Oktoberfisch 2017

Cody and I took our new Lance RV south to Junction to participate in the 14th Oktoberfish hosted by the Fredericksburg Fly Fishers.  This was our 11th Oktoberfisch and the second one at the South Llano RV Park.  We had a good time, appreciated the improvements made by the RV park, and enjoyed fishing one of our favorite Texas rivers, whose health continues to improve from the fires, flooding, and drought.

We put in at our usual spot, the South Llano River State Park.  We endured quite a crowd and high river traffic on Saturday due to the Llano River Alliance Watershed's earlier announcement on their social media sites. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife released 15 retired Guadalupe Bass broodstock back into the South Llano River on October 17, 2017. The broodstock were used to successfully restore the genetically hybridized South llano population. To celebrate this and other recent conservation successes for our state fish, Llano River Watershed Alliances is partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife and Bass Pro Shops on a prize giveaway in which prizes will be presented to anglers who catch these Guadalupe Bass and return a tag Eligible Guadalupe Bass will have registered TPWD Floy Tags. If you catch one of these fish, please clip (do not pull) the tag and take a photo with the fish! Beginning October 17, 2017 and continuing until December 31, 2018, any angler who catches a tagged Guadalupe Bass from the South Llano River will receive their choice of prizes from an assortment of fly fishing gear donated by Bass Pro Shops.¹

Our friend Russell Hustead caught the first tagged fish on Thursday; one was caught on Saturday, and bird had killed a tagged fish but the tag was submitted.  However, the crowds trying to catch one of these fish put intense pressure, and the Guads were rather shy on Saturday.

Friday, I had fished the stretch of river that was the southernmost end of the former Morgan Shady campground to just west of the bridge and hammered the Redbreast Sunfish.  They destroyed my Bonefish Bitter.

8 Inch Redbreast Sunfish

Healthy, pure strain Guadalupe Bass

Demolished Bonefish Bitter--its legs are gone

Cody decided upon a new strategy this year, which was to put in and then by-pass the fishing at the state park.  In years past, we would spend so much time fishing at the top part of the run, that we ended up just kayaking through the bottom part.  Cody also targeted all the sideways and byways of the river, fishing the places others snubbed.  We also decided to stay close together this trip.  Cody slayed the fish; I only did okay, because I didn't fulfill my motto, "I Come to the South for the Rio," but Cody caught some beautiful Rio Grande Perch.  They are some of my favorite freshwater fish.  I did catch the most numbers of Largemouth Bass I have ever caught on the South Llano, and I think Nick of the Alamo Fly Fishers, who also said he caught the most LMBs he's ever caught, was right in that the high presence of kayaks and numbers of anglers really spooked the Guadalupe Bass in to hiding, Saturday.

Cody with a Guadalupe Bass; something was wrong with its back

One of Cody's many Rio Grande Perch

4 Inch Bluegill on a Bonefish Bitter

4 1/4 inch Fingerling Guadalupe Bass on the Red-lipped CodyBugger

Hybridized Guadalupe-Smallmouth Bass, what the Alliance & TPWD are trying to eliminate

Pure Strain Guadalupe Bass

At the end of the day, Saturday, I was making my way down the "Park Run" (where I fished Friday from RV park boundary to RV park Boundary), when I heard another water craft pretty close behind me.  I didn't really pay attention to the boat, until I heard its pilot speak.  It was our friend Kevin Hutchison in his blue pontoon.  I let Kevin have the lead and watched him fish while we chatted, since Grad School had really interfered with my fishing the past two years.  The days cooler weather combined with the high angler pressure just did not produce the fish it did the previous day.  Regardless, I loved the rare treat of getting to see Kevin fish instead of being the guide.

We enjoyed our time in the Hill Country once again and are looking forward to next year's trip.  However, we hope the Alliance contest occurs after Oktoberfisch, so we don't have to "combat fish."

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^{1. Llano River Watershed Alliance. "Celebrating Conservation Milestones for the South Llano River and the State Fish of Texas." Last modified 21 October 2017. Accessed 23 October 2017. https://www.llanoriver.org/guadalupe-bass."↩}

The Colorado at Colorado Bend State Park

While Cody played golf, I set out for Colorado Bend State Park.  When I walked in the office, I looked towards the spot where the fishing info. board used to hang, and before I could look around in the tiny office for its new location, the park ranger said, "We took down the board.  We can no longer be considered a fishing destination.  Currently, the river is 12 feet low, and Lake Buchanan is 30 feet low.  We didn't even have a White Bass run this year."  My jaw slackened, and before I could ask, the ranger continued saying, "There is a sandbar downstream that runs the width of the river, shore-to-shore, and water's not moving downstream, and the fish can't run upstream."  I inquired about the other species above the sandbar, and he said, "What fish?"  I then inquired about why the water was so brown but did not receive a reply.  Spicewood Springs is looking healthy, though.

