FEBRUARY EVENTS
FLY FISHING FOR WHITE BASS (North Central Texas) with PAT VANEK
Saturday, February 1st, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Learn how to chase white bass effectively on the fly by taking some time to listen to what Pat Vanek has to say about one of his favorite species! Pat, owner of Bosque Valley Fly Fishing, guides the Brazos River and Lake Waco tributaries for a wide variety of fish, but he has a special place in heart for the scrappy white bass. Come and find out when, where, and how to catch them with a fly rod!
FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, February 5th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights will be held in-person at the fly shop.
For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. New students are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1.
For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #1-2 / BC Streamer and Woolly Bugger
Intermediate Fly / Barr’s Copper John
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, February 8th at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fly casting and fly tackle, as well as access points and fly selection for the Texas Hill Country. All necessary equipment will be provided; just bring a notebook and pen!
10:00 – 11:30 / Introduction to Fly Casting – We’ll be kicking things off with a casting class catered towards beginners. This portion of class will take place outside; please dress for the weather.
11:30 – 1:00 / Basic Rigging for the Hill Country – This presentation will explain the how’s and why’s behind rod, reel, and line selection for fly fishing our local waters. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different fly line tapers, and show you the knots you need to get rigged up and ready to fish!
LUNCH BREAK – We’re located just a short walk from many local eateries.
2:00 – 3:30 / Local Hot Spots – Learn where, how, and when to fish our local hot spots, including techniques, river access, and fly selection for each body of water!
FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, February 12th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights will be held in-person at the fly shop.
For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. New students are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1.
For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #3-4 / Foam Beetle and Elk Hair Caddis
Intermediate Fly / Mini Chuckwagon (Jigged)
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
Community Matters: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Wastewater Treatment
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00 A.M. on YouTube
Many urban areas across the Texas Hill Country are experiencing explosive population growth. In most cases, this means new construction, loss of green spaces, and infrastructure strain. More residents will always equal increased water usage. Once showers have been taken, the dishes have been washed, and toilets have been flushed, then what? Where does all that water go and how is it effectively treated before being re-used by the municipality or returned to a local waterway?
In this unique presentation, Chris will walk you through a basic overview of wastewater treatment and the effects that it has on receiving water bodies. Treatment plants are a necessary part of city growth and while many do their job exceptionally well, many others do not. This presentation will discuss the benefits and detriments of water treatment. Chris will explore common concerns regarding our local waterways and how the community can stay informed and involved in the decisions that affect their natural resources. There will be plenty of time for Q & A following the presentation.
NO FLY TYING
Wednesday, February 19th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
TROUTFEST TX 2025
Saturday, February 21st – Sunday, February 22nd at Lazy L & L Campground, New Braunfels
Trout Fest is the single biggest and best fly fishing event in the state, and it’s completely free! Sit in on lectures from Devin Olsen, Maxine McCormick, Jen Ripple, our own Chris Johnson and more; perfect your cast with FFI certified instructors, shop with local brands and retailers, learn fly tying techniques from local experts; and fish Texas’ premier tailwater trout fishery – the Guadalupe River!
Stop by the Living Waters’ booth to shop a curated selection of fly shop merch and event specials!
The fly shop in Round Rock will remain open for those not attending the event.
FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 P.M. on YouTube
The fourth Wednesday of the month is Virtual Fly Tying. Join Living Waters’ owner and Umpqua Signature Fly Designer online as he shares a new in-depth fly tying tutorial each month.
Johnson’s Crafty Shad
Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, #01
Thread: GSP 100D, White or Veevus 8/0, White
Wing: Craft Fur, White, Tan, Olive, Golden Olive
Flash: Flashabou and Krystal Flash, Assorted
Belly: Senyo’s Laser Dub, White
Head: Senyo’s Laser Dub, White and Olive
Cheek: Senyo’s Laser Dub, Yellow
Eyes: Fulling Mill Baitfish Eyes, 7mm or 8mm, Silver
MARCH EVENTS
TEXAS TAPER RELEASE PARTY & SCOTT FLY RODS CASTING EVENT
Saturday, March 1st, 9:00 A.M. at Centennial Plaza (two blocks south of Living Waters)
Join us at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock, just two blocks south of the fly shop, for the launch of our new Texas Taper, a Scientific Anglers fly line made exclusively for Living Waters Fly Fishing! Whether you’re a local or new to the Lone Star State’s fishing scene, this event is your chance to connect with fellow fly fishers, enjoy some hot coffee and famous Round Rock Donuts, and put our favorite fly rods and new line to the test.
