Fly Fishing the Llano

For the experienced angler, the Llano River is one of the crown jewels of the Texas Hill Country, easily making the list of “50 Places to Fly Fish Before You Die.” And because we live and breathe fly fishing—we have recently teamed up with Cari Ray of Rio Llano Outfitters (“RLO”) to provide a personalized experience at Castell Cabins like no other in the Texas Hill Country.

While there is wade-in access for DIY anglers on the Llano, there is still an abundance of private property up and down the river that can make broader access challenging without a kayak or way to float. Cari has spent her career building relationships with landowners in the area that will give clients rare access to pristine stretches of the Llano that rarely play host to the average angler.

For the… “I’ve always thought it would be fun to try fly fishing.”

If something along those lines has ever escaped your lips, here’s your chance to do just that. Spend a little time getting acquainted with basic equipment and fly casting, then try your hand at fly fishing along the banks of the beautiful Llano River for multiple species of native sunfish, channel catfish, and Guadalupe Bass (the state fish of TX). You can even target rainbow trout during the winter months. All equipment and flies are provided, just bring your curiosity and appetite for fun.

For the… “Whether I already fly fish or not, casting glowing lines sounds like fun!”

Round out your day with a little nighttime fly fishing. You’ll join your instructor along the banks of the river at or after sunset to do a little stargazing courtesy of the Texas Hill Country’s dark sky. Grab hold of a fly rod outfitted with glow-in-the-dark line and light up the night with your own fishing “light saber” as you learn basic fly casting and fishing. Then we’ll tie on a glowing fly so you can cast into the beautiful Llano River and fly fish for multiple species of native sunfish, channel catfish, and Guadalupe Bass (the state fish of Texas). All equipment and flies are provided, just bring your sense of wonder an appetite for fun.

For the… “I’m looking for a traditional half or full day guided fly fishing trip on the Llano River.”

Join your personal Hill Country fly fishing guide to unplug and set out in search of native Guadalupe Bass, the elusive and explosive state fish of Texas. You’ll join the ranks of Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers under the watchful eye of the osprey while taking in the wild and breathtaking scenery of the Edwards Plateau. You’re also likely to encounter feisty native sunfish, channel catfish, Largemouth Bass, and carp. Rainbow trout, while not native, are also stocked in the winter months and tons of fun on the fly! Additional guides are available for larger groups (1-3 anglers per guide).

For the… “I’m a fly fisher looking for professional instruction to improve my casting or fishing techniques.”

It’s a simple fact that the level of ZEN you are able to achieve while fly fishing is equally proportionate to your proficiency as a caster. Besides lightning, nothing ruins a day on the water faster than fighting with your gear. Make the cast you want, place the fly where and how you want, and land the fish you’re angling for with ease. Fly anglers and all levels can benefit from taking a critical look at their casting technique from time to time. This is your chance to do just that.