Anybody got info on a Devils River trip that does not involve a guide

Are there any spot for day trips, paddle up and back trips?

Got time off at the end of this April

thanks

Good luck, if you find out something, let me know!!!

stay at bakers crossing and wade fish that area. big old smallies

Done it twice without guides but used Gerald Bailey both times for shuttle service. First time we put in at the State Natural Area and then went down to his takeout the next day. Second time we did the Bakers Crossing to State Natural Area spent the night and then down to Geralds. The second time they had just received a 7" rain a couple days before and the river was flowing at 1000cfs at Baker's ...made for a much different trip!!

You can go into the State Natural area and camp there ...but it's a mile or so down to the river with no vehicle access but I'm pretty sure you can drag your canoe or kayak down there (and back!). It's a short trip from the state natural area down to Dolan Falls and with regular flows you can paddle back up without a problem.

Beautiful area ..wild and rugged. Caught plenty of smallies on the fly rod and some nice sunfish.

There's been plenty of coverage recently, and in the past, in Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.

awful close to all them mexican drug gangs & their murderous ways, just sayin ..





actually I'm kinda jealous, I would love a trip like that but doubt I'll ever be able to do it for a variety of stoopid reasons.

the entire border region is an area where i do not leave the city limits without powder and lead...and a few other goodies. that doesn't mean it is at all likely that anything untoward is going to happen, but if it does you are HOURS away from any sort of response from emergency services (fire, ambulances, law enforcement, etc). YOU are your own emergency services down here. and folks who aren't thoroughly prepared for that do die in these deserts with some regularity.

the tip about southwest fly fishing mag is a good one. last issue had a good article on devils river. and there have been past issues with articles because the editor makes an annual trip.

that area is very safe. every other vehicle you pass is either border patrol or trooper.

Just want to add: Have two set-up, a floating line and a sinking line. Don't bring anything less than an 7 wt. Man, I'm way overdue to do this trip again.

Unbelievably clear water. Please take care of that river, I have to say that its the most pristine river we have in Texas. Hard to beat sight-casting for decent size smallies. Be stealthy and cast well and you'll be rewarded. Presentation and ability to read moving water will do you good. Good luck.

For those who hasn't been, this is a typical Devil's River trip.
Can you spot the fish about to ambush my fly?

in the desert all along the border from the gulf to the pacific ocean every other vehicle you pass is either border patrol or state/county police. they aren't crawling all over the place because there's nothing to do down here! and believe it or not, feds will not respond to emergency calls as 1st responders no matter how far the county sheriff's deputy is away. he has to show up 1st and then call them if they're needed. coyotes and cartel thugs aren't the most common threats to outdoorsmen in the border region to be sure, but they are a possibility. the big threats are rattlers, mountain lions, javelina, and just your random run-o-the-mill wacko in the wilderness who likes to hurt people.

The problems around the borders are no worse than in the metro areas. Do a google search and see how many gangs and estimated gang population is in your area.

Use common sense and you'll most likely be fine.

I am so glad I don't live in the Metro-mess

there's a few dumb a$$ thugs & meth heads around here, but you're still more likely to hit a deer than to get robbed.

I have heard the land owners will pull a gun on you if you step more than 2 steps on the bank!

I have only been once and didn't see any of that. I hope to make the trip this fall or next spring in the kayak, but the .40 will be on board for sure1

It is the most amazing place in Texas you will find (never been to Big Bend though?)and the smallmouth fishing is ridiculous!

Hint be stealthy and cast to any cover you can find (submerged timber, big rocks, overhanging trees, Moss or lilly pads, and deep holes) the fish will be there. If you go with a friend and he catches a fish, cast toward the fighting fish because there will be others trying to steal the bait!

he is some proof:

I also meant to ask why you wouldn't want to take anything less than a 7 weight?

Jakeflycast, thanks for bringing those pics. Yeah, those are nice. Re: the no less than 7 wt.

1. Big fish, wild strong fish.
2. Heavy line, either floater or sinking
3. Your ability to land the fish faster, less fish fatigue. Please practice catch and release.
4. Heavy flies
5. Just a suggestion.