We’ll be showcasing fly rods from Scott Fly Rods, and you’ll have the opportunity to test these precision rods. With everything from freshwater creeks to saltwater flats, Texas offers a wide range of fishing conditions, and Scott has a model to suit each one. Eric Kraimer, our local Scott Fly Rods sales representative, will be present to walk you through the details of the Scott brand and answer any questions you may have.
The true highlight of the day will be the chance to cast a fly line designed by Living Waters’ owner, Chris Johnson, specifically for the needs of Texas anglers. Whether you’re targeting Rio Grande Cichlids in the Hill Country or redfish along the Gulf Coast, the Texas Taper has got you covered. Cast the all new Texas Taper on a Scott Fly Rod or bring your own to see how it pairs with your own equipment. Test your skills with fun casting games or fine tune your technique with help from our FFI Certified Casting Instructors.
Plus, take advantage of our one day only Fly Line Trade-In program! Simply trade in an old or used fly line (line must be present) and you will save $20 when you upgrade to the new Texas Taper!
FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #1 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, March 5th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The first and second Wednesdays of the month are Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights will be held in-person at the fly shop.
For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.
For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #1-2 / BC Streamer and Woolly Bugger
Intermediate Fly / Vanek’s Ghost Minnow
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING THE TEXAS COAST – VIRTUAL EVENT
Saturday, March 8th on YouTube
Join us online for a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fly fishing the Texas Coast!
We will discuss techniques for double hauling and casting in the wind, the different equipment and rigging applications necessary for bay, surf, and jetty fishing, and important safety considerations for DIY kayak/boat anglers. We’ll help you lay a foundation for successfully planning your first foray into saltwater angling on the Texas Coast and a platform for diving deeper into a sea of possibilities with a fly rod in hand!
KNOW YOUR NATIVES: FLY FISHING FOR GUADALUPE BASS & RIO GRANDE CICHLIDS – OFF-SITE EVENT
Saturday, March 8th at Trinity Fly Fest in Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth’s Urban Fishing Celebration returns to the Trinity River! Reel in the fun all day at this free community fest with the Big Trout Contest, open fishing, kid activities, outdoor vendors, and expert presentations, including one from our own Chris Johnson on fly fishing for Texas native species!
The Lone Star State is home to an impressive array of fish. However, there are two iconic species that have long captured the hearts of fly anglers across the state – the Guadalupe Bass and the Rio Grande Cichlid.
Guadalupe Bass, the State Fish of Texas, are found only in the Hill Country of Texas and historically were solely a stream-dwelling fish. They differ in behavior from other endemic bass species and have an attitude as big as Texas. Guadalupe Bass are one of Texas’ premiere fly rod fish. Rightfully so, as they often take a fly with reckless abandon and regularly jump when hooked! Chris will cover a variety of topics regarding the species including: their life history, their present status, behavior traits, popular Guadalupe Bass fishing destinations, effective fly patterns, presentation techniques, and current conservation efforts.
The Rio Grande Cichlid is possibly the most unique native fish in the State of Texas. “Rios” as they are often called, have no other relative in the United States, making them the only native cichlid in the entire country. They are often misunderstood by fly anglers and very little research has been done on the species from a biological perspective. As a result, we still have much to learn about Rios and how to effectively target them throughout the year. Chris has fished for Rio Grande Cichlids for nearly 30 years but has specifically dedicated the last 8 years of his personal fly fishing in Texas to the species. This presentation is designed to equip anglers with a better understanding of the Rio Grande Cichlid’s dietary habits, seasonal movements, preferred fly patterns, and the rivers that they call home.
Whether you are trying to catch your very first Guadalupe Bass or Rio Grande Cichlid or you simply want to expand your species knowledge, this presentation is sure to help you in your personal pursuit of two of Texas’ most revered native fish!
