Fly Fishing the Guadalupe River
Although the sun was still low in the sky, it was hidden by the grayish white clouds suspended overhead. The slightly discolored slick water reflected the trees and clouds as it gently meandered over and around rocks and Cypress roots. The mirrored surface upstream was only faulted by the small eddies and occasional fish rising for breakfast. As I stood on the bank admiring God’s handiwork and beauty, I witnessed several small bass cruising just below the surface chasing fleeting minnows and various terrestrials gracefully dipping for a refreshing drink.
With fly rod in hand, 6 lb tapered leader tied to a tan and orange grasshopper, I placed the fly gently in the current allowing a natural drift. Within seconds, the first Guadalupe bass rose to the occasion sucking in the floating terrestrial. In approximately 4 hours about 45 fish were landed. The various sunfish were plump and fat and the Guadalupe and smallmouth bass were nice healthy river specimens. Even though no fish were longer than 13 inches, this Monday (Labor Day) morning supplied sufficient memories and heart throbbing top-water angling excitement to satisfy almost any fly fisherman.
This is a wonderful time of year to fly fish the Guadalupe River. The water temperature is still warm enough to comfortably wade without waders, which is very refreshing on those hot sultry days, and the water flow has been excellent this whole summer. Though finding a secluded river stretch just may produce larger fish, the stretch of river fished this day was just upstream from the Guadalupe River and Hwy 281 Bridge. Search for access areas shallow enough to wade or take a kayak float down the river to a second access point and wade-fish during the trip. It is important to remember that staying in the river is necessary to avoid violating private property laws.
A fly rod 4 to 6 weight fitted with weight appropriate reel spooled with floating line (double tapper or weight forward) is a good choice. Adding a 7 1/2 to 9 foot tapered leader in 4 to 6 lb. finishes the outfit. Many flies are effective so having a good assortment of poppers, terrestrials, closures and wooly buggers in your possession, is merited. One last thing to remember; it’s not always the bigger flies that catch the bigger fish. Be observant. Watch for food sources and fish appropriate size, shape and color.
And if you want to hit the water for some live action, schedule your personal outing today while the fishing is hot. Please send your comments, requests for specific subjects and/or ask questions via the email or comment section of my website. I also offer personal and group training lessons.
Website: teachemtofish.net Email: barry@teachemtofish.net Cell: 210-771-0123
