River Report, Winter Trout Clinic, and Shop Talk

Sitting here in the office looking out the window at a drizzly, funky day outside, I think of how much I would rather be on the Guadalupe River lobbing a streamer of some dark variation to hungry Rainbows. It would have also been nice to take Thomas up on his offer to chase some Striper this morning on Canyon Lake. But, since I am stuck inside (at least until Thomas returns from the lake with a story I can surely only be jealous of) I will take this opportunity to share some updates from ReelFly as well as a fishing report. Before I do that though, I have to admit it’s not all doom and gloom… Lake Texoma is slated for this weekend where I’ve always found the Striper to be ready and willing!

On with the meat and potatoes!

Guadalupe River 12/5/19: Our river reports come directly from the water and our guides who have been fishing daily since the official/unofficial “Trout Season Opener” on November 23rd when Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited had the first stocking. Our guided trips have been stellar so far so if your on the books you have a lot to look forward to, and if your not, well you know what you need to do!

We have been focusing our efforts on the upper stretches of the tail-race with great results above the 4th crossing. It’s tough to pin point one spot that's fishing substantially better then the next, so for now, it’s dealers choice. Pick your favorite, or most secluded spot (least busy) and wet a fly. The Ham (hot pink or red Squirmy Wormy/San Juan) and Eggs (pick an egg in peach or yellow) approach will surely do well for anglers right now. It may sound generic but for those wanting to key in on bugs a bit more it’s time to grab your favorite patterned Prince Nymph, Hare’s Ear, or Pheasant Tail all in the #14-#18 size range. For the dry fly enthusiast, look for risers during the last hour of light and float a #16 - #18 black Midge or PMD Dun by them. On overcast days like today tie on a dark colored streamer (black/brown wooly bugger to name a couple) and enjoy a little reprieve from staring a hole in that bobber. Leaders and tippet in the 4X - 5X should suffice for now with an inclination toward fluorocarbon.

As for the next release of fish, Texas Parks and Wildlife will have their first tomorrow 12/6/19 and will subsequently stock more fish every weekend until 1/31/20. Trout will be stocked at Guadalupe Park, Whitewater Camp, 4th Crossing, 3rd Crossing, and Camp Huaco Springs with year around access at Guadalupe Park . For more detailed information on the Guadalupe River Tailrace and the release of Rainbow Trout you can go HERE.

Winter Trout Clinic 1/4/20: We will be hosting our 6th annual Fall/Winter Trout Fly Fishing Clinic next month. This is an excellent opportunity to get an outstanding fly rod, reel, and fly line combo in addition to 3 hours of instruction. The package includes an Echo Base rod, Redington Zero reel, and Rio Fly Line plus a leader and a $50 off coupon for a 1/2 day guided fly fishing trip! These are a success every time we do them and spots tend to fill up quickly. If your looking for a great Christmas gift, want to learn how we fly fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout on the Guadalupe River, or would just like a new setup and some additional instruction this is a no brainer. More detailed information is on our website. Registration deadline is 12/22/19. Purchase online, in store, or over the phone. CLICK HERE FOR CLINIC INFORMATION

ReelFly Shop Talk: We are geared up, fully stocked, and ready to rock for Trout season and the upcoming holidays. We have a large selection of new items from Fishpond, Tacky, Echo, Rio, Cortland, Orvis, Redington and more. We have lots of waders and boots in stock including the new Escape Zip Up and Pant line from Redington. We also have the Orvis Ultralight Boot and Wader system. We are having a holiday season sale with select items 20% - 50% off. And you Euro Nymphing maniacs will find a couple dozen new competition and jigged style flies as well.

Our online guided trip booking system is in place (BOOK NOW!) and has been a nice upgrade for both us and our clients. If your thinking about a trip head on over to our website and check it out.

Finally and most importantly, at least in our opinion, our friends at Real Ale Brewery have hooked us up with a keg of their Fresh Kicks Hazy IPA in addition to a large can selection of their offerings. Come pour a cold, free beer after your day on the water (or before, there’s no judgement in here) and take a load off those tired wader worn legs.

As always, please be courteous on the water. See y’all soon.

-Donovan