FLY TYING NIGHT – DEMONSTRATION & ROUNDTABLE
Wednesday, February 12th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
During in-person Demonstration Fly Tying nights, an in-house or guest instructor will tie through a more advanced fly pattern or technique. Rather than tying along, attendees will simply watch and learn. Tables will also be set for those who would like to freestyle tie or practice what they’ve learned after the demonstration – just bring your own vise, tools, and materials.
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
TYING & FISHING TEXAS FAVORITE FLIES
Saturday, March 15th at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Fly fishing the Texas hill country is a way of life for Chris Johnson. His fly fishing journey began in central Texas and as a result, he has developed a number of patterns that have proven themselves throughout the state. In this fly tying demonstration, Chris will tie several of his patterns that deserve a permanent spot in every Texas fly angler’s box. These flies consistently get the job done and can produce results even in the toughest of conditions. Chris will teach you how to tie each fly in a step-by-step fashion and will answer any questions you have about the tying process. Come and learn how to tie these essential patterns and learn how to fish them in the Lone Star State!
FLY TYING NIGHT – INSTRUCTIONAL #2 – (REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BEGINNERS ONLY)
Wednesday, March 19th, 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Fly Tying Nights are divided into three distinct types – Instructional, Roundtable, and Virtual. The Instructional Fly Tying for Beginner and Intermediate+ level tyers. These nights will be held in-person at the fly shop.
For Beginner tyers, we supply everything you need – vise, tools, and materials – to learn two patterns each night. These four total patterns will equip you with the essential techniques for continuing your tying journey. We recommend that new students start on Week 1.
For Intermediate+ tyers, each week you’ll learn a new Fly of the Night. We will provide the instruction and materials, but please bring your own vise, tools, and thread.
6:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
6:45 P.M. – Fly Shop Re-Opens
7:00 P.M. – Fly Tying Night
Beginner Fly #3-4 / Foam Beetle and Elk Hair Caddis
Intermediate Fly / Johnson’s Ozark Craw
9:00 P.M. – Fly Shop Closes
INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Saturday, March 22nd at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fly casting and fly tackle, as well as access points and fly selection for the Texas Hill Country. All necessary equipment will be provided; just bring a notebook and pen!
10:00 – 11:30 / Introduction to Fly Casting – We’ll be kicking things off with a casting class catered towards beginners. This portion of class will take place outside; please dress for the weather.
11:30 – 1:00 / Basic Rigging for the Hill Country – This presentation will explain the how’s and why’s behind rod, reel, and line selection for fly fishing our local waters. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different fly line tapers, and show you the knots you need to get rigged up and ready to fish!
LUNCH BREAK – We’re located just a short walk from many local eateries.
2:00 – 3:30 / Local Hot Spots – Learn where, how, and when to fish our local hot spots, including techniques, river access, and fly selection for each body of water!
FLY TYING NIGHT – VIRTUAL
Wednesday, March 26th at 7:00 P.M. on YouTube
The fourth Wednesday of the month is Virtual Fly Tying. Join Living Waters’ owner and Umpqua Signature Fly Designer online as he shares a new in-depth fly tying tutorial each month.
Johnson’s Mimic Mouse
Hook: TMC 201R #4-8
Thread: Veevus 8/0, Tan
Tail: Micro Pine Squirrel Zonker, Brown (trimmed)
Back: Sight Cast Foam Strips, Tan/Brown
Belly: Hebert Minor Hen Saddle, Wild Type Brown
Collar: Spun CDC, Natural Dun or Brown
FLY FISHING FOR CARP with JIM KETTLEMAN
Saturday, March 29th, 10:00 A.M. at Living Waters Fly Fishing
Living Waters’ guide, Jim Kettleman has fly fished central Texas for thirty years and has used his expertise to guide many clients to success on their first carp on the fly. In this class he will take a day off the water to share his insights into carp behavior, fly selection, and techniques for success in the Texas Hill Country, including the Pedernales, Upper Guadalupe, and Llano rivers. Learn how to read the river, key into carp feeding habits, and fine-tune your presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, you’re sure to come away with new and valuable insights into the art of targeting one of our most challenging and rewarding freshwater species.