7 Tips for Fishing the Llano River

Get Lucky at the Annual WinterFisch Release 2019/2020

The second release of Rainbow Trout into the Llano River took place last week. Grab your rod, take to the river, and catch your dinner! Rainbow Trout can only survive when water temperatures are consistently below 70 degrees. The Texas heat will raise water temps into the danger zone in late March making January & February optimal months to snag a trout. Here are a few tips to make your trip to the Llano River a success!

1. Grab Lunch or Fill Your Cooler at Castell General Store

The Castell General Store is the place to fill your cooler with drinks and because it doubles as a burger joint, it's also a great place to fill your belly before your hit the water.

2. Drop Your Line at James River/Dos Rios Crossing

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department releases the trout at the James River/Dos Rios Crossing on the Llano River. Because trout must swim upstream in order to breathe (water enters their mouth and exits the gills as they face upstream) they have a tendency to remain close to their release point, especially in the early weeks.

3. Break Out The Fly Rod & Get Your Kid in the Record Books

Your kid could be listed in the TP&WD record book. As of today, there is no record of a youth angler catching a trout on a fly rod on the Llano River. Teach your child to fly fish and give them a chance at claiming the spot.

4. Or Use Whatcha Got!

No need to chase the record books, just have some fun on the water with the old rod and reel. Many of the local Masonites have had great luck using a simple rod with a live worm under a bobber or some canned corn. Canned corn on a hook....brings back some wonderful childhood memories doesn't it?

5. Cook Your Catch

Remember, these fish won't survive in the warm spring / summer waters. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department encourages you to keep what you catch. Cooking trout is as easy as 1. Romove the Guts, 2. Wrap in Foil & Bake 3. Enjoy!

6. Or Let Mason's Best Restaurants Cook if For You!

Staying in a Mason AirBnB without a kitchen? Or just want someone else to handle the catch? No problem, the whole Mason community supports WinterFisch. You can take your fresh catch to Keller's Store or Mi Pueblo Mason to be cooked and paired with some sides. Now that's easy!

7. Claim Your Prize

If you catch a red tagged trout during WinterFisch 2019/2020 you're eligible to win a prize from Living Waters Fly Fishing! Local Mason businesses have donated some wonderful prizes for the winning anglers. To claim your prize, contact Tony Plutino at 512-496-2020 or tonyplutino@gmail.com. Remember to take a photo of you and your catch and to keep the tag to redeem for your prize.