I'm exploring the possibility of doing a trip to the Llano and I've never been before. I'd like to find a place to setup base camp somewhere (cabins or something) and then do day trips up/down the river. Any suggestions on stretches of the river for optimal fishing, places to stay, etc?

Anywhere up river of Yates Crossing (south South LLano River, Junction, etc) or around Castell would be a great starting point. Downriver of Yates Crossing is OK for a few miles, but a float from Yates to Whites Crossing is not recommended.

Agree with Castell. The guy that owns the general store there (he basically owns the whole little town) does trips or take-out service for kayaks, which is more limited than what you had in mind.

I have probably wade fished the Llano 30+ times over the years, but never kayaked it. Any of the low water crossings south of Mason are productive in the deeper holes. 80% of the time I would use small crawfish colored crank baits (Rebel Wee Craw is excellent on the river). Rest of the time, would use in-line spinners. You can find very nice Guadalupe bass (with occasional LMB) in the deeper holes. Always retrieve with the flow.

Hope that helps.

There is a few miles of good river fishing right above LBJ...also there is a place that just made a contract with TPWD near the Slab somewhere where you can stay. You can put in your yak at the slab. So pretty here rt now too...

Try from Castell to sniders slab it's got some good water. Sniders to Scott's a good too, telegraph has some good fish and easy to kayak as well just don't go from Scott's to the park it is a lot of dragging

If you do the kingsland slab trip above lbj be sure to leave your pickup at the 2900 bridge. The current is a b@&$h! I made that mistake once but there are some nice bass along the trees.

I fish the Llano several times per month and agree that Castell to Schneiders Slab is a good bet. A lot of guides fish this stretch which should tell you something!
Water flow was up quite a bit last weekend and off color. Fishing was slow, but everything should be settling down now. I am very familiar with the stretch below
Schneiders Crossing. Good wide river. Hit the south bank (that is where the channel runs). Zoom flukes (bubblegum) and small Texas rigged craws usually work well.