We offer fly fishing guide service in the Texas Hill Country. We float the numerous Texas Rivers in search of many native fish species that can be caught on a fly. We offer fly casting lessons, float trips, wade trips, and eco-tours as well. Whether it's bass on the Blanco or rainbow trout on the beautiful Guadalupe, you're sure to have a memorable experience with Hell 'N Back Outfitters!
So far we have had a mild winter this year which has yielded some beautiful days to be trout fishing on the Guadalupe River. We are now halfway through our stockings and the fish are becoming acclimated to the river and living on what the river provides. Fly selection becomes critical this time of the season. With the low flows this year the fish have been schooled up into the deeper spots of the river. Add the extra fishing pressure on top of that and you can see how these fish learn fly patterns and can become quite selective. A general understanding of local entomology and good selection of flys will pay dividends. Don't be afraid to experiment, after all you may tie on something they haven't seen yet.
Spring bass fishing in the Hill Country is about to be in full swing. With extra water in our central Texas rivers and rapidly warming days, we are now starting to see some evidence of pre-spawn activity. Beds are being prepared and the fish are starting to feed aggressively, all in preparation for the almighty Bass spawn! We have caught a lot of bass that are plump and full of eggs. Though there is some controversey over the ethics of fishing to spawning bass, the fishing this time of year can be phenomenal, and with a little fore-thought and extra care in handling and returning the fish, it causes no harm to the fish or interrupt its spawning duties.
Finding bass this time of year becomes alot easier than in the winter time. They are in a transition period of moving out of their deep winter haunts and into shallower water to feed and prepare beds. We have also noticed the fish moving back into these deeper holding spots when we have a change in weather patterns; i.e. recent weekly storm fronts moving through. Fishing to stucture and areas of depth transition will be the key. On our nicer days, between weather changes, the fish will return to the shallows and feed aggressively.
This is one of the best times of the year to catch fish on topwater flies. Poppers are a fun and exciting way to fly fish for bass and very popular in the spring because the fish are shallower and looking for an easy meal. Working a hair bug or foam popper around structure and laydowns is deadly on bass. We usually see our better topwater action in the early morning and again in the late afternoon till sundown. Fishing streamers throughout the afternoon can entice bass that have moved deeper to avoid the climbing sun.
Springtime bass fishing on the Blanco river! The Blanco river is a tough nut to crack, due to low flows and terrible access. But with the limited access comes some of the most unpressured fish in all of the Hill Country rivers. Hell 'N Back Outfitters is proud to announce exclusive access to some of the most beautiful sections of the Blanco river. Now is your chance to fish one of the Hill Country's best kept secrets!
After a long day of fishing I begin my way home on a dusty country road. On my journey I take a turn onto Purgatory Road and from there I glide across the Devil's Backbone. All of these ominous sounding epithets really set the mood for this harsh landscape. A landscape so vast and rugged that it seems impossible for life to sustain. Deep valleys and soaring vistas are filled with jagged limestone outcroppings. Cedar trees cling to the rocks searching for a drop of water. It is a place of beauty; and of despair. A place of mystic lore, scorching heat, and rattlesnakes...
...And then you cross "the river." Not one in particular, but one of the MANY located in Central Texas. Winding slowly through the Hill Country these rivers provide the life-blood for existence here. Lush banks of vegetation frame the river with blasts of color. Sweet-smelling Mountain Laurels, neon-pink Redbuds, giant Live Oaks, and the noble Cypress all make their homes on the river bank. The water, crystal clear, comes bubbling up from ancient springs, eroding the ever present limestone like a potter molding clay. They carve their way slowly across Texas, falling gracefully from the upper elevations of the western Hill Country, moving south east and widening out into deep ribbons of water on their journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
These same Hill Country rivers are a FLY FISHERMAN'S PARADISE!!! Texas is home to some unique aquatic species, many of which are located in these waterways. Whether nymphing for trophy rainbow trout on the Guadalupe River or stalking record size Largemouth bass on the San Marcos, it is year round fishing at it's finest.
......With thoughts of the days events on my mind I crest a hill on the Devil's Backbone. On the expanding horizon I see another spectacular Hill Country sunset. Reds, oranges, blues, and purples fill the sky; and in my rearview mirror a fast approaching thunderstorm. I ride in front of the line of dark storms and head long into a surreal veil of light framed by darkening clouds....I truly feel I have gone to Hell 'N Back!
Hell 'N Back Outfitters specializes in guided fly fishing trips in the scenic Hill Country. Whether you are interested in targeting rainbow trout on the Guadalupe tailrace or bass and sunfish on one of the many Hill Country rivers, we can PUT YOU ON FISH!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly fish? I have found there is no better way to learn than by doing! I can custom tailor an instructional lesson to fit your needs and skill level. Let Hell 'N Back Outfitters get you started in your Fly Fishing adventures.
In a typical Fly Fishing lesson you will not only learn how to cast a fly rod, but how to put the cast to work for you and catch fish. We will cover casting mechanics and techniques, fly selection and presentation, how to "read the water", and angling ethics. We will discuss and practice different fishing situations to make you a well rounded fly fisherman.
Contact me to book your fly fishing lesson.
Need to restock your fly boxes for the upcoming season?
-OR-
Planning a trip and need some specific flies?
Place your order with
Hell 'N Back Outfitters!
With a sample fly, brief description, or picture I can create or re-create just about anything for a truly custom order. I specialize in trout flies (nymphs, emergers, dries, soft hackles, etc.) and bass flies (poppers, streamers, and jigs) of all sizes, but can also reproduce some hot patterns for the Gulf Coast (shrimp, crabs, baitfish streamers).
A minimum of 1 dozen flies is required for all orders and a deposit will be required for all orders over 2 dozen.
Call now to place your order!
Fly Fishing Guide