There are some positive changes involving the park.  They have updated all their signs--new waysides, new trail markers, a new entrance area with pull-out and covered-area signage, entrance welcome sign, and a gate.  Recent surveying and heavy road equipment indicate some road improvements; hopefully, the entrance road is going to be paved.  Lastly, as I was leaving, the ranger stated that the park was going to become an astronomy site hosting star parties in the near future.

Shy, Fat Girls

Cody and I set out to try a new White Bass fishing area, but before we had even driven three miles, we came upon a raptor which we had never seen prior to this weekend.  Cody saw the bird of prey on Friday, and then, it was eating a fresh, roadkill opossum in the middle of the road, today.

Mexican Caracara

 We reached our fishing hole, readied our kayaks, and set out.  We received reports that White Bass were running about five miles upstream of our spot and about five miles below us.  We fished near the river's mouth right down the middle.  The wind was a battle at places, but keeping to the middle eased some of the challenege and pushed us back upstream with little paddling on our part. Our strategy played off.  While our numbers were not high, Cody landed very fat, egg-filled girls, with the largest weighing exactly 2 pounds!  Even the buzzards awaited the White Bass by the dozens in the trees lining the river banks.

The water temperatures hovered around 49°F, so our understanding of the White Bass run seems to be holding true.  Cody and I have always heard that the males make their run first awaiting the females.  The hefty females run when the waters are warmer.  We think because they don't move off their nests and need the water temperatures to be warmer, so they can stay warm.  Either way, it will be interesting testing our theory out over the next several weeks.

Lake Springfield 2014

TPWD stocks Rainbow Trout throughout the state during the winter months.  Fortunately, one of my favorite places receives an annual stocking the last weekend in January, and Cody and I are usually at the park one week day afternoon immediately after their Trout Derby.  Thanks to Old Man Winter and his freezing cold temperatures or high winds, Cody and I did not make it to Lake Springfield until today.  What a blast we had, after about 30 minutes on the water.

We each started our catches-of-the-day with Redbreast Sunfish.  I snapped a photo of mine; Cody called "Fish on!" and I paddled over to him to snap a photo of his dinner-plate size Redbreast.  I took out the camera, knocked my hand while pulling the camera out, and promptly dropped it.  While waterproof, it's not sink-proof.  Cody doesn't yell, scream, or throw temper fits, but he does have a look of disbelief that can not be mistaken for anything but being upset.  

Cody unhooked both our fish, and we began comtemplating what to do, when I spied the camera. Lake Springfield was about 9 feet deep where we were, and since the water temps were cold, the water was quite clear.  Cody spied the camera, too.  I knew I could swim down and get it, but that meant stripping off the warm water layers, and, well, getting really cold.  I would have done it, especially since it was Cody's camera, but he said we'll think of other options first.  

About then, Everett, the park's camp host whom I had met about a month ago when I took the kayak on its maiden voyage, called from the shore asking if anyone had lost their phone.  I had put my phone in a waterproof pouch and put the pouch in my front pocket, which fell out when I loaded everything up at the parking lot.  Cody paddled over to get my phone and talked with Everett about getting a long pole, when I had an idea.  Everett went to go get some materials to mimic a swimming pool cleaning net; meanwhile, I reeled in my line, removed and stowed my reel, removed the tip section, wrapped my fishing net with the very long, stretchy tether rope around my rod, slowly submerged it, and just like cleaning debris from a pool bottom, slowly scooped that camera into the net.  Boy, was I ever glad to have had my TFO 5# with me!   I hollered to Cody that I had the camera, re-rigged, and we fished.

Cody recorded a three species day, Redbreast Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout, while I had a two species day, no trout, but I was very proud of my first Largemouth Bass of 2014. We paddled all over the 5-acre lake, and I believe I spotted beds.  No fish were on the beds, but I was catching Redbreasts within 15 - 20 feet from them, some with the beginnings of spawning colors.  Cody thought due to the beds' size, they might be Largemouth beds.  Either way, especially with the recent cold temperatures, I was pleasantly surprised to see them.

Year-after-year, we enjoy Fort Parker for its beautiful scenery, many recreational activities, and its wonderful and kind park staff, and today was another splendid day well spent in one of Texas' crown jewels!

Native Slayer Propel 13 Gator Bait

Originally, Cody and I planned to spend our Sunday going to see Lone Survivor in SDX; however, I happened to check facebook an hour before we were to leave, and Mariner Sails made a post, a post too tempting to by pass.  So, we changed our plans and headed to the Mesquite Rodeo to attend the Texas Tackle, Hunting, and Boat show. Oh, what awaited me, was a kayak for which I had been longing--the Native Slayer PROPEL.

