. We fished both Friday and Saturday, and the fishing was outstanding. Granted it was a little hot, but the cool water and hot fishing made it worth the trip.
We stayed at Bon Ton Roulet campground, with five of us (and a dog) using the two cabins. Nol was her usual outstanding host. Red beans/rice and brats were the main course for Fri and Sat, along with Glen’s famous cold (but spicy hot) slaw and Ozzy’s potato salad. Couldn’t get better food at a five star.
There were very few other people fishing. We launched at 8am from the second crossing, and made it back to the campground by 4pm. Lots of fish caught. For those of you who have been on this trip, the river has “washed out” many of the ripples, as well as the rock falls. An easy paddle.
Another great trip; we will do it again next year.
Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event: Fish a 280 acre Private Lake – Blue Roan Bend Outfitters near Eagle Lake, Tx
When: July 16, 2022; Meet at 630am at the entrance gate.
Where: 4886 S County Road 267, Eagle Lake, TX 77434
Pre-Registration MUST be made in advance
How to sign up: Contact John Eldred or use the Evite link below
Texas FlyFishers of Houston Event: Fish the Colorado River at Bastrop with Kevin Hutchison, Hill Country Fly Fishers
When: June 18, 2022; Meet at 8:30 am, Fisherman’s Park
Where: Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St, Bastrop. 78602
Pre-Registration MUST be made in advance
How to sign up: Contact John Eldred or use the Evite link below
You have two opportunities to fish on this trip. Day 1 (Fri): Skimmer trip to Fence Lake; Day 2 (Sat) Kayak paddling in the Lighthouse Lake/B&R flats area
DAY 1 : (Downloadable File: 2022 SW Outing Fence Lake Day 1_)
When: Fri, June 10, 2022
Where: Fulton / Rockport, Texas – Kayak Fence Lake via the Skimmer
Load Out: Skimmer Dock, 215 North Fulton Beach Rd., Fulton, TX 78358
Start Time: Friday – 5:00 am – Meet up at the Skimmer Dock, Fulton, TX
Return Time: Friday – 4:00 pm – Return to Skimmer Dock
Trip Leader: Chris Sumers
Phone: (two eight one) six nine two – eight nine 62 – cell
e-mail: csumers (at) Comcast (dot) net
Description: Friday morning, we will be ferried to St. Joe’s Island aboard the M/V Skimmer for a day of skinny water kayak & wade fishing in the Fence Lake area. The Skimmer can carry 12 fishermen and their kayaks. About 3:00 pm, the Skimmer will return to pick us up at the mouth of Fence Lake and take us back to the dock.
Important Note: Be sure and remove all items in and on your kayak prior to load out on the Skimmer and carry them on separately. It will make it easier to load and stack the kayaks on the mother ship.
Sign up: Register for this outing on the Fence Lake Outing Evite CLICK HERE FOR EVITE
Registration deadline is on or before 3:00 pm Sunday, June 5, 2022. Note: When you sign up for this outing, please specify if you plan to fish on Friday, Saturday or both days
Cost: Ferry Service aboard the M/V Skimmer will be $50.00 per person. Note: The rate based on a minimum of 10 people. If you need to rent a kayak, they are available through the Skimmer at $50.00 per day. You will need to reserve it in advance. Also, tips for the crew are appreciated but, not included in the ferry fee.
Directions:
Friday Morning: We will meet up at the Skimmer’s dock, located at the Fulton Harbor, directly behind Charlotte Plummer’s Seafood Restaurant, 202 N. Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, Texas at 5:30 am for loadout (sunrise is 7:26 am). As you come in to Fulton on HW35, Turn left on Cactus Street and go appx. ½ mile to Fulton Beach Road. Cross Fulton Beach Road and just behind the restaurant to the left is the Harbor and the Skimmer. This is where I’ll collect your filled out Waiver of Liability and your ferry fee. Once we have the kayaks and gear loaded, we’ll shove off.
About the area: Fence Lake is a relatively small and shallow bay (averaging about 1½-3 ft.) nestled along the western shore of St. Joe’s Island. This, combined with the grassy bottom keeps the water clear and should allow you the opportunity to sight cast to fish. The numerous fingers and creeks should provide ample opportunity to explore the area and enjoy a peaceful day of fishing. The fish should be transitioning to their fall patterns, trout will be along the transitions looking for a mouthful and, the red fish will be working the grass / shorelines feeding on shrimp, and crabs. Be sure and keep your eyes along the prop scars, the fish like to sneak along these.
