Hi folks. I am a longtime lurker who eventualy registered and now posting. The anniversary is coming up and the wife has expressed some interest in getting outdoors and trying to fly fish. She's never done it and I grew up fishing the salt water, so I am pretty clueless when it comes to fresh water fishing in general. I figure this is a good excuse to get some new fly gear by buying is for her, then inheriting it after the trip (don't tell her that). I'd like to end up somewhere with decent accomadations and easy access to rivers/streams. We'll likely also bring our kayaks and use them if needed. I know fishing is never a sure thing, but I am thinking a guide or local willing to help us find the fish will be in the plans. Any information or suggestions would be great. We're looking for something within easy driving distance from NW Houston (4-5 hours max).

"with the wife"

So just what part of this is the getaway.... ?


Sorry Ag

I DIDN'T REALLY MEAN IT, I JUST COULDN'T HELP MYSELF

Beaver bend in se Oklahoma
good accomodations
nice stream fishing for trout
nice smallmouth/brim fishing in upper mountain fork
Kayaking in upper mountain fork and lower mountain fork below the dam
or
South llano River around junction,Tx
good accomodations(on the river south of junction)
beautiful stream fishing for guadalupe bass, black bass and brim
LLano river is a little closer to houston-p-

Falcon Lake, (ya'll don't jetski do ya ?)

I would contact Dan Cone at Castell Guide Service and ask him. He guides on the Guad and I hear it's very nice right now.

If you do call him tell him I said to take good care of ya!

If you want an easy, no pressure environment for a newbie to fly fishing, I'd go up to Beavers Bend.

Just got back from a quick trip with my girlfriend and she had a blast. We rented a cabin that was about 5 minutes from the river...super relaxing and very pretty up there.

As for the river, easy access to some great areas that hold lots of trout.

I've been fishing at the Guad a few times and I'd say it's not where I would take the lady, unless you were wanting to hire a guide...and if that's the case then you could get on some great water and catch some pigs.

To stay within the four hour range I'd say head west to the Hill Country. Contacting the Castells is a fine idea. There is plenty of beautiful water there to fish.

I'd recommend the Frio or the Llano as both are small and senic, chopped into pieces so's to help find fish,
and as they are small ish they allow for some relaxed beaching for walk and wade time.

Because..

Spending all day in a yak is tedious !


Who was the San Antonio guide that the Dallas Fly Club brings out to speak ? He had a great photo essay of the Frio

Cool, thanks for the suggestions. I will check them out this afternoon when I am home from the office. We were thinking the hill country, but I am not too familiar with fishing the area so I figured with a little help from yall and possibly a guide, we may actually catch a fish or 2. Thanks again.

You might check out the The South Llano River Lodge I went with HER and SHE loved it. It's a unique place run by some great folks. Walter and Susan Curry. Walter is a fly fisherman and can hook you up with a good guide. The accomodations are great...and the food is over the top gourmet class good.... prepared and served to your order. Take along some deer corn to toss out in your front yard and watch the deer in the evening. Tell 'em the West's referred you!

I think Beaver's Bend is a beautiful place to go. The Little Missouri is another great place.

Lot's of good suggestions. I would suggest hiring a guide and letting the guide know your expections/needs. Go for numbers and not size if given a choice. She will probably take instruction better from the guide than yourself, plus this will free you up to fish. Think of this as an investment in your long term fishing future.

You kind of summed up what I am looking for. Quantity over quality when it comes to the fish and get a guide to teach and guide at the same time if willing.