The river
was characteristically different this year.
I think the 2011 drought affected the South Llano more this year than
last. The river flowed well at both 377
crossings, but farther downstream at Boone’s Crossing, it was a little low,
compared to years' past. The levels
seemed a little higher than last year at the South Llano River State Park crossing, because it
would have been difficult to float under the bridge on the upriver side. However, from the state park to Shady Morgan
Campground (now owned by the Meachems), the river ran low and narrow.
Having
taken a long weekend, Cody and I left the South Llano and headed south to Lost
Maples SNA. Thankfully, we had booked
our RV spot many months ago. While the
maples aren’t their gorgeous reds, yet, they have begun changing colors and are
beautiful. We hiked along the East Trail
back to the ponds and fished there, catching Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish,
and Bluegills. The canyon was bathed in
the dusk light and fall has definitely arrived in the Sabinal Canyon.
Cody had
never been to Garner State Park, just 16 miles southwest as the crow flies, so
we drove over to spend a nice day on the Rio Frio. I was amazed at how few people there
were. I have seen this state park filled
to capacity, and today, there were maybe 15 occupied spots! First, we set out on a hike, a 360 foot
ascent in .4 miles, to White Rock Cave and the nearby park geocache. The cave was cool but humid. After finding the cache, we headed back to
the bank of the Frio, picnicked under old, beautiful Cypress trees, and with gorgeous,
green water clarity similar to saltwater colors, we spotted Largemouth Bass 130
feet away.
After lunch, we fished the river below the dam hiding behind the Cypress trees. The fishing was difficult, so we eventually packed up and moved to other areas of the park. Cody picked a great spot and we caught all kinds of Redbreast Sunfish and Largemouth Bass. Having fished that spot thoroughly, we moved to a new area suggested by park staff. We found a gorgeous, small waterfall, deep pools, and fish. We fished until dusk before leaving the park. We ate at Mama Chloe’s in Leakey and made it back to Lost Maples.
After lunch, we fished the river below the dam hiding behind the Cypress trees. The fishing was difficult, so we eventually packed up and moved to other areas of the park. Cody picked a great spot and we caught all kinds of Redbreast Sunfish and Largemouth Bass. Having fished that spot thoroughly, we moved to a new area suggested by park staff. We found a gorgeous, small waterfall, deep pools, and fish. We fished until dusk before leaving the park. We ate at Mama Chloe’s in Leakey and made it back to Lost Maples.
Having not
given the Sabinal River in Lost Maples its proper respect, we chose to fish its
pools near the campground and entrance finding Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and
spawning Bluegills and Redbreast Sunfish.
We fished topwater flies and Cody and GirlieBuggers all with fun and
success. We checked out and headed for
home, leaving the Hill Country behind until next fall.