Important items:
Recommended Equipment: 6-8 WT outfit with weight forward, floating line, tapered leader with a 10-12 lb. test tippet. Don’t forget extra leader material and tippet.
Recommended Flies: Shrimp patterns, Bead Eye Clouser Minnows and light colored grizzly Seaducers are the productive flies. Spoon flies, crab and Kwan style patterns also work well. Size 6 to 2. For surface flies, choose a pattern that will land softly, such as the Gartside Gurgler, a Dink or VIP popper. Note: There can be a lot of floating grass in Fence Lake, both on top and suspended under the water. You might want to add a weed guard to your flies. You can always snip it off.
Recommended guidelines for participants:
DAY 2 (Downloadable File: 2022 SW Outing Fence Lake Day 2)
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022
Where: Aransas Pass / Harbor Island, Texas – Lighthouse Lakes & B&R Flats
Load Out: Lighthouse Lakes or Brown & Root Flats Launch, Highway 361, Aransas Pass, Texas
Start: Saturday, 6/11/2022 – 5:30 am – Meet up at the HEB Parking Lot, Aransas Pass, TX
Return: Saturday, 6/11/2022 – 3:30 pm or earlier
Trip Leader: Chris Sumers
Phone: (two ate one) six nine two – eight nine 62 – Cell
e-mail: csumers (at) Comcast (dot) net
Description: Saturday morning, we will meet up at the Lighthouse Lakes Park, located off Hwy 361 (see map), at 5:30 am for check in.. At this point, you can take off to your fishing spot du jour, hopefully with a fishing buddy. At, or before 3:30 pm, check in with the trip leader, or alternate to inform them that you are off the water or, plan on fishing longer. Because of the locations of this trip, some members may opt to switch fishing areas. If you decide to make a move, text the team leader with the details.
Sign up: Register for this outing on the Fence Lake Outing Evite Click here for Evite or, sign up at the Texas FlyFisher’s May monthly meetings prior to the outing. Registration deadline is on or before 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Note: When you sign up for this outing, please specify if you plan
to fish on Friday, Saturday or both days.
Cost: There is no charge for this trip.
Directions:
Saturday, June 11, 2022 Morning: 1) We will meet up at the Lighthouse Lakes Park, located off Hwy 361 (see map), at 5:30 am for check in. From this point you can put in for Lighthouse Lakes or, cross the road to the B&R Flats Or,
2) You can go directly to your desired loadout spot but, if you do, please inform the outing lead or one of the other members on the outing as to your destination, the name and contact of your fishing partner and your fishing plan, such as general area, put in / load out spot and how long you plan to fish. If you change locations please leave a message, either text or voice message, with the Outing Leader.
About the area: These areas are a lot like Fence Lake, Friday’s fishing location. These areas are relatively shallow, averaging about 1½-3 ft. in most areas. This, combined with the grassy bottom keeps the water clear and should allow you the opportunity to sight cast to fish to cruising fish. The Lighthouse Lakes won’t require long casts but, you will need to keep an eye out for laid up fish on the edge of the channels and under the mangroves. This is a good spot to bring your handheld GPS along in case you happen to get turned around. B&R Flats is a wide open area with a number of guts and old duck blinds. Attractor patterns along with surface and spoon flies will work well but, you might want to consider adding a weed guard because there is a good chance you will encounter floating grass. Depending on the wind, velocity and direction, the water in South Bay can get a little dirty and, it can get shallow in a number of spots near the mangrove forest of Lighthouse Lakes. However, back in the SE corner of South Bay, the fishing can get interesting.
Important items for Both Days:
Recommended Equipment: 6-8 WT outfit with weight forward, floating line, tapered leader with a 10-12 lb. test tippet. Don’t forget extra leader material and tippet.
Recommended Flies: Shrimp patterns, Bead Eye Clouser Minnows and light colored grizzly Seaducers are the productive flies. Spoon flies, crab and Kwan style patterns also work well. Size 6 to 2. For surface flies, choose a pattern that will land softly, such as the Gartside Gurgler, a Dink or VIP popper. Note: There can be a lot of floating grass in Fence Lake, both on top and suspended under the water. You might want to add a weed guard to your flies. You can always snip it off.
Recommended guidelines for participants:
TFF Release of Liability Form: Downloadable File: RELEASE OF LIABILITY_01152020