I field-tested the NuCanoe, Wilderness System, and Native Slayer 14 foot in July, but none were set-up for a short person.  Many years previously, I had field tested the Native 2010 Propel, and I could not keep my feet on the pedals for the entire cycle.  After field testing Jackson kayaks in August, I knew they were not the boat for me, either.  I nearly drowned on the White River in August when I flipped a Wilderness System Tarpon 120, so I put kayaks on a hiatus.  I climbed back in that 'yak for Oktoberfisch on the South Llano River, so I knew I still wanted a kayak, but one that was designed for my needs and laundry list of wants.  Kayaking took a back burner again when suddenly, I was not well and was put on bedrest and then major surgery throughout the remainder of 2013.  Going through rehab really put me back in great shape, so I thought I'd look at kayaks, again.

The Mariner Sails booth was at the back of the main showroom floor, and when I rounded the corner, Gator Bait awaited me, and it was love at first site!  Set up on kayak stands, several team members steadied the kayak and allowed me to climb on top, adjust the seat, and pedal just to see if my feet could stay on the pedals for the entire cycle. We joked that it looked like they were pallbearers holding my coffin, which it very well could be--one day, far, far away.  Cody made the purchase as an early Valentine's/belated Thank-you-for-not-dying gift (Cody's words).

We picked it up on Monday, made a few mandatory purchases, and on Sunday, it sailed on its maiden voyage on the Navasota River along TPWD's Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail at Fort Parker SP and the Confederate Reunion Grounds.  I didn't catch any fish, but I so love this boat.  It's name really isn't Gator Bait; that's the factory name of the paint job--purple, pink, and a little bit of gray!  I haven't named the 'yak, yet, but I will after some RBT--River Bonding Time!

Documenting the Texas Drought at Amistad Reservoir

On Wednesday 7 August 2013, the Texas Parks and Wildlife facebook page made a post asking Texans to help document how the drought is affecting Texas daily.  I looked at a few of the pictures, and even for Texans, if one has never been to the photographed area, the frame of reference is understated.  Having a passion for Lake Amistad Reservoir and visiting it annually, allow me to demonstrate 61 feet below normal. For the dam and the Diablo East Boat Ramp, I was at the same latitude, just the east-west position changed.

Amistad Reservoir Dam, 2009

Amistad Reservoir Dam, 2013

Diablo East Boat Ramp, 2010

Diablo East Boat Ramp, 2013

RR/Hwy 90 Bridge, 2009

RR/Hwy 90 Bridge, 2013

Pecos-Rio Grande Confluence, 2009

Pecos-Rio Grande Confluence, 2012

Mexican Church, 2010

Mexican Church, 2012

Mexican Church, 2013

Satan Canyon is located up the Devil's River Arm, west of Slaugther Bend and Indian Springs.  In 2011, we are 135 feet farther into the canyon than in 2012.  There are no 2013 pictures because it is has no water.

Satan Canyon Mouth, 2011

End of Satan Canyon, 2012

End of Satan Canyon
4" of water, 2011

We fished San Pedro Canyon for the first time in 2010.  It is waterless, today.

San Pedro Canyon, 2010

Fishing San Pedro Canyon, 2010

San Pedro Canyon, 2013
The bridge is a dive site

Lowrey Springs Canyon, located on the eastern side about halfway between Rough Canyon Boat Ramp and Slaughter Bend has no water in it today.  We slayed the Sunfish in here in 2011. 

Lowrey Springs Canyon, 2011

What we deemed Bonsai Island farther north of Lowrey Springs Cove and on the west side of the Devil's River Arm is as far north as can be traveled by boat, today.  The "lake" water is 2 feet in depth.

Bonsai Island, 2009

Bonsai Island, 2012

Bonsai Island, 2013
Cody Bell is just beyond the grass

This former ranch along California Creek in the Castle Canyon area is a dive site, and is typically completely submerged.  Notice the boat tie-off rope around the home's arch and the weighted box in the very foreground.

Popular Castle Canyon Dive Site 

Entire Area is Typically Submerged

Small Pond, Big Rainbow Fun

West Texas, where ranchers can go broke fencing their property ($14,000/mile), money smells, and you can watch your dog run away for three days.  Amidst this flatness lies Crane, a small town with an even smaller community pond.  However, the pond is not too small that it is overlooked by TPWD's trout stocking schedule, and on 6 December 300 Rainbows were added to the Crane Community Pond.  With a keep limit of three per person per day, we weren't sure whether there would be any little stockers left, but we thought we'd wet a line and find out.  What a hoot!  For two hours, we caught fish after fish, and these Rainbows had pretty spots and great coloring.  They were also larger than the average size stockers.  Cody out fished me, today and stopped counting his catches after 14 fish, and I caught 14 for the day.

On a side note, when we read today's Odessa newspaper, first section, front page, was a photograph of the man that was fishing in between Cody and I, the one who caught the albino Rainbow Trout, on Tuesday's outing.  What a strange, but interesting, coincidence.  We know they are stocked fish, but fun fishing, nonetheless.  I even managed to catch one on my Bass Brunch Gizzard Shad pattern!  Size of the pond does not determine the quality of fun, at least in the case of the Crane Community Pond.