Guadalupe River 1/11/19

Flows have been consistently holding around 730 CFS with no sign of it letting up in the near future. We have guides on the water every day and our float trips have been very productive. We have been focusing on the upper stretch to middle of the river with success everywhere from Maricopa Lodge down to Rocky Beach. Both browns and rainbows have been willing to eat rubber legs, worms, and eggs as attracting patterns. For your dropped fly look for midges, hexegenia, and trico’s early to mid day with caddis hatching after lunch on warmer days. Streamers have also been a lot of fun so make sure to load up on dark colored wooly buggers, circus peanuts, sex dungeons, Rio’s precious metals, and similar patterns.

See y’all out there!

-Donovan K.

Guadalupe river 12/18/28

Well, the moment a lot of people have been waiting for has arrived. Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited stocked a healthy group of Brown Trout into the River last weekend and they have shown to be willing and able with many anglers catching their first ever. The Rainbow’s have made this river what it is today, but there is a lot of buzz over the Browns, what they bring to our fishery, and what they could become - for now though we are just excited to see more released.

As of yesterday the flows have resided to 382 CFS which means wading is now a lot more approachable as the past few weeks have shown flows in the mid 700’s. Please still use caution at this flow rate but more of the river should be accessible for the wader dawning angler. Of course, this is still prime to to take a float trip with us, so if your interested now is the time to get on the books for the new year!

Girdle Bugs / Pat’s Rubber Legs have been a staple all season long and the trend continues. Trout Beads have shown high success, and when properly rigged, make a very efficient fly for not only catching but releasing. Purists should start looking toward their midge midge box but definitely don’t rule out Hare’s Ear and Prince patterns, with Lightning Bugs working well on those sunny days.

The weather forecast shows a pattern of very mild weather for the next 12 days with highs reaching into the 70’s and lows in the 40’s at night. Some rain shows up around Christmas Day and continues for a few days after. Time to hit the river!

-Donovan K.

Guadalupe river 11/28/18

The fishing has been a learning experience for many fly-fishing newcomers and veterans alike this year with the higher flows, slippery wading conditions, and large fish size. Today is the first day the flows have dipped below the 500 CFS mark since late summer. As of 11/28/18 we are seeing river conditions around 400 CFS which still means if you do plan on taking on the river in your waders, please use caution and take it slow. The plus side is these flows will be a lot more conducive for wading anglers. Water clarity is still off color as bank sediment is being washed into the river bed due to the higher water level. With that said, both guides and anglers are having a lot of fun and the current conditions which make for a great opportunity to take a guided float trip. The Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited chapter had their first release of fish on 11/17/18 and it hasn’t disappointed. Holdover Rainbow and Brown Trout from seasons past are being seen and caught as well. We are seeing fish in the 16” - 20+” range consistently and when combined with the higher flows, your in for a battle when you hook into one. Another fish release is slated for the end of this week so look for action to pick up even more, as well as the first Texas Parks and Wildlife stocking scheduled for 12/7/18.

As per the usual on our home water - the Guadalupe River is fishing like a tailwater with wet flies being the preferred flies of choice. Fish have been actively feeding throughout the day and the sunny weather lately has triggered a good amount of bug activity. If you have a favorite girdle bug or large (think size #8ish) stonefly pattern, now would be the time to reach for it! A good baetis imitation, hare’s ear, or black midge, all in the bead head or tungsten variety are great choices as well.

-Donovan K.

saltwater 12/17/18

“Hit the Window…of OPPORTUNITY” 

The last few weeks have definitely played the normal role for this time of year.  For guides, it can turn your hair grey.  Trips are booked and frontal boundaries are coming in as if they were scheduled.  One things guides tend to be current on, the weather!  You tend to think the weather man hates you, and then you realize this is the pattern for this time of year.  The key is always to be mindful, open to change, and everyone adjust….what you end up with, is “the Window of OPPORTUNITY.”

We saw a major low this past Friday into Saturday.  Tides were sitting at a -0.5 and falling due to our conditions.  I couldn’t tell you the exact level, but I can tell you the set of barnacles/oysters I look at every morning at the boat ramp to adjust where the tides are, was indicating well below a foot from anything we’ve had lately.  Fish adjusted as one would think, and fell to the more manageable/navigable flats.  We have concentrated on mainly singles, but was pleasantly surprised and excited about the groups of fish (3-7) we saw this past weekend.  You don’t get the opportunity every day, but on certain occasions, you have the scenario that most in our sport live for.  The sun is abundant, the water is crystal clear, and a shot at 50-60’ is presented to a group of laid up fish in a sand pocket sunning.  It really is a special experience and moment.    

As always, come into the shop, hang out, talk some fishing, and we can gear you up with everything you need.

-Captain Kyle Hodson

saltwater 11/28/18

We had a Full Moon 11/22/18.  Tides are hanging more to the normal ranges as predictions can be tough in certain areas due to current, barometric pressure, and wind that fluctuate it more than anything, especially on full and new moon phases that sway it more.  As per time of the year, hitting the weather right has paid more dividends than anything.  I guess the saying is right at times in this sport, "More Sun, More Fun!". This will continue to be the game as we keep having fronts pass through.  We have had the norm of plentiful shots along spoil banks and tidal marshes.  Keys have certainly been to get the fly in front of pink fish that seem to be more mellow on high pressure days which means more shots to incite the eat.  I think the exciting part has been some of the bigger fish we have been spotting in deeper flats that are adjacent.  These fish have been sporty in trying to feed.  We have shortened our leaders and really tried some bigger flies to get it down and in front of them.  A lot of moving parts in feeding some of these bigger fish in deeper flats.  This time of year is always an exciting time to fish as traffic seems to slow down other than duck hunters who we now share the back country with.  As always, come into the shop, hang out, talk some fishing, and we can gear you up with everything you need.

-Captain Kyle Hodson