Winter Trout Fishing Coming to the Beautiful Llano River

Winter Trout Fishing Coming to the Beautiful Llano River

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries will be stocking 2,400 rainbow trout into the Llano River near Castell, Texas, on December 18, 2013.  This site is a recent addition to the popular winter trout program which provides Texans a unique fishing opportunity during the winter months.  The trout will be dispersed among three public access sites along the Llano River down from Castell to ensure a wide distribution along this five-mile river stretch.  The stocking sites will be the three river crossings at RR 2768, CR 102 and CR 103.

This stocking event was funded by a Llano County hotel/motel tax grant awarded to “Castell on the Llano,” a reservation service managed by Karen Marion for ten bed-and-breakfast localities in Castell.  “The award will be used to create a better fishing destination on the beautiful Llano River, while benefitting the hospitality industry in the county,” said Randy Lefeiste, owner of Castell General Store.  Besides the three public access points, the Castell General Store will provide free fishing access and will be a retail source for fishing goods, if you need a last-minute purchase.

TPWD District Fisheries Supervisor Marcos De Jesús said, “This partnership will open a new fishing venue for anglers seeking rural fishing experiences in the Hill Country of central Texas.”  This segment of the Llano River, slightly west of the historic town of Llano, offers great natural panoramic scenery.  Castell offers all you need for a remote fishing getaway, whether it’s lodging, equipment or dining year-round.

This fishery will suit all angler types, offering great opportunities for fly-fishing and those wishing to float the river for more than just trout.  The Llano River is home to other species, like the Guadalupe bass, largemouth bass and white bass.  “Fishing should be great any time of year in this stretch of river,” said De Jesús.

A complete schedule for statewide winter trout stockings can be found online on the TPWD website,http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/stocking/trout_stocking.phtml

If you wish to learn more about trout fishing, a guide to winter trout fishing in Texas can be found online athttp://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_t3200_1692.pdf

A valid freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 17 and older fishing in this stretch of river.  Statewide harvest regulations apply.  All fish and game regulations can be